Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Jayanti is a highly auspicious festival in the religion of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated by remembering the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev and celebrating his legacy. The recitation of the verses of Guru Granth Sahib, known as the Gurbani session is organized for straight 24 hours in the honor of the alluring leader that has passed by. Here’s everything you need to know about the auspicious festival of Guru Nanak Jayanti. 

History of Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated every year to remember the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev who was born in the year 1469 at Nankana Sahib. Fun fact, Nankana Sahib is located near present-day Lahore, Pakistan. Sikhs believe that he was born on the day of Kartik Purnima. 

He is a crucial personality who founded the religion of Sikhism and he is the first out of ten Sikh gurus. This festival is also known as Guru Purab. 

Sikhs believe that the alluring personality of Guru Nanak brought light to the world. The world was enlightened by his teachings and knowledge which was collected in a sacred book called Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated this year (2022) as the 553rd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. 

 There are six main gurus in the Sikh religion: Guru Nanak, Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan, and Guru Tegh Bahadur. Guru Nanak Dev was born in the year 1469. He is a highly celebrated Sikh guru in the Sikh community. Nanak is believed to have traveled across Asia delivering the message of “Ik Onkar” (one God) who is present in every single creation. Nanak formed a brand-new spiritual, social, and political platform based on equality, fraternal love, goodness, and virtue following this concept of religion. 

Date of Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on the day of Kartik Purnima according to the lunar calendar. Hence, this auspicious festival will be celebrated on November 8, 2022 (Tuesday). It is considered a public holiday in India. Hence, government and private schools along with several businesses will be closed on Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti

A procession called Nagar Kirtan is organized one day before Guru Nanak Jayanti. It involves five people, particularly known as Panj Pyaras who lead the procession. They also carry a palanquin that holds the sacred book, Guru Granth Sahib. The Sikh flag, known as Nishan Sahib, is also carried by the people. 

Devotees visit Nanaka Sahib to seek blessings and pay a tribute to Guru Nanak Dev. Gurudwaras are also decorated and are known to have an early morning procession. Constant reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, known as Akhand Path is being held for 48 hours without taking a break on the holy occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. 

Several religious hymns, prayers, and Gatka are performed by martial artists. Katha and Kirtan are dedicated to the charismatic personality of Guru Nanak Jayanti. Langar, a Sikh community meal is prepared by the devotees after tribute and worshipping. Langar is a very common practice in the religion of Sikhism and it depicts the compassion of Sikhs towards humanity. A delicious vegetarian meal, based on Indian cuisine, is prepared so that it can be eaten by everyone. It is so popular that people from all over the world visit gurudwara just to experience the prayers and also take part in the preparation of langar. 

Sikhs believe that the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev are the binding force of humanity. He stressed humanity and justice, guiding worshipers to willingly accept the diversity in the world. The holy book, Guru Granth Sahib emphasized the service of mankind and considered it as the crucial component of human life.

Basic teachings of Sikhism

• We often misunderstand the universe and we think it exists on its own. Sikhs believe that it exists at God’s will and is controlled by God itself. The gurus have spent all their lives delivering this message. The teachings have been set down in the form of scripture. 
• The Sikh community believes in the equality of human beings regardless of race or caste.
• The Sikh community believes that men and women are equal in all spheres of life.
• The foundation of Sikhism mostly depends on the freedom to choose and practice religion without any kind of coercion. 
• The Sikh community emphasized community service and sharing your assets and surplus with the poor people. 
• According to Sikhs, there are many paths that guide a human being toward God and also, the truth of life. 
• The five articles of faith – Kesh (uncut hair), Kirpan (a ceremonial sword), Kara (an iron bracelet), Kanga (comb), and Kachha (breeches) resemble the faith of the Sikh community. 

The following three duties are compulsory for every Sikh to perform in his or her lifetime: 

1. Nam Japna:

Keeping God in one’s consciousness at all times.

2. Kirt Karna:

Earning an honest living is the basic principle of the Sikh community. Since God is the truth, a Sikh strives to live honestly. This doesn’t just mean avoiding crime; Sikhs avoid gambling, begging, or working in the alcohol or tobacco industries.

3. Vand Chhakna:

Giving your assets to charity and caring for others.

The following five vices that a Sikh person needs to avoid at all costs as they make a person selfish and ignorant. If a person is able to avoid these flaws, then he can acquire liberation. 

• Lust
• Covetousness and greed
• Attachment to things of this world
• Anger
• Pride

Guru Granth Sahib

Guru Granth Sahib is the sacred book of the Sikh community which includes the teachings of the most celebrated Guru, Guru Nanak Dev. This religious scripture has been compiled by the fifth guru of the ten human gurus, Guru Arjan. The compilation was completed in the year 1604 and was placed in Golden Temple, Amritsar. 

Guru Granth Sahib consists of 1,430 pages and 5,894 line compositions which renders a rhythmic ancient North Indian classical form of music. Guru Granth Sahib aims to deliver the message of freedom, mercy, justice, and love. 

Here are the best places to celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti

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