Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is one of the most important and sacred festivals for the followers of Sikhism. It celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder and first Guru of the Sikh religion. This festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by Sikhs all over the world. The day is observed on Kartik Poornima, the full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually falls in November according to the Gregorian calendar.
On this day, Sikhs remember the teachings of Guru Nanak, which emphasises equality, kindness, and selfless service to humanity. Special prayers and hymns are held in Gurdwaras, and processions called 'Nagar Kirtans' are carried out, where Sikhs sing devotional songs and spread messages of peace. The festival is a time for offering charity, sharing food, and coming together as a community to celebrate love and unity.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab 2024 Date
In 2024, Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti, will be observed on Friday, 15th November 2024. It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
History of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, born in 1469 in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan), was the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru. From a young age, he showed deep spiritual wisdom, questioning religious rituals and advocating for equality and compassion. At age 30, Guru Nanak experienced a divine revelation, which led him to spread the message that "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim," promoting unity and devotion to one God.
Over 20 years, Guru Nanak travelled widely, sharing his teachings of equality, love, and truth. He opposed idol worship, caste divisions, and religious dogma, emphasising honest living, remembering God, and helping others. His hymns, later included in the Guru Granth Sahib, laid the foundation of Sikhism.
Before his death in 1539, Guru Nanak appointed Guru Angad Dev Ji as his successor, ensuring the continuation of his teachings. His legacy lives on through Sikhism's core values of equality, service, and devotion.
Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught and asked his followers to serve humanity and be good humans first before being a good Hindu or a good Muslim. According to him, there are no Hindus and no Muslims, there are just humans, and serving humanity is the only religion. He also emphasised making an effort to escape the human traits that give rise to evil thoughts for others like ego, anger, lust, greed, and attachment.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was also monotheistic, and he believed that God is timeless, shapeless, and invisible. Apart from these beliefs, he was also an advocate of speaking the truth at all times, praying for everyone’s good, and helping the needy and unfortunate brothers and sisters.
How is Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti Celebrated In India
The celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, are marked with great devotion and enthusiasm across India, especially in regions with a significant Sikh population. The festival is celebrated with various religious and community-based activities that reflect the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev.
- Akhand Path: The celebrations often begin with a continuous 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, known as the Akhand Path. This recitation happens in Gurdwaras and homes, where devotees gather to listen and seek blessings.
- Nagar Kirtan: A grand procession called Nagar Kirtan is held a day before the actual Gurpurab. Sikhs march through the streets singing hymns, carrying the Sikh flag (Nishan Sahib), and displaying martial arts skills, also known as 'Gatka.' The procession is led by the 'Panj Pyare' (five beloved ones) and is a sight of devotion and unity.
- Kirtan and Prayers in Gurdwaras: On the day of Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti, special prayers and Kirtans (devotional songs) are organised in Gurdwaras. The Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, is beautifully decorated, and devotees visit to listen to the teachings and offer prayers.
- Langar: One of the most important aspects of the celebration is the 'Langar,' a community kitchen where free meals are served to everyone, regardless of their religion, caste, or background. It reflects Guru Nanak’s message of equality and selfless service.
- Charitable Activities: Many Sikh communities engage in acts of charity during the festival. Free medical camps, blood donation drives, and the distribution of food and clothing to the needy are common ways to honour Guru Nanak's message of compassion and service.
- Illuminations and Decorations: Gurdwaras and homes are beautifully illuminated with lights and candles. In cities like Amritsar, the Golden Temple looks stunning, lit up with thousands of lamps and lights, making it a spectacular sight on this holy occasion.
Guru Nanak Gurupurab Food
Many sweet dishes are prepared as prasad to be distributed among the visitors, especially on Gurupurab. Kada Prashad is one of the mouth-watering sweet dishes that is served in every Gurdwara throughout the year. This dish is made with sugar, desi ghee, and wheat flour. For afternoon langar (community lunch), urad and chana dal are prepared, which has flavours of local Indian spices and a divine taste. Chana dal khichdi, Meethe Chawal, rajma Chawal and Amritsari kulcha are also prepared in every household and in some Gurdwaras.
How to Reach
Although Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti is celebrated in every village, district, and city in Punjab, one
may visit Golden Temple in Amritsar to witness the festivities, rituals, and customs in full bloom.The city is well connected to various modes of transportation such as airways,railways, and roadways. Amritsar is nearly 450 km via NH 44, 1,700km via NH 48, 1900 km via NH 19, and 2,600km via NH 44 from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, respectively.
By Air
Shri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is the nearest airport to the Golden temple. The airport receives direct and connecting flights from all parts of India and abroad, hence finding flights and making reservations would not be a problem. From the airport, one has to travel another 13 km in a taxi, or a bus to reach the temple.
By Train
Amritsar Junction railway station, which is 2km away from the golden temple, is the nearest. From the station, one may take locally available transportation such as a taxi, auto, or bus to reach the Golden Temple. The station receives trains from all parts of the country; hence, one will not come across any inconvenience while booking train tickets. Tourists arriving from Delhi may consider travelling by Shane Punjab or Shaheed Express, from Mumbai by Paschim Express, and from Kolkata by Durgiana Express.
By Road
If you wish to travel by roadways one may either book inter-state tourist buses to reach Amritsar or may drive to the city in a personal vehicle. Bus fares for a single passenger start from Rs.400 which may go up to Rs.1000 and above in case you select Volvo buses that are equipped with various facilities. Direct buses from Delhi to Amritsar take approximately 7 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti
Q1. What is Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti?
A1. Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a significant Sikh festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. It is observed on the full moon day of Kartik Purnima in the Hindu calendar.
Q2. When is Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti celebrated?
A2. Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Kartik, which usually falls between October and November. The exact date changes each year based on the lunar calendar.
Q3. Why is Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti important?
A3. Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti is important because it honours the birth and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru. His teachings emphasised equality, compassion, selflessness, and devotion to God, forming the foundation of Sikhism.
Q4. How is Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti celebrated?
A4. Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti is celebrated with great devotion by Sikhs around the world. Celebrations include early morning processions (Prabhat Pheris), reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, Kirtans (devotional songs), community kitchens (Langar), and special prayers in Gurdwaras.
Q5. What are the key teachings of Guru Nanak?
A5. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings include the belief in one God, the rejection of caste distinctions, equality of all humans, the importance of selfless service, and the pursuit of justice and truth. His core principles are encapsulated in three pillars: Naam Japna (remembering
God), Kirat Karni (honest living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others).
Q6. What is the significance of Langar during Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti?
A6. Langar, the community kitchen where free meals are served to all regardless of caste, religion, or background, is a key aspect of Sikhism and Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings. On Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti, serving Langar promotes equality and selfless service, reflecting his values.
Q7. What is a Prabhat Pheri?
A7. A Prabhat Pheri is an early morning procession held during the days leading up to Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti. Devotees walk through local communities singing hymns and spreading the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Q8. What is the Akhand Path in relation to Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti?
A8. The Akhand Path is a non-stop, 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. It usually takes place in Gurdwaras in the days leading up to Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti, symbolising reverence and devotion.
Q9. Who was Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
A9. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. He preached unity, equality, and love for all and travelled extensively to share his spiritual teachings, promoting harmony among different faiths.
Q10. Can non-Sikhs participate in Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti celebrations?
A10. Yes, Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti is open to all, regardless of religion or background. Sikhism promotes inclusivity, and non-Sikhs are welcome to participate in the prayers, Langar, and other festivities during the celebrations.
