Sikh communities worldwide are observing Gurpurab, marking Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 555th birth anniversary.
The festival of reverence, Guru Nanak Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav, is a day to celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. On Friday, 15 November this year, the Sikhs in every corner of the world will assemble to pay homage to the spiritual guru, Guru Nanak, whose message of equality, compassion, and devotion continues to inspire millions.
Guru Nanak Gurpurab History
“Gurpurab” refers to the “celebration of the Guru.” The day is marked on the birth anniversaries of the ten Sikh Gurus, with Guru Nanak being one of them. He was born at Pooranmashi, the full moon day of Kartik, in 1469 AD in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. The whole teaching of Guru Nanak laid stress on such an important fact that God‘s association could be made by all, irrespective of the person’s social background or status in life, by staying true to him and by putting oneself in humility and devoted service.
Celebrations and Guru Nanak Gurpurab Processions 2024
The festivity of Guru Nanak Gurpurab is the chirpy and revitalizing spiritual gaiety beginning from Prabhat Pheris. Early morning processions from Gurudwaras are done by devotees singing hymns praising Guru Nanak. A grand procession called Nagarkirtan is carried out on the eve of the Gurpurab. The Nagarkirtan is led under the stewardship of the Panj Pyaras, the Five Beloved Ones, and consists of flag bearers carrying the Sikh flag, the Nishan Sahib, followed by the Guru Granth Sahib in a Palki or palanquin. The procession carries the chorus of devotional songs sung by musicians and traditional brass-band music. Gatka teams have also been integrated into the procession to depict the Sikh warrior spirit.
The Gurpurab celebrations begin very early, around 4-5 a.m., during a sacred hour called Amrit Vela, with Asaa-Ki-Vaar (morning hymns), followed by Katha (scriptural exposition) and Kirtan (hymn singing) sessions. On Gurpurab, during the celebration, the Guru Granth Sahib is read uninterruptedly for 48 hours, an event referred to as the Akhand Path. The other important highlight of these celebrations is the Langar, a communal meal prepared by volunteers in the Gurudwara, representing the message of equality and service by Guru Nanak.
Global Gaieties and Governance Initiatives
For the Sikh community in Punjab and Haryana, Pakistan, the UK, Canada, and anywhere in the world, Guru Nanak Gurpurab is the festival that gallops on since enhanced devotion and cultural vibrancy mark it. The Punjab government recently decided on several universities-11 with chairs dedicated to Guru Nanak and further the research and understanding of his philosophy.
As Guru Nanak Gurpurab 2024 approaches, Sikhs continue spreading his message of peace, tolerance, and unity. One of the most sacred festivals in the Sikh calendar is celebrated with joy and gaiety.
FAQ:
Why is gurpurab celebrated in November
Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak’s Gurpurab around November as the Bhai Bala Janamsakhi claims Guru Nanak was born on the Full Moon (Pooranmashi) of the Indian Lunar Month Kartik.
How do Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak’s birthday?
On Guru Nanak Jayanti, devotees assemble at gurdwaras for special prayers, reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, and taking of free meals offered at langars. Wahe Guru is the word sung with drums and cymbals in the Prabhat Pheri processions considered to be a part of the celebration.
Which guru’s birthday is today, 2024?
It is the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
What is Guru Nanak’s message?
Guru Nanak’s message is that there is one God who dwells within the human heart and can be known by the grace of the guru.
What is the few lines about Gurpurab?
On Gurpurab, sikhs celebrate and pray on their birthdays, also called Gurpurab. This is one of the most sacred Sikh holidays, or Sikhi. Sikhs celebrate their religion by commemorating the birthdays of ten Sikh Gurus.
