Celebrating the Birth of the First Sikh Guru
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism, celebrating the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He was the founder of the Sikh faith, and his birthday is observed with immense devotion, prayer, and community service across the world.
The festival commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak, who laid the foundation for Sikhism based on the principle of "Ik Onkar" (One God).
It is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Kartik, which typically falls in October or November.
The celebration emphasizes Guru Nanak's teachings of selfless service, social justice, and the equality of all humankind, regardless of caste, creed, or gender.
Born in 1469 in the village of Rai Bhoi Di Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan), Guru Nanak showed a deep spiritual inclination from a young age. He questioned ritualism and social hierarchies, advocating for a direct, loving relationship with one God.
A Life of Travel and Teaching
After a profound spiritual experience, Guru Nanak embarked on four long journeys, known as the *Udasis*, which took him thousands of miles in all directions. He traveled to places like Tibet, Sri Lanka, and Mecca, engaging in dialogue with scholars of different faiths. He did not seek to convert, but to share his message of universal brotherhood, honest living, and meditation on God's name. After his travels, he settled in Kartarpur, where he established the first Sikh community, living as a farmer and a spiritual guide.
Guru Nanak's philosophy is distilled into three fundamental principles that guide the Sikh way of life.
Meditate on God's Name. To remember the divine creator in all actions and thoughts, leading to spiritual awareness.
Earn an honest living. To work hard and ethically, avoiding exploitation or fraud.
Share with others. To share one's earnings and resources with the community, especially those in need, practicing selfless service.
Gurpurab celebrations are marked by deep reverence and are centered around the Gurdwara (the Sikh place of worship).
A 48-hour, non-stop reading of the entire Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, is performed in the days leading up to the festival.
A procession led by five Sikhs (the Panj Pyare) carrying the Sikh flag. The Guru Granth Sahib is carried on a palanquin, and devotees sing hymns.
On the day of Gurpurab, hymn-singing sessions (Kirtan) and religious discourses (Katha) are held in Gurdwaras throughout the day and night.
A free community meal is served to everyone, regardless of their background. It is a powerful expression of equality and selfless service.
The Langar, or free community kitchen, is a cornerstone of Sikhism. The food is simple, vegetarian, and nutritious, designed to be served to all without distinction.