Guru Nanak Jayanti: All you need to know about Gurupurab

Guru Nanak Jayanti, commonly referred to as Gurpurab, is a holy day that commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev, the first guru of Sikhism.

Every year, the auspicious occasion is marked on the full moon day of Kartik Purnima. It will be observed this year on November 8. Parkash Utsav is another name for the day.

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History and Significance

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a man of peace who spent his entire life promoting equality and tolerance. He was devoted to the Divine since he was a young child. He was born in 1469 in the village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, today known as Nankana Sahib, close to Lahore in modern-day Pakistan.

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Numerous hymns written by Guru Nanak were compiled in the Adi Granth by Guru Arjan. He travelled all around India, visiting holy places. The primary passages of the Guru Granth Sahib focus on the idea that there is only one creator of the universe. His verses also encourage unselfish service to others.

Celebrations

Two days before to the festival, Prabhat Pheris (early morning processions) with worshippers singing prayers are the start of the Gurpurab celebrations. By reciting the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikhs' holy text, people pursue Akhand Path. One day prior to the celebration of Guru Nanak's birth, devotees also do Nagar kirtan. Five men, known as the Panj Pyare, who are carrying the Sikh triangular flag, Nishan Sahib, lead the march. During the procession, the revered Guru Grant Sahib is carried in a palanquin while participants play traditional musical instruments and sing hymns in groups.

On the day of Gurpurab, prayers are held in gurdwaras all day long. Throughout the day and into the night, devotees participate in the various festival elements.

The prasad served on auspicious occasions is traditionally known as kada prasad, and the food served during the langar is also regarded as lucky. On this particular day, many individuals participate in sewa and provide meals.