The greatest Guru was a supporter of these virtues- Respect, Kindness, Service, and Unity, I hope for you will follow these and make the world a place he would be proud to see. Happy Gurpurab!
Introduction:-
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a very auspicious day for the Sikhs. Guru Nanak Jayanti is also known as Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab. Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on a different date every year. In the year 2020, it was celebrated on 30th November, and in 2021, it is on 19th November. Diwali falls on the 15th day of Kartika (according to the Hindu calendar Kartika is the eighth month and as per the Gregorian calendar, it features the month October- November.) Guru Nanak Jayanti drops just after fifteen days of Kartika Purnima. The year 2021 celebrates the 552nd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Ji.
Why is Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated?
Guru Nanak Dev was the founder of the religion- Sikhism and he was the first guru of the ten Sikh gurus. The Sikhs have ten gurus, each of whom contributed towards shaping the culture and heritage of Sikhism. He was born on the 15th of April 1469 in Nankana sahib Punjab, Pakistan. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born to Mehta Kaloo Ji and mother Mata Tripta Ji
This day highlights the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He has traveled wide across Asia and taught people "Ik Onkar" which means "one god". He has created spiritual, social platforms based on equality, love, and goodness. His words are written in the holy 'guru grant sahib', the divine spiritual scripture of Sikhism, respected by Sikhs as the ultimate, sovereign, and continual Guru. The major verses from the Guru Granth Sahib magnify that the creator of the universe was one. The verses also address selfless service to society, happiness, and social justice for all, irrespective of any differences. It is understood that Guru Nanak Ji's divinity has also descended upon the nine gurus of Sikhs.
Guru Nanak Ji positively acknowledged that an individual could attach to God through honest prayers. He didn't encourage beliefs that included sacrifices. Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated to honor Guru Nanak Dev's life, accomplishments, and most importantly, his legacy. Guru Nanak Dev Ji decided to become an ascetic and was greatly influenced by Hindu and Muslim religions. He was the first one who started preaching to the masses that all of us are one, there is no Hindu or Muslim religion
How is Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated:-
The celebrations start two days prior, in Gurudwara. A 48 hour non-stop recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, named 'Akhand Path' (literal meaning- undivided) is kept. A ceremony called Nagarkirtan is also organized a day before Guru Nanak's birthday. It is directed by five men, referred to as the Panj Pyare they hold the Sikh triangular flag, 'Nishan Sahib'. During the procession, the Guru Granth Sahib is seated in a palanquin. People sing hymns in groups, play traditional musical instruments and also show their martial art abilities.
