Guru Nanak Jayanti 2022: All you need to know about the sacred day
Nov 07, 2022
New Delhi [India], November 7 : Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a sacred festival that marks the birth of the first guru of Sikhism - Guru Nanak Dev. The auspicious occasion is observed on the full moon date of Kartik month or Kartik Purnima every year. This year it will be celebrated on November 8.
The day is also celebrated as Parkash Utsav.
History
Devoted to the Divine from his childhood, Guru Nanak Dev was a man of peace who spent his entire life emphasising equality and tolerance. He was born in 1469 at Rai Bhoi di Talwandi village, now known as Nankana Sahib, near Lahore in present-day Pakistan.
Guru Nanak composed many hymns, which were collected in the Adi Granth by Guru Arjan. He visited pilgrimage sites throughout India. The main verses from the Guru Granth Sahib elaborate that the creator of the universe is one. His verses also propagate selfless service to humanity.
Celebrations
Gurpurab celebrations begin with Prabhat Pheris (early morning processions) with devotees singing hymns two days prior to the festival and proceed to the localities. People observe Akhand Path by reciting Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs. Devotees also conduct Nagar kirtan a day before Guru Nanak's birth anniversary. The procession is led by five men, referred to as the Panj Pyare, holding the Sikh triangular flag, Nishan Sahib. The holy Guru Grant Sahib is placed in a palanquin during the procession and people sing hymns in groups and play traditional musical instruments.
Prayers are held in Gurdwaras through the day on Gurpurab. The different aspects of the celebration go on till night and devotees partake langar.
The langar food is considered auspicious and the kada prasad is the traditional prasad given on the auspicious occasion. Many people take part in Sewa and offer food on the special day.
