Happy Gurunanak Jayanti 2023

History and Significance...

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, observes the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first guru and the founder of Sikhism.

This sacred festival is marked by devoted celebrations, spiritual gatherings, and the recitation of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the revered scripture of the Sikh faith.

In 2023, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be observed on Monday, November 27. Sikhs worldwide celebrate this festival with profound love and reverence.

Annually, Guru Nanak Jayanti takes place on the full moon day of the Kartik month, recognized as Kartik Purnima.

Parkash Utsav is also observed on this day, coinciding with Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469 in the village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahib, near Lahore, Pakistan. His hymns, compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, form the Adi Granth.

The first guru of the Sikhs undertook pilgrimages not only within India but also to various parts of Asia.

Guru Nanak Dev, devoted to the Divine from his boyhood, dedicated his life to advocating equality and tolerance.

Guru Nanak Dev's teachings propagated the message of selfless service to humanity.

The core verses of the Guru Granth Sahib emphasize the oneness of the creator of the universe.

On Guru Nanak Jayanti, Sikh followers observe the Akhand Path by reciting the Sikh holy text, the Guru Granth Sahib.

Two days before the festival, Prabhat Pheris, early morning processions, are organized, where devotees sing hymns and travel through localities.

On the day preceding Guru Nanak Dev's birth date, devotees participate in Nagar Kirtan. The parade is led by the Panj Pyare, five men carrying the Sikh triangular flag, Nishan Sahib.

Gurpurab sees day-long prayers in Gurdwaras, with the festival's diverse activities continuing until late at night, concluding with devotees sharing in the langar.

The langar food holds auspicious significance, and the traditional prasad served on special occasions is kada prasad.