Guru Nanak Jayanti
🙏 The Eternal Light of Gurpurab: Celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Message of Oneness Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav, is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism. It is a day of profound reverence, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh faith and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. More than just a birthday celebration, Gurpurab is a vibrant reminder of his timeless, universal teachings that continue to inspire humanity across the globe. A Revolutionary Message: The Teachings of Guru Nanak Born in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan), Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a spiritual revolutionary. He rejected the social divisions and meaningless rituals of his time, advocating for a simple path to God accessible to all. His core philosophy can be summarized by three golden principles: Naam Japna (Remembering God): Constant remembrance and meditation on the Divine Name to purify the mind and soul. Kirat Karni (Honest Living): Earning a livelihood honestly, through hard work, and with integrity. Vand Chakna (Sharing with Others): Sharing one's earnings and resources with the community and practicing selfless service (Seva). At the heart of his teaching is the fundamental concept of "Ek Onkar"—There is only One God, and this single reality resides in all of creation. This belief promotes the absolute equality of all human beings, regardless of caste, creed, gender, or social status. The Grandeur of Gurpurab Celebrations The festivities are an immersive, three-day spiritual journey culminating on the full moon day of the Kartik month (Kartik Purnima). Pre-Celebration Rituals: Akhand Path: Two days before the main event, a 48-hour non-stop recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, is performed at Gurdwaras (Sikh temples). Nagar Kirtan: On the eve of Gurpurab, a lively and colourful religious procession takes place. Led by the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) carrying the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) and the Guru Granth Sahib on a beautifully decorated palanquin, the procession moves through the streets, accompanied by devotees singing hymns (Kirtan). On Guru Nanak Jayanti: Prabhat Pheris: Early morning processions move through neighbourhoods, starting and ending at the Gurdwara, with devotees singing devotional hymns. Katha and Kirtan: Special prayer and sermon assemblies are held throughout the day, recounting stories from Guru Nanak Dev Ji's life and explaining his teachings. Langar: The most symbolic tradition is the Langar, the free community meal served to all visitors—Sikh and non-Sikh alike. Everyone sits together on the floor, symbolizing humility and equality as they share a simple, vegetarian meal prepared and served by volunteers. Illumination: Gurdwaras and homes are decorated with lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle known as Deepmala, signifying the light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance. A Universal Call to Humanity Guru Nanak Jayanti is not solely a festival for Sikhs; it is a global celebration of a message that transcends all religious boundaries. In a world often divided by difference, his teachings of oneness, honest living, service, and love for all hold immense relevance. As the devotional hymns echo through the air on Gurpurab, they invite every individual to reflect on their own lives and commit to living with truth, compassion, and selfless service. The true essence of celebrating Gurpurab is not just in the beautiful rituals, but in embodying the Guru's spirit of universal brotherhood every single day. Happy Gurpurab! May the divine light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji illuminate your path with peace, prosperity, and wisdom.