Guru Nanak Jayanti is being celebrated on Friday, November 15. Different traditions are followed during different festivals. On Guru Nanak Jayanti, let us look at some of the traditions followed by devotees on this day.
Guru Nanak Jayanti is on November 15 (Photo credit: Pinterest)
New Delhi: One of the most important festivals of Sikhs is Guru Nanak Jayanti, also called Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Utsav. This day celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the first of the ten Sikh Gurus and the founder of Sikhism. In 2024, Sikhs and followers worldwide will celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti on Friday, November 15. This day is a time to reflect on Guru Nanak’s teachings and promote his shared values.
Guru Nanak Jayanti has been celebrated since the 15th century when Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469. He was a visionary spiritual leader born in Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan.
In this article, let us look at some of the traditions that is followed on Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Guru Nanak Jayanti traditions
Akhand Path: This is a 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib that starts a few days before Guru Nanak Jayanti. It shows devotion to Guru Nanak’s teachings.
Prabhat Pheri: These are early morning processions where people sing hymns and bhajans while walking through the streets.
Nagar Kirtan: This is a big procession held the day before Guru Nanak Jayanti. It features a palanquin carrying the Guru Granth Sahib, singing, and traditional martial arts.
Langar: This community kitchen provides free meals to everyone.
Kar Sewa: This refers to voluntary community service that reflects the core values of Sikhism.
Kirtan and Katha: People sing hymns and think about Guru Nanak’s teachings.
Gurbani, prayers and ardas: These are offered to show gratitude and seek well-being.
One can also celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti by reading about his life and teachings and visiting a Gurdwara to participate in religious events.
Sikhism is based on the teachings and ideas of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
He lived a life focused on truth, honesty, and helping others. He rejected social divisions and emphasised the unity of God. The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism, includes his teachings, which later Gurus expanded on.
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