Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Guru Nanak Gurpurab or Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav, is one of the most significant festivals for Sikhs worldwide. This day honors the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first of the ten Sikh Gurus and the founder of Sikhism. Sikhs celebrate the birthdays of all their Gurus, known as ‘Gurpurabs,’ and Guru Nanak Jayanti is the most revered among them.
Date and Significance
Although Guru Nanak was born on April 15, 1469, his birthday is celebrated on the Full Moon Day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of ‘Kartik’. This date varies each year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. For example, in 2024, Guru Nanak Jayanti was observed on November 15. On this day, Sikh communities gather in large numbers to honor Guru Nanak’s teachings, which center around spirituality, morality, humanity, and truth. Hence, this day is also called Prakash Utsav (Festival of Light).
Celebrations in India and Around the World
The festival is celebrated with great fervor in India, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Gurudwaras across these regions, and notably the Golden Temple in Amritsar and Nankana Sahib (Guru Nanak’s birthplace in Pakistan), become pilgrimage centers for Sikhs. Guru Nanak Jayanti is also observed in other countries like the UK, Canada, and the US, uniting the Sikh diaspora in celebrations marked by joy and devotion.
Three-Day Celebration and Rituals
Guru Nanak Jayanti spans three days and includes several traditional customs and rituals:
Day 1: Akhand Path
On the first day, Gurudwaras and Sikh homes are beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. A continuous, 48-hour recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book) begins, known as Akhand Path. The uninterrupted reading concludes early on Guru Nanak’s birthday.
Day 2: Prabhat Pheris and Nagar Kirtan
The second day features early morning religious processions, known as Prabhat Pheris, with devotees singing hymns and praises (shabads) of Guru Nanak. These processions move through local neighborhoods and gather at nearby Gurudwaras. Later, a grand procession called Nagar Kirtan is held in main streets, decorated with vibrant banners and flowers. Five Sikh volunteers, the Panj Pyaare (Five Beloved Ones), lead the procession, followed by devotees carrying Sikh flags (Nishan Sahib) and a decorated palanquin holding the Guru Granth Sahib. Traditional Sikh warriors in ceremonial attire display martial arts with swords as part of the celebrations.
Day 3: Guru Nanak Jayanti
On the main day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, festivities begin early with recitations of Asa-di-Var (morning hymns) and poems that reflect Guru Nanak’s life. This is followed by Katha (sermon) from the Guru Granth Sahib, devotional singing (kirtan), and the distribution of Karha Prasad (sacred offering) to attendees.
A communal meal called Langar is also served, symbolizing equality and humility. People from all backgrounds sit together on the floor to share this simple meal, while volunteers cook, serve, and clean, emphasizing the spirit of sewa (selfless service).
At sunset, Rehras (evening prayers) are recited. The celebration reaches its peak at 1:20 am, the exact time of Guru Nanak’s birth, when devotees gather to sing Gurbani. The day ends with firecrackers, adding joy to the celebration.
The Essence of Guru Nanak Jayanti
Guru Nanak Jayanti is more than a celebration of Guru Nanak’s birth; it is a tribute to his timeless teachings on love, peace, equality, and the importance of selfless service. This festival serves as a reminder of his vision for a society built on compassion, unity, and respect for all, making it a deeply revered and joyful occasion for Sikhs and people of all faiths worldwide.
Celebrate this Guru Nanak Jayanti by embracing these values and honoring the light of wisdom and spirituality that Guru Nanak brought into the world.
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