Celebrating Guru Nanak Jayanti: The significance of Guru Nanak's birth in Sikhism

Gurpurab commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru, and is also called Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav or Guru Nanak Jayanti. In addition to honoring the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, it is one of the most important days in Sikhism. It also serves to promote the principles of equality, unity, and selfless service that are the foundation.

When is Guru Nanak Jayanti?

This year, on Friday, November 15, Sikhs worldwide will commemorate the important event with the deepest respect and affection. It will be commemorated as Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 555th birthday.

Birth of Guru Nanak

Mehta Kalu and Tripta Devi welcomed Guru Nanak into the world on April 15, 1469, at Talwandi, which is now in Pakistan. Guru Nanak, who was well-known for his teachings on truth, service, and the unity of God, died in Kartarpur on September 22, 1539.

How Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated

Devotees assemble in gurdwaras on Guru Nanak Jayanti to participate in special prayers, read the Guru Granth Sahib, and partake in langars, which provide complimentary meals. Sikhs chant "Wahe Guru" while playing drums and cymbals during Prabhat Pheri processions, which are another aspect of the celebrations.

To encourage equality, the Langar Seva, a communal kitchen, provides free meals. To show thanks and seek well-being, ardas, prayers, and gurbani recitation are offered. Furthermore, volunteer community work known as Kar Sewa is performed, exemplifying the fundamental principles of Sikhism.