News: Guru Nanak Jayanti, recognized as Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav, is an important event in Sikhism, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered founder of the Sikh faith. This day is marked by deep reverence, spiritual gatherings and recitation of Sikhism’s hymns from Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture.
Celebrating the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Celebrated on the fifteenth lunar day of the Hindu month of Karthik, which usually coincides with November in the Gregorian calendar, Guru Nanak Jayanti is an auspicious occasion. This year, on Monday, November 27, Sikhs worldwide will be celebrating the 554th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. According to religious beliefs, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born around 1469 in Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib.
Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
The teachings and wisdom of Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasize the fundamental principles of equality, unity and selfless service that stand as pillars of Sikh philosophy. As the founder of the Sikh faith, he composed 974 hymns that now form the core of the Guru Granth Sahib. His teachings emphasize the importance of devotion, humility and boundless compassion for all living beings.
Observing Guru Nanak Jayanthi
On Guru Nanak Jayanti, Sikhs visit Gurdwaras, their sacred temples, engage in prayers and participate in various religious rituals. The central focus of the day revolves around the uninterrupted recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib for 48 hours, known as the Akhand path. Another important aspect of the festival is the langar, a communal kitchen where free food is served to all, regardless of community status or creed. This act represents the Sikh doctrine of equality and emphasizes the importance of altruistic service to others.
A time of reflection and introduction
Guru Nanak Jayanti is not only a festival but also a time for self-reflection and reflection. It stands as an opportunity for Sikhs to deeply engage with the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, aiming to integrate them into their daily lives. This day serves as a poignant reminder to uphold the virtues of love, truth and compassion espoused by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti in Sikhism lies in celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. They serve by immersing themselves in the deep wisdom and teachings left by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, offering prayers and immersing themselves in the unity of the Sikhs. Through the practice of these teachings, Sikhs strive to create a society based on equality and compassion.
Questions to be asked
1. What does Guru Nanak Jayanti mean?
Guru Nanak Jayanti holds great significance as the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered founder of the Sikh faith is celebrated. This day is a celebration of his teachings centered around equality, unity and negative service.
2. What are the festivals celebrated during Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed with deep reverence by holding spiritual gatherings and reciting hymns of Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs gather at Gurdwaras, attend religious ceremonies, and participate in prayer sessions to mark this occasion.
3. Why is langar important during Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Langar, the communal kitchen, holds great significance during Guru Nanak Jayanti as it symbolizes the Sikh principle of equality. By providing free food to all, it emphasizes the values of selfless service and egalitarianism espoused by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.