Guru Nanak Jayanti: Here’s how it is celebrated

This year, the auspicious birth anniversary of Guru Nanak is on November 25 as per the Gregorian calendar.

Darbar Sahib or the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Pic courtesy: Thinkstock image for representation purpose only.

The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion and the first Sikh Guru is celebrated as Guru Purab or Guru Nanak Jayanti worldwide.

The Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on the first day of Karthik (month) Purnima (full moon day) according to the Hindu Lunar calendar and is celebrated worldwide with much devotion. This year, the auspicious birth anniversary of the Guru is on November 14 as per the Gregorian calendar.

The great reformer and saint was born in Talwandi, a village near Lahore (a city now in Pakistan) in 1469 A.D. 

The day marks the culmination of the Prabhat Pheris (early morning processions) that start from the gurdwaras, cover the nearby areas and then back to the Gurudwara chanting shabads (hymns). People visit Gurudwara (place of worship of the Sikhs) to offer their prayers to the Almighty.

On the actual day of the festival, the holy book is carried in procession. The Panj Pyaras (five armed guards) carrying the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) head the procession.

The holy book of the Sikhs – Guru Granth Sahib – is read continuously for three days from the beginning to the end without interruption. This is called Akhand Path.  This tradition is part of the celebrations.

The Gurudwaras are beautifully decorated with flowers and are well lit up. Kirtans are organised and devotees are offered the Kada Prashad.

Free sweets and Prashad are distributed to one and all irrespective of caste, creed or colour.

Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti.