Guru Nanak Jayanti | Nagar Kirtan and Langar - Morning Processions and Community Service - Gurbani Kirtan on Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Jayanti:

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is one of the most significant festivals in Sikhism, celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder and the first Guru of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed on the full moon day of the month of Kartik according to the Sikh Nanakshahi calendar, which usually falls in the month of November, though the date may vary each year based on the lunar calendar.

Gurdwaras of India | Sikh place of worship of India

Key Observances and Customs of Guru Nanak Jayanti:

1. Nagar Kirtan: The celebrations often begin with Nagar Kirtan, a religious procession that moves through various localities, singing hymns and prayers from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.

2. Akhand Path: Sikhs engage in Akhand Path, a continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, which may take place in the Gurdwara (Sikh temple) or in the homes of the devotees.

3. Langar: Langar, a communal meal, is an integral part of Sikhism. On Guru Nanak Jayanti, special langars are organized in Gurdwaras, where free meals are served to everyone, regardless of their background, caste, or religion, symbolizing the principles of equality and community service.

Biography of Guru Angad

4. Gurbani Kirtan: Devotees participate in continuous singing of hymns and kirtan from the Guru Granth Sahib, praising the teachings and wisdom of Guru Nanak.

5. Prayers and Katha: Special prayers and katha (religious discourses) are conducted, highlighting the life, teachings, and philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

6. Decorations: Gurdwaras and Sikh homes are decorated with lights and flowers to mark the festive occasion.

7. Community Service: Sikhs use this occasion to emphasize selfless service and engage in various charitable activities, promoting the spirit of seva (selfless service) in the community.

Biography of Guru Nanak

8. Morning Processions: In the early morning, devotees gather at Gurdwaras and offer prayers. Processions are also held, often led by Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones), carrying the Sikh flag and the Guru Granth Sahib.

Guru Nanak Jayanti holds immense spiritual significance for Sikhs, serving as a time for reflection, prayer, and community bonding. It promotes the core Sikh values of equality, humility, selflessness, and devotion to the divine teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

More about Guru Nanak Jayanti:

Guru Nanak Jayanti is a significant festival celebrated by the Sikh community worldwide. It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. This year, it falls on Monday, 27 November 2023 . The festival is also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Gurpurab.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Rai Bhoi di Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan) near Lahore. He was the first of ten Sikh Gurus and the founder of Sikhism. His teachings revolved around three things: ‘Vand Chakko’, ‘Kirat Karo’, and ‘Naam Japna’. ‘Vand Chakko’ means sharing with others and helping the needy person. ‘Kirat Karo’ is making a living honestly without exploiting anyone and without any fraud, and ‘Naam Japna’ involves controlling our evils by meditating on the name of God .

The date of Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab varies from year to year according to the lunar calendar. This year, it is celebrated on November 27 . The day is considered auspicious and divine and is celebrated with fervor and devotion.