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Sikh devotees doing Sewa by cleaning plates, cups and spoons in the Singh Sabha Gurudwara in Bengaluru.
Devotees Entering Gurudwara Guru Singh Sabha, Ulsoor, Bengaluru on the auspicius occasion of Gurpurab.
Guru Nanak Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav celebrates the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. This is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhs
Satguru Nanak Pargateya
Mitti Dund Jag Chanan Hoya,
Aap ji nu Sri Guru Nanak Devji
De Gurpurab dian Lakh-Lakh Vadaiyan
Happy Gurpurab To All Of You :)
Guru Nanak Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Jayanti, celebrates the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. This is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhi.
The festivities in the Sikh religion revolve around the anniversaries of the 10 Sikh Gurus. These Gurus were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs. Their birthdays, known as Gurpurab (or Gurpurb), are occasions for celebration and prayer among the Sikhs.
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born on April 15, 1469 [O.S. April 15, 1469] in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present Shekhupura District of Pakistan, now Nankana Sahib. It is a Gazetted holiday in India.
The Birthday of Guru Nanak Sahib falls on Kartik Puranmashi i.e. full moon day of the month Kartik (usually November).
#Gurapurab #GuruNanak #GoldenTemple #Amritsar #NimitNigam
Gurpurab is an auspicious occasion for all the Sikhs around as the world as they celebrate 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. This day is also known as Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti, and Parkash Utsav.
Large number of devotees entering Gurudwara Guru Singh Sabha, Ulsoor, Bengaluru on Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Guru Nanak dev ji's Gurpurab is celebrated every year on Kartik Poornima, the full-moon day which falls on different dates each year in the month of October–November.
It commemorates the birth of Shri Guru Nanak dev ji, the founder and first Guru of Sikhism.
Traveling far and wide, Guru Nanak taught people the message of one God who dwells in every one of His creations and constitutes the eternal Truth. He set up a unique spiritual, social, and political platform based on equality, fraternal love, goodness, and virtue.
Guru Nanak's words are registered in the form of 974 poetic hymns in the holy text of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, with some of the major prayers being the Japji Sahib, the Asa di Var and the Sidh-Ghost.
I was lucky enough to visit Golden temple in Amritsar city yesterday on the eve of Gurpurab celebrations across India.
A Gurpurab is a celebration or commemoration based on the lives of one of the Sikh religion gurus. They tend to be either birthdays or celebrations of Sikh martyrdom. A Sikh festival or special day is called Gurpurb, meaning "Guru's remembrance day". The celebration is generally similar for all Gurpurabs; only the hymns and history of a particular occasion is different.
The birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, usually comes in the month of November, but the date varies from year to year according to the lunar Indian calendar. The birthday celebrations last three days.
Generally two days before the birthday, Akhand Path is performed in the Gurdwaras(sikh temple). One day before the birthday, a procession is organised which is led by the Panj Piare and the Palki (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib and followed by teams of singers singing hymns, brass bands playing different tunes, 'Gatka' (martial art) teams show their swordsmanship, and processionists singing the chorus. The procession passes through the main roads and streets of the town which are covered with buntings and decorated gates and the leaders inform the people of the message of Guru Nanak. On the anniversary day, the programme begins early in the morning at about 4 or 5 am with the singing of Asa-di-Var (morning hymns) and hymns from the Sikh scriptures followed by Katha (exposition of the scripture) and lectures and recitation of poems in praise of the Guru. The celebrations go on till about 2 pm. After Ardas and distribution of Karah Parsad, the Langar is served.
Some Gurdwaras(sikh temple) also hold night prayer sessions. This begins around sunset when Rehras (evening prayer) is recited. This is followed by Kirtan till late in the night. Sometimes a Kavi-darbar (poetic symposium) is also held to enable the poets to pay their tributes to the Guru in their own verses. At about 1:20 am, the actual time of the birth, the congregation starts singing Gurbani. The function ends about 2 am.
Pourree ||
this gur ko ho vaariaa jin har kee har kathhaa sunaaee ||
this gur ko sadh balihaaranai jin har saevaa banath banaaee ||
so sathigur piaaraa maerai naal hai jithhai kithhai maino leae shhaddaaee ||
this gur ko saabaas hai jin har sojhee paaee ||
naanak gur vittahu vaariaa jin har naam dheeaa maerae man kee aas puraaee ||5||
Pauree:
I am a sacrifice to the Guru, who recites the sermon of the Lord's Teachings.
I am forever a sacrifice to that Guru, who has led me to serve the Lord.
That Beloved True Guru is always with me; wherever I may be, He will save me.
Most blessed is that Guru, who imparts understanding of the Lord.
O Nanak, I am a sacrifice to the Guru, who has given me the Lord's Name, and fulfilled the desires of my mind. ||5||
Took this shot of one of the old bazaar of Amritsar on my way to Golden Temple-Amritsar city. This bazaar is located close to Golden Temple and i really love it's old vintage buildings and shops giving peek into past charm of Amritsar city.
This new painting commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Indian government's assault on the Golden Temple - the Durbar Sahib - of Amritsar in June 1984, during the Gurpurab of Guru Arjan's Martyrdom. The tragic events, the criminal actions of Indira Gandhi's regime, and the anti-Sikh pogroms, all in 1984 - as well as the ongoing brutalities by the Indian military across the Punjab countryside in the years that followed - have collectively gone down in history as The Third Sikh Ghallughara/ Holocaust.
See more details www.artofpunjab.com
Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab is one of the most revered day observed by the Sikh community to glorify the tenets of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Jayanti commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. The historic day is celebrated across the world by devout Sikhs with great fervor and collective spirit and effort, asserting the message of morality, hard work and truth inherent in the preachings of Guru Nanak. Owing to the fact that Guru Nanak enlightened the world with his profound teachings, the day is also known as ‘Prakash Utsav’.
Guru Nanak Jyanti Celebration at Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Ulsoor, Bengaluru.
Gurpurab celebrations in Golden Temple, Amritsar.
A Gurpurab is a celebration or commemoration based on the lives of one of the Sikh religion gurus. They tend to be either birthdays or celebrations of Sikh martyrdom. A Sikh festival or special day is called Gurpurb, meaning "Guru's remembrance day". The celebration is generally similar for all Gurpurabs; only the hymns and history of a particular occasion is different.
The birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, usually comes in the month of November, but the date varies from year to year according to the lunar Indian calendar. The birthday celebrations last three days.
For best view:View On Black
ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਦੀਵਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰੋ ਬਾਤੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰੋ ਤੇਲੁ ਲੇ ਮਾਹਿ ਪਸਾਰੇ ॥
ਨਾਮ ਤੇਰੇ ਕੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਲਗਾਈ ਭਇਓ ਉਜਿਆਰੋ ਭਵਨ ਸਗਲਾਰੇ ॥੨॥
Your Name is the lamp, and Your Name is the wick. Your Name is the oil I pour into it.
Your Name is the light applied to this lamp, which enlightens and illuminates the entire world. ||2||
A Gurpurab is a celebration or commemoration based on the lives of one of the Sikh religion gurus. They tend to be either birthdays or celebrations of Sikh martyrdom. A Sikh festival or special day is called Gurpurb, meaning "Guru's remembrance day". The celebration is generally similar for all Gurpurab only the hymns and history of a particular occasion is different.
The birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, usually comes in the month of November, but the date varies from year to year according to the lunar Indian calendar.
Last year's Gurpurab celebration images:
Wish all my friends a very Happy Gurpurab en a very Happy New Year..!!!!!
All Rights Reserved
© SANJEEV SYAL
All my images are All Rights Reserved. They should not be reproduced in any way, and unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. To buy any of the images please contact me on sanjeev_syal@yahoo.com
People lights candles along the Sarowar or the holy pond of The Golden Temple in Amritsar on the occasion of Gurpurab.
A Gurpurab is a celebration or commemoration based on the lives of one of the Sikh religion gurus. They tend to be either birthdays or celebrations of Sikh martyrdom. A Sikh festival or special day is called Gurpurb, meaning "Guru's remembrance day". The celebration is generally similar for all Gurpurabs; only the hymns and history of a particular occasion is different.
The birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, usually comes in the month of November, but the date varies from year to year according to the lunar Indian calendar. The birthday celebrations last three days.
This one is last of my series for Gurpurab celebrations inside Golden Temple, Amritsar
You can check the other two series here:
and
Today I’m celebrating Guru Nanak’s birthday by giving back to the community at Seva Foodbank.
Guru Nanak believed in equality for all people and that every person had the capability to help the less fortunate. His teachings of selflessness and giving back to the community continue to inspire people around the world.
Offering my heartiest Gurpurab greetings on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birthday!
Je célèbre aujourd’hui l’anniversaire de Guru Nanak en redonnant à la communauté à la Seva Foodbank.
Guru Nanak croyait à l’égalité de tous et que chaque personne a la capacité d’aider les moins fortunés. Ses enseignements sur l’abnégation de soi et le fait de redonner à la communauté continuent à inspirer des gens dans le monde entier.
Mes meilleurs vœux de Gurpurab pour l’anniversaire de Guru Nanak Dev Ji!
All Rights Reserved
© SANJEEV SYAL
All my images are All Rights Reserved. They should not be reproduced in any way, and unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. To buy any of the images please contact me on sanjeev_syal@yahoo.com
*Vignetting has been done is this shot.
Nanak Nich kahe vichaar,
Waria na jaava ek waar,
Jo tud bhave sai bhali kaar,
Tu sada salamat nirankaar
Kissi Ne Pucha Tera Gharbaar Kitna Hai
Kissi Ne Pucha Tera Karobaar Kitna Hai
Kssi Ne Pucha Tera Parivaar Kitna Hai
Koi Virla Hi Puch Da Hai,
Tera Guru Naal Pyaar Kitna Hai…
Guru Nanak Gurpurab also known as Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Jayanti, celebrates the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak.[2] This is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism.[3] Apart from Sikhs, Hindus and other followers of Guru Nanak's philosophy also celebrate this festival.
The festivities in the Sikh religion revolve around the anniversaries of the 10 Sikh Gurus. These Gurus were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs. Their birthdays, known as Gurpurab (or Gurpurb), are occasions for celebration and prayer among the Sikhs.
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born on April 15, 1469[2] in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present Shekhupura District of Pakistan, now Nankana Sahib.[4] His birth is celebrated on Kartik Poornima, the full moon day in the month of Kartik. In the Gregorian Calendar, the celebration usually falls in the month of November, but its date varies from year to year, based on the traditional dates of the Indian calendar.[5] It is a Gazetted holiday in India.
The celebration is generally similar for all Gurpurabs; only the hymns are different. The celebrations usually commence with Prabhat Pheris. Prabhat Pheris are early morning processions that begin at the Gurudwaras and proceed around the localities singing hymns. Generally two days before the birthday, Akhand Path (a forty-eight-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs) is held in the Gurdwaras.
The day prior to the birthday, a procession, referred to as Nagarkirtan,[6] is organised. This procession is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones).[5][7] They head the procession carrying the Sikh flag, known as the Nishan Sahib and the Palki (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by teams of singers singing hymns[7] and devotees sing the chorus. There are brass bands playing different tunes and 'Gatka' teams display their swordsmanship through various martial arts and as mock battles using traditional weapons.[5][6] The procession pours into the streets of the town. The passage is covered with banners and gates decorated flags and flowers, for this special occasion.[5][6] The leaders spreading the message of Guru Nanak.[5]
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2010 at Pune, Maharashtra, India
On the day of the Gurpurab, the celebrations commence early in the morning at about 4 to 5 am.[5][6] This time of the day is referred to as Amrit Vela. The day begins with the singing of Asa-di-Var (morning hymns).[5][6] This is followed by any combination of Katha[6] (exposition of the scripture) and Kirtan (hymns from the Sikh scriptures), in the praise of the Guru.[5] Following that is the Langar, a special community lunch, which is arranged at the Gurudwaras by volunteers. The idea behind the free communal lunch is that everyone, irrespective of caste, class or creed,[8] should be offered food in the spirit of seva (service) and bhakti (devotion).
Night Prayer sessions are also held in some Gurudwaras, which begin around sunset when Rehras(evening prayer) is recited, followed by Kirtan till late at night.[5] The congregation starts singing Gurbani at about 1:20 am at night, which is the actual time of birth of Guru Nanak. The celebrations culminate at around 2 am.[5]
Guru Nanak Gurpurab is celebrated by the Sikh community all over the world and is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar. The celebrations are especially colourful in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Even some Sindhis celebrate this festival.
Notice the Ishtihaar of Poh Sudi Saptami Gurpurab by Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh jee. The Samagam is too intense. Ran Subaaee Kirtan starts at 7pm and ends at 8am. Then right away, Divas Suhela Kirtan starts and ends at 7pm. This means 24 hours of non-stop Kirtan. No Langar allowed but kids exempted.
All Rights Reserved© SANJEEV SYALAll my images are All Rights Reserved. They should not be reproduced in any way, and unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. To buy any of the images please contact me on sanjeev_syal@yahoo.com
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I decided to shoot this festivity of my country's Sikhs based in Hyderabad .
I shot all this in 15 minutes at Afzalgunj I had come here to take a bus for Mumbai..
About Sikhism from Wikipedia
Sikhism[note 1] ( /ˈsiːkɨzəm/ or /ˈsɪkɨzəm/; Punjabi: ਸਿੱਖੀ, sikkhī, IPA: [ˈsɪkːʰiː]) is a monotheistic religion founded during the 15th century in the Punjab region, by Guru Nanak Dev [3] which continued to progress with ten successive Sikh gurus (the last teaching being the holy scripture Gurū Granth Sāhib Ji). It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world, with approximately 30 million Sikhs.[4][citation needed] This system of religious philosophy and expression has been traditionally known as the Gurmat (literally 'wisdom of the Gurū'). Punjab, India is the only region in the world with a majority Sikh population.[5]
Sikhs are expected to embody the qualities of a "Sant-Sipāhī"—a saint-soldier. One must have control over one's internal vices and be able to be constantly immersed in virtues clarified in the Guru Granth Sahib.
The principal beliefs of Sikhi are faith in Waheguru—represented by the phrase ik ōaṅkār, meaning one God, along with a praxis in which the Sikh is enjoined to engage in social reform through the pursuit of justice for all human beings. Sikhi advocates the pursuit of salvation in a social context through the congregational practice of meditation on the name and message of God. The followers of Sikhi are ordained to follow the teachings of the ten Sikh gurus, or enlightened leaders, as well as the holy scripture entitled the Gurū Granth Sāhib Ji, which, along with the writings of six of the ten Sikh Gurus, includes selected works of many devotees from diverse socio-economic and religious backgrounds. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth guru, conferred the leadership of the Sikh community to the Gurū Granth Sāhib and the corporate body of the Khālsā Panth (the Granth and the Panth). Sikhi's traditions and teachings are associated with the history, society and culture of Punjab. Adherents of Sikhī are known as Sikhs (students or disciples) and number over 30 million across the world.
Most Sikhs live in Punjab, India, although there is a significant Sikh diaspora. Until the Partition of India with the division of Punjab and the subsequent independence of Pakistan and later India, millions of Sikhs lived in what is now Pakistani Punjab.[6]
The origins of Sikhi lie in the teachings of Guru Nanak and his successors. The essence of Sikh teaching is summed up by Nanak in these words: "Realization of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living".[7] Sikh teaching emphasizes the principle of equality of all humans and rejects discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, and gender. Sikh principles encourage living life as a householder.
Sikhi is a monotheistic[8][9] and a revealed religion.[10] In Sikhi, God—termed Vāhigurū—is shapeless, timeless, and sightless (i.e., unable to be seen with the physical eye): niraṅkār, akaal, and alakh. The beginning of the first composition of Sikh scripture is the figure "1"—signifying the universality of God. It states that God is omnipresent and infinite with power over everything, and is signified by the term ēk ōaṅkār.[11] Sikhs believe that before creation, all that existed was God and God's hukam (will or order).[12] When God willed, the entire cosmos was created. From these beginnings, God nurtured "enticement and attachment" to māyā, or the human perception of reality.[13]
While a full understanding of God is beyond human beings,[11] Nanak described God as not wholly unknowable. God is omnipresent (sarav viāpak) in all creation and visible everywhere to the spiritually awakened. Nanak stressed that God must be seen from "the inward eye", or the "heart", of a human being: devotees must meditate to progress towards enlightenment. Guru Nanak Dev emphasized the revelation through meditation, as its rigorous application permits the existence of communication between God and human beings.[11] God has no gender in Sikhi (though translations may incorrectly present a male God); indeed Sikhi teaches that God is "Akaal Purkh" with characteristic of "Nirankar" (Niran meaning "without" and kar meaning "form", hence "without form"). In addition, Nanak wrote that there are many worlds on which God has created life.[14]
Guru Nanak's teachings are founded not on a final destination of heaven or hell, but on a spiritual union with God which results in salvation. The official Khalsa Code of Conduct laid out by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, makes it clear that human birth is obtained with great fortune, therefore one needs to be able to make the most of this chance. The Sikhs believe in living "Chakar Vati"—roaming free as freedom, not as slaves or be oppressed.
Māyā—defined as illusion or "unreality"—is one of the core deviations from the pursuit of God and salvation: people are distracted from devotion by worldly attractions which give only illusory satisfaction. However, Nanak emphasised māyā as not a reference to the unreality of the world, but of its values. In Sikhi, the influences of ego, anger, greed, attachment, and lust—known as the Five Evils—are believed to be particularly pernicious. The fate of people vulnerable to the Five Evils is separation from God, and the situation may be remedied only after intensive and relentless devotion.[15]
Nśabad (the divine Word) emphasizes the totality of the revelation. Nanak designated the word guru (meaning teacher) as the voice of God and the source and guide for knowledge and salvation.[16] Salvation can be reached only through rigorous and disciplined devotion to God. Nanak distinctly emphasised the irrelevance of outward observations such as rites, pilgrimages, or asceticism. He stressed that devotion must take place through the heart, with the spirit and the soul. According to Gurbani the supreme purpose of human life is to reconnect with Truth. However, our Ego is the biggest disease in the reunion with Truth/God and the solution to this disease also lies within human ego (mind and body). With Guru's grace the seeker meditates honestly on "Word" which leads to the end of ego. Guru is indistinguishable from God and are one and same thing as God which cannot be found with thousands of wisdoms. One gets connected with Guru only with accumulation of selfless search of truth. Ultimately the seeker realizes that it is the consciousness within the body which is seeker/follower and Word is true Guru. The human body is just a means to achieve the reunion with Truth. Truth is a form of matter which lies within the human body but is beyond the realm of time/death. Once truth starts to shine in a person’s heart, the essence of current and past holy books of all religions is understood by the person.
A key practice to be pursued is nām: remembrance of the divine Name. The verbal repetition of the name of God or a sacred syllable is an established practice in religious traditions in India, but Nanak's interpretation emphasized inward, personal observance. Nanak's ideal is the total exposure of one's being to the divine Name and a total conforming to Dharma or the "Divine Order". Nanak described the result of the disciplined application of nām simraṇ as a "growing towards and into God" through a gradual process of five stages. The last of these is sach khaṇḍ (The Realm of Truth)—the final union of the spirit with God.[16]
Guru Nanak stressed now kirat karō: that a Sikh should balance work, worship, and charity, and should defend the rights of all creatures, and in particular, fellow human beings. They are encouraged to have a chaṛdī kalā, or optimistic, view of life. Sikh teachings also stress the concept of sharing—vaṇḍ chakkō—through the distribution of free food at Sikh gurdwaras (laṅgar), giving charitable donations, and working for the good of the community and others (sēvā).
Sikhs believe that no matter what race, sex, or religion one is, all are equal in God's eyes. Men and women are equal and share the same rights, and women can lead in prayers.
The term guru comes from the Sanskrit gurū, meaning teacher, guide, or mentor. The traditions and philosophy of Sikhi were established by ten specific gurus from 1469 to 1708. Each guru added to and reinforced the message taught by the previous, resulting in the creation of the Sikh religion. Guru Nanak Dev was the first guru and appointed a disciple as successor. Guru Gobind Singh was the final guru in human form. Before his death, Guru Gobind Singh decreed that the Gurū Granth Sāhib would be the final and perpetual guru of the Sikhs.[17]
Guru Angad Dev succeeded Guru Nanak. Later, an important phase in the development of Sikhi came with the third successor, Guru Amar Das. Guru Nanak's teachings emphasised the pursuit of salvation; Guru Amar Das began building a cohesive community of followers with initiatives such as sanctioning distinctive ceremonies for birth, marriage, and death. Amar Das also established the manji (comparable to a diocese) system of clerical supervision.[16]
The interior of the Akal Takht
Guru Amar Das's successor and son-in-law Guru Ram Das founded the city of Amritsar, which is home of the Harimandir Sahib and regarded widely as the holiest city for all Sikhs. When Guru Ram Das's youngest son Arjan succeeded him, the line of male gurus from the Sodhi Khatri family was established: all succeeding gurus were direct descendants of this line. Guru Arjan Dev was captured by Mughal authorities who were suspicious and hostile to the religious order he was developing.[18] His persecution and death inspired his successors to promote a military and political organization of Sikh communities to defend themselves against the attacks of Mughal forces.
The Sikh gurus established a mechanism which allowed the Sikh religion to react as a community to changing circumstances. The sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, was responsible for the creation of the concept of Akal Takht (throne of the timeless one), which serves as the supreme decision-making centre of Sikhi and sits opposite the Darbar Sahib. The Sarbat Ḵẖālsā (a representative portion of the Khalsa Panth) historically gathers at the Akal Takht on special festivals such as Vaisakhi or Hola Mohalla and when there is a need to discuss matters that affect the entire Sikh nation. A gurmatā (literally, guru's intention) is an order passed by the Sarbat Ḵẖālsā in the presence of the Gurū Granth Sāhib. A gurmatā may only be passed on a subject that affects the fundamental principles of Sikh religion; it is binding upon all Sikhs.[19] The term hukamnāmā (literally, edict or royal order) is often used interchangeably with the term gurmatā. However, a hukamnāmā formally refers to a hymn from the Gurū Granth Sāhib which is a given order to Sikhs.
Celebrated the Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birthday at the Gursikh Sabha last night with the Sikh community. Happy Gurpurab from the Conservative Party of Canada team!
J'ai célébré l'anniversaire de Guru Nanak Dev Ji au Gursikh Sabha hier soir avec la communauté sikhe. Joyeux Gurpurab de l'équipe du Parti conservateur du Canada!
Nanak Nich kahe vichaar,
Waria na jaava ek waar,
Jo tud bhave sai bhali kaar,
Tu sada salamat nirankaar
Kissi Ne Pucha Tera Gharbaar Kitna Hai
Kissi Ne Pucha Tera Karobaar Kitna Hai
Kssi Ne Pucha Tera Parivaar Kitna Hai
Koi Virla Hi Puch Da Hai,
Tera Guru Naal Pyaar Kitna Hai…
Guru Nanak Gurpurab also known as Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Jayanti, celebrates the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak.[2] This is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism.[3] Apart from Sikhs, Hindus and other followers of Guru Nanak's philosophy also celebrate this festival.
The festivities in the Sikh religion revolve around the anniversaries of the 10 Sikh Gurus. These Gurus were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs. Their birthdays, known as Gurpurab (or Gurpurb), are occasions for celebration and prayer among the Sikhs.
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born on April 15, 1469[2] in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present Shekhupura District of Pakistan, now Nankana Sahib.[4] His birth is celebrated on Kartik Poornima, the full moon day in the month of Kartik. In the Gregorian Calendar, the celebration usually falls in the month of November, but its date varies from year to year, based on the traditional dates of the Indian calendar.[5] It is a Gazetted holiday in India.
The celebration is generally similar for all Gurpurabs; only the hymns are different. The celebrations usually commence with Prabhat Pheris. Prabhat Pheris are early morning processions that begin at the Gurudwaras and proceed around the localities singing hymns. Generally two days before the birthday, Akhand Path (a forty-eight-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs) is held in the Gurdwaras.
The day prior to the birthday, a procession, referred to as Nagarkirtan,[6] is organised. This procession is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones).[5][7] They head the procession carrying the Sikh flag, known as the Nishan Sahib and the Palki (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by teams of singers singing hymns[7] and devotees sing the chorus. There are brass bands playing different tunes and 'Gatka' teams display their swordsmanship through various martial arts and as mock battles using traditional weapons.[5][6] The procession pours into the streets of the town. The passage is covered with banners and gates decorated flags and flowers, for this special occasion.[5][6] The leaders spreading the message of Guru Nanak.[5]
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2010 at Pune, Maharashtra, India
On the day of the Gurpurab, the celebrations commence early in the morning at about 4 to 5 am.[5][6] This time of the day is referred to as Amrit Vela. The day begins with the singing of Asa-di-Var (morning hymns).[5][6] This is followed by any combination of Katha[6] (exposition of the scripture) and Kirtan (hymns from the Sikh scriptures), in the praise of the Guru.[5] Following that is the Langar, a special community lunch, which is arranged at the Gurudwaras by volunteers. The idea behind the free communal lunch is that everyone, irrespective of caste, class or creed,[8] should be offered food in the spirit of seva (service) and bhakti (devotion).
Night Prayer sessions are also held in some Gurudwaras, which begin around sunset when Rehras(evening prayer) is recited, followed by Kirtan till late at night.[5] The congregation starts singing Gurbani at about 1:20 am at night, which is the actual time of birth of Guru Nanak. The celebrations culminate at around 2 am.[5]
Guru Nanak Gurpurab is celebrated by the Sikh community all over the world and is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar. The celebrations are especially colourful in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Even some Sindhis celebrate this festival.