The 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, will be celebrated with devotion and reverence on Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2024. This year it will be celebrated on Friday, November 15, 2024. Known as Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav or Guru Nanak Gurpurab, this festival honours the profound legacy of Guru Nanak, who is revered for his teachings on equality, compassion, and spirituality. His birth is commemorated annually on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Kartik month according to the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls in November.
Guru Nanak Jayanti: Significance
Guru Nanak Jayanti is more than just a birthday celebration; it is a time to reflect on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and their relevance today. Guru Nanak advocated for the principles of humility, honesty, selflessness, and devotion to God. He emphasised the importance of a life of virtue and compassion, rejecting the caste system and promoting equality among all people. His message transcended religious boundaries, inspiring millions across the globe to pursue a path of righteousness.
Guru Nanak’s teachings, recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, serve as a guide for leading a meaningful life. His concept of “Ik Onkar” or “One God” encapsulates the essence of Sikhism and emphasises the unity of all existence. Guru Nanak Jayanti reminds followers of the need to uphold these values, fostering love, respect, and harmony in society.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024: Rituals and Celebrations
Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with a series of rituals and ceremonies that bring together people from all walks of life. Here’s how the day typically unfolds:
- Akhand Path: The celebrations usually begin two days before Guru Nanak Jayanti with the commencement of an Akhand Path, a 48-hour continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib. This uninterrupted reading is a revered tradition that signifies devotion to the teachings of Guru Nanak.
- Prabhat Pheris: Early morning processions, known as Prabhat Pheris, are held in various localities. Devotees sing hymns and bhajans as they move through the streets, spreading the message of Guru Nanak. These processions create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere and serve as a reminder of the values of community and service.
- Nagar Kirtan: On the day before Guru Nanak Jayanti, a grand procession known as Nagar Kirtan is organised. A beautifully decorated palanquin, carrying the Guru Granth Sahib, leads the procession, accompanied by devout Sikhs singing hymns and performing traditional martial arts known as Gatka. The procession is marked by displays of faith, colourful decorations, and the spirit of devotion.
- Langar: One of the core aspects of Sikhism is selfless service, and this is exemplified by the langar, or community kitchen. Gurdwaras around the world organise langars where free meals are served to people of all backgrounds. This act of service represents Guru Nanak’s teachings on equality and community, as everyone is welcome to partake in the meal regardless of caste, creed, or social status.
- Katha and Kirtan: Throughout the day, religious discourses, or Katha, are held in gurdwaras. Hymns, or Kirtan, are sung in praise of Guru Nanak’s teachings. These sessions provide a spiritual experience and give devotees a deeper understanding of Guru Nanak’s life and principles.
- Evening Prayers and Fireworks: The celebrations conclude with evening prayers, followed by a display of fireworks in some places. The day is filled with devotion, joy, and a shared sense of purpose among the followers.
Guru Nanak’s teachings remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago. He spread the message of love, unity, and the importance of connecting with the divine. Some of his core teachings include:
- Equality: Guru Nanak believed that all humans are equal before God. He strongly opposed the caste system and preached equality among genders, social classes, and religions.
- Selflessness: Guru Nanak emphasised the importance of serving others without expecting anything in return. This principle is symbolised by the tradition of langar.
- Honesty and Hard Work: He encouraged people to live a life of integrity, to earn an honest livelihood, and to help those in need.
- Devotion to God: Guru Nanak advocated a direct connection with God, free from rituals and intermediaries. His concept of “Naam Japna” encourages continuous remembrance and devotion to the divine.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024, marking the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, is a time for reflection, reverence, and celebration. It is an opportunity to revisit the teachings of a spiritual leader who dedicated his life to spreading love, equality, and compassion. As devotees gather to commemorate his legacy, they are reminded of the path he charted – a path of kindness, unity, and unwavering faith in one God. Celebrating Guru Nanak’s life is not only about honouring his memory but also about embodying his values in our everyday lives, fostering a world that upholds peace, compassion, and equality for all.
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