Why is it celebrated?
Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Utsav is one of the most sacred festivals of the Sikh community. This day marks the birth anniversary of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Dev. Like all the other Guruparbs, this day is a part of the Sikh festivities, for remembering their divine gurus. Guru Nanak Dev ji was a guru, a social worker and a poet. He worked all his life to benefit others.
Importance:
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469 in Talwandi. He was responsible for shaping many beliefs of the Sikh religion; hence Guru Nanak Jayanti is a celebrated event, showing the faith and respect of Sikhs towards their Guru.
This day is an important part of the Sikh beliefs, as Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in the darkest times of the country. There was evil, superstitions and crime everywhere. All his life, Guru Nanak ji learned from various gurus and saints mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahab, and preached their teachings to others. He was a social worker, and always helped the needy.
How is it celebrated?
The celebration of all Gurupurabs is generally similar. On this day, the celebration begins with Prabhat Pheris, which are religious processions taken out from the Gurudwaras to the nearby localities, with singing of religious hymns. Around two days before the Gurpurab, Akhand Path (reading of the Holy book, Guru Granth Sahib) begins. Nagar Kirtans are organized a day prior to the celebration, which are elaborate processions with hymns and display of martial arts by the Sikhs.
The celebration begins early morning in the Gurudwaras, with singing of hymns, Katha and kirtan. After this, a free meal or Langar is organized by volunteers, to which everyone is welcome despite the colour, caste or creed. The celebrations continue till late at night, as the actual time of birth of Guru is around 1:20 at night.
When is it celebrated?
The festival is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Kartik.
Where is it celebrated?
It is celebrated by Sikhs all around the world, the most magnificent celebrations beings in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.