Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed every year as the birth anniversary of the Sikh founder, Guru Nanak Dev. This year marks the 552th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, also known as Prakash Utsav or Guru Purab, as it marks an important festival for the Sikh community. Guru Nanak is the first of the ten Sikh gurus who is considered as the one who brought enlightenment to the world. He was born in 1469 in a village named Talwandi, which is currently located in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2021: History and Significance
Guru Nanak Dev is known for his connection to God through prayer and his teachings didn’t encourage sacrifices. His teachings were compiled into the sacred book known as Guru Granth Sahib. The entire Sikhism revolved around this religious text which was believed as the final, sovereign, and eternal Guru for Sikhs. The idea behind the book is the belief that the creator of the universe is one.
Sikhism preaches selfless service to humanity, prosperity, and social justice for all, irrespective of the differences they have. On this day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, the followers of Guru Nanak celebrate his legacy, achievements and honor his preaching.
As per the Hindu calendar, the day is mostly celebrated on Kartik Purnima. The festival starts with Prabhat Pheris in the early morning with a procession to the Gurudwaras and continues to the neighboring localities singing the Sikh hymns.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2021: Celebrations
The celebration includes Akhand Path, which has a forty-eight-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs, which is held in Gurudwaras just two days before the occasion. Nagar Kirtans also takes place before or on weekends at the Guru Nanak Jayanti festival.
The procession is led by five men known as Panj Pyare, carrying the Sikh triangular flag, Nishan Sahib. After the procession is completed, the Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a palanquin that sings hymns in the group, traditional musical instruments are played with a display of martial art forms.
