Guru Nanak jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji.He was also the founder of Sikh religion. Guru Nanak was born on the full moon day of the month kartik according to the Hindu calendar.
History about Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Nanak was born to a Kshatriya family in 1469 A.D. at Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in in the Shekhupura District which is some 30 miles from Lahore, in the present Pakistan. The place is known today as Nankana Sahib. Even in his childhood he spent most of his time in meditation and spiritual practices. At the age of 34 Nanak left his family of wife and two sons and became a public preacher. He travelled extensively to many places preaching and the public was highly influenced by him. He mainly preached love, peace, purity, goodness, justice and power of spirituality. His preaching’s were centuries ahead of his time. He was not only a great social reformer and a philosopher but a great poet as well. All his compositions are present today in ‘japji’.
How is Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebrated?
Guru Nanak jayanti is celebrated with great honour and pride by the Sikh community. It being the most important Sikh festival is celebrated with utmost dedication and fervour. Three days before the festival the 'akhand panth' or the non-stop reading of Guru Granth Saheb for 48 hours is practiced. On the day of the festival religious procession called Prabhat Pheris are held which is led by the five armed guards who are called pannj pyares. They lead the procession around the localities by carrying the holy flag called the Nishan Sahib and Granth sahib is carried on a float decorated with flowers. They are followed by the bands playing bass bands and the Gatka teams which showcase their swordsmanship and martial skills. Entire route of the procession is decorated with banners, flags, religious posters and flowers.
On the day of the festival celebrations begin at pre-dawn when morning hymns and hymns from Sikh scriptures are sung which is followed by the exposition of scripture. Throughout the day special kirtans are held on this day. Gurudwars serve langar or community meal free for all where people participate in community service by cooking food and cleaning the gurudwar.
This day is celebrated by the Sikhs with great enthusiasm and magnificence. It is a day for reliving the preaching’s of the great seer and saint who spread the message of peace and love.