Celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab

      Guru Nanak Gurpurab also known as Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Prakash Utsav, marks the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. This is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism. 

       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 are occasions for celebration and prayer among the Sikhs.

           Guru Nanak Dev Ji (the First Guru, the founder of Sikhism) was born in 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present Shekhupura District of Pakistan, now Nankana Sahib. The birthday of Guru Nanak Sahib falls on Kartik Poornima, i.e., the day of the full moon in the month of Kartik. In the Gregorian Calendar, the birthday of Guru Nanak usually falls in the month of November, but its date varies from year to year, based on the traditional dates of the Indian calendar.

        The celebration is generally similar for all Gurpurabs; only the hymns are different. The celebration usually commence of 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 is organised. This procession is led by the Panj Pyaras(Five Beloved Ones). They head the procession carrying the Sikh flag, known as ethe Nishan Sahib and the Palki (Palanquin) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by teams of singers singing hymns and devotees sing the chorus. There are brass bands playing different tunes and 'Gatka' teams display their swordmanship through various martial arts and as mock battles using traditional weapons. 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. The leaders spreading the message of Guru Nanak.

          Guru Nanak Dev Ji bestowed much upon us, including the concepts of Naam Japna, Kirat Karni, and Vand Chakna.

Naam Japna: Guru Ji taught us to directly practice Simran and Naam Japna – meditation on the word of the Guru and thus remembering God at all times.

Kirat Karni:  Guru Ji taught us to live honorable lives and to earn honestly by our own physical and mental effort while accepting both pains and pleasures as the Guru’s gifts and blessings.  Within this, is a reminder to stay truthful at all times.

Vand Chakna:  We are taught to share our wealth within the community - especially with those who are most in need.  The community or Sadh Sangat is an important part of Sikhi and this spirit of Sharing and Giving is an important message from Guru Nanak.

           While today is a day of celebration, it is also a reminder to each of us to consider how we choose to practice these teachings today.  Let’s wish each other well on this day, just like we wish each other well on New Year’s Day, and let’s encourage one another to follow the Guru’s teachings in our own ways.