Guru Nanak Jayanti is the most auspicious festivals of Sikhs observed across the worls without any boundaries of any country or area. Guru Nanak Jayanti is also popularly known as Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Parv. This day celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji who was the first of the ten Sikh Gurus and was also the founder of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Jayanti is commemorated with deep faith and dedication, spirituality and a felling of community.
This year in 2025, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on Wednesday, 5th november. On this day also is celebrated the pious Kartik Purnima which is the day of the full moon which happens in the sacred month of Kartik . This falls in the month of October or November each year.
The placement of the new moon in this month is very pious. The teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji of community and universal love, selflessness, gratitude, seva, equality and peace all resonate in the air on this day. This day holds immense significance not just for Sikhs but also for all who believe in the above-mentioned characteristics.
Guru Nanak Jayanti: The celebration of birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji – The Eternal Light of Wisdom
Rai Bhoi di Talwandi was the birthplace of Guru Nanak dev Ji. The place is now known as Nankana Sahib and is now a part of Pakistan. His birth year was 1469. He was like the bright shining star and the ray of hope in the society which was divided by many divides of caste, birth, creed, myths and pseudoscience.
He was phenomenally intelligent and wise from his early years of childhood. He was exceptionally sympathetic and empathetic from the very start.
Guru Nanak Dev JI believed that there is only one Eternal Truth that God is only one and God can be found in each and every human being. He believed and taught that God is not restricted to any religion, nor does God belong to any religion. There is only one God and he can be reached through faith and selfless devotion.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji lived a life of an avid traveller. He lived a life pf spiritual freedom and selflessness. He was a journey of spiritual awakening and service. He traveled all across India and across other countries as well. It was then that he spread the thought of “Ik Onkar” (One God) and “Sarbat da Bhala” .
It was values, ideals, thoughts and teachings which came together as the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the holy scripture of Sikhism, Guru Granth Sahib is the guiding light of many lives.
Some of his valuable profound teachings are:
- Naam Japna (Chanting the Name of God) – Remembering the Almighty in every breath.
- Kirat Karni (Honest Living) – Earning a livelihood through righteousness and hard work.
- Vand Chakna (Sharing with Others) – Helping those in need and promoting equality in society.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji laid the steppingstone to an honest, self-less society, and thus to honour him and his life values Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated as a tribute to him.
Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti
The auspicious observance of Guru Nanak Jayanti is not just a day to commemorate the birth anniversary but a day to reminisce the teachings, ideals and the morality of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Service and Compassion:
Guru Nanak Dev Ji had himself started the ritual of Langar . Langar is a kind of a community kitchen which ensure that no matter who you are, what financial status you belong to, what is your background, no one shall sleep hungry.
Everyone shall sit together can share a meal together. On Guru Nanak Jayanti, Langars are organized at Gurdwaras worldwide, feeding thousands with love and humility.
Spiritual Enlightenment and Awakening:
On Guru Nanak Jayanti followers recite verses from the Guru Granth Sahib and introspect about the divinity, to purify their mind and thoughts. Guru Nanak Jayanti is a time to contemplate about spiritual growth.
Equality and Oneness:
On Guru Nanak Jayanti , devotees think about the beliefs of Guru Nanak Dev Ji like acting against inequalities in the society like that of caste system and gender based inequalities. He believed and taught that everyone is the same in the divine’s eyes.
Message of Peace:
Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught that everyone should elevate above religion. His ideals of oneness and harmony is reminisced upon on the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti.
How Guru Nanak Jayanti is Celebrated
The celebrations of Guru Nanak Jayanti begin in advance. Two days in advance the Akhand Paath which is the non stop reading of Guru Granth Sahib takes place. Kirtan and Katha are organised in Gurudwaras which emphasise upon the teachings of Guru Nanak Ji.
Magnificent and spectacular processions called Nagar Kirtan are taken out a day before Guru Nanak Jayanti. which happens on the streets. The Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones) lead the procession carrying the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) and the holy scripture. Everyone taking part in the procession and anyone who even watches it chant in unison “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh,”
The morning of Guru Nanak Jayanti, starts with Asa-di-Var (morning prayers), which is followed by Kirtans and Langar. Gurdwaras are decorated beautifully with lights and flowers, and the devotees perform Seva which is one of the most important teachings of Guru Nanak.
Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji : the beautiful path to humanity
Even after five centuries the ideals and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji continue to inspire. His teachings rise above the boundaries of region and religion. Some of his most heartfelt resounding messages are:
- “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim, only the human spirit.”
- “Speak only that which brings honor.”
- “He who has no faith in himself can never have faith in God.”
- “Let no man in the world live in delusion. Without a Guru, none can cross over to the other shore.”
Conclusion
Guru Nanak Jayanti is not just a celebration or just a festival but it is a time of spiritual upliftment. This day reminds us to inculcate the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in our lives and then walk on that path. His prophecy and foresight of a world where everyone is equal, everyone is compassionate, will show the path of peace to each and all.
As we celebrate his Prakash Parv, let us remember his eternal message — to see God in everyone and to serve humanity selflessly.