Chandigarh, Nov 5: Every year, on the full moon of Kartik, the Sikh community across India and the world comes together to celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of Sikhism. This festival, known as Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab, is observed with devotion, processions, prayers, and community service, honoring his teachings of equality, service, and devotion to one God.
At its core, the festival commemorates Guru Nanak’s life and mission. Born in 1469 in the village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan), he devoted his life to spreading the message that all human beings are equal, and that one should live honestly, serve others selflessly, and remember God in all actions. His teachings challenged rigid social divisions and emphasized the unity of humanity.
The celebrations usually begin early in the morning with Prabhat Pheris, processions that start at Gurdwaras and move through localities while devotees sing hymns. Two days before the birthday, many Gurdwaras host an Akhand Path, a 48-hour uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs.
On the day before the birthday, a grand procession called Nagar Kirtan is organized. The Panj Pyare, or the Five Beloved Ones, lead the procession, carrying the Sikh flag, Nishan Sahib, and the palanquin of the Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by devotees singing hymns, brass bands, and teams performing Gatka, a traditional martial art display. Streets are decorated with banners, flags, and flowers as the message of Guru Nanak spreads through the town.
The day of Gurpurab itself begins at Amrit Vela, around 4 to 5 a.m., with the singing of morning hymns, Asa-Ki-Vaar, followed by Kirtan (devotional singing) and Katha (scripture expositions). A special Langar, or community meal, is served, where people of all backgrounds sit together and share food, embodying Guru Nanak’s principles of equality and selfless service. Evening prayers, or Rehras, are held at sunset, followed by night-long hymns until the congregation sings Gurbani in the early hours, marking the actual time of Guru Nanak’s birth.
For Sikhs, Guru Nanak Jayanti is more than a festival—it is a renewal of values. It serves as a reminder that spiritual devotion is not only about rituals but also about compassion, equality, and service to humanity. From Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh to cities across the globe, the festival remains one of the most important and colorful occasions in the Sikh calendar.
