Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti, also known as Guru Purab or Prakash Utsav, is one of the most major events for Sikhs. This day commemorates Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary as the founder of Sikhism. Sikhs all across the globe pay honour to their Guru, who was born in 1469 at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, today known as Nanaka Sahib, near Lahore (in modern-day Pakistan).
In Sikhism, it is believed that Guru Nanak Dev ji brought enlightenment to the world.
According to the traditional lunar calendar, the date of Gurpurab varies from year to year. Guru Nanak Jayanti occurs on the thirtieth day of the auspicious Kartik month. The day coincides with Kartik Purnima. This year, the Jayanti would be celebrated on November 19.
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Guru Nanak Jayanti: History and Significance
Guru Nanak Dev, the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, was born at Nankana Sahib in 1469. Because he was the founder of Sikhism (the Sikh faith), his birth is considered fortunate and heavenly. Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed to commemorate Guru Nanak Dev's teachings. And one of the Guru's primary teachings is belief in one God (Ek Onkar) and surrender to God's will (Waheguru). All of Guru Nanak Dev's teachings and ideals may be found in Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism's Holy Book.
Guru Nanak Jayanti: How to celebrate?
Two days before the birthday, Gurdwaras organise Akhand Path, a 48-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib. Celebrations on Gurupurab begin early in the morning with the Prabhat Pheri (procession) (Amrit Vela). Katha, kirtan, and langar are then performed. Free community meal (langar) is open for everyone, regardless cast, colour, creed, religion.