Guru Nanak Jayanti 2023: Know Significance and Importance
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2023: Know Significance and Importance
Guru Nanak Jayanti, Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab of Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav, commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism and one of the most well-known and significant Sikh gurus, is held in the highest regard by the Sikh people.
One of the holiest festivals in Sikhism is this one. The anniversaries of the ten Sikh Gurus serve as the focal point of Sikh celebrations. The Gurus were in charge of forming the Sikhs’ beliefs. The Sikhs celebrate their birthdays, known as Gurpurab, with prayers and festivities.
Background
According to the Vikram Samvat calendar, Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born on Puranmashi of Kattak in 1469. Guru Nanak is said to have been born on the Full Moon (Pooranmashi) of the Indian Lunar Month Kartik, according to the contentious Bhai Bala Janamsakhi. Because of this, the Sikhs have been celebrating Guru Nanak’s Gurpurab in November, a tradition deeply rooted in Sikh culture.
On the other hand, some academics and organizations think the Birthday ought to be observed on Vaisakhi, which falls on November 27 in accordance with the 2003 Nanakshahi Calendar that Sri Akal Takht originally approved. Nonetheless, a lot of individuals and groups would prefer to observe the customary day by commemorating on the Full Moon Day of the Lunar Month Kartik, also known as Pooranmashi or Purnima. Kartik Purnima is the day on which the Nanakshahi Calendar celebrates the Gregorian calendar. There is an inconsistency between the time units here. Because the three natural units of time—the day, the month, and the year—are based on three separate movements—the Earth’s rotation around its axis, the Moon’s revolution around the Earth, and the Earth’s revolution around the Sun—creating an accurate calendar is a challenge.
Significance
According to Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings, anyone can become a follower of God by engaging in conscience-free worship. One can find his teachings in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Date & Time
People celebrate the festival on the fifteenth lunar day of the Hindu month of Kartik, also known as Kartik Poornima in the Gregorian calendar. This happens in November according to the Hindu calendar. This year, on Monday, November 27, Sikhs everywhere will celebrate the auspicious festival with the deepest love and reverence. It will be observed as Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 554th birthday.
Some Rituals to Follow
In Sikhism, Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is observed with important rituals. Devotees lead Kirtan and Katha sessions to sing hymns and discuss teachings, take part in Nagar Kirtan processions, and read the Guru Granth Sahib continuously. To encourage equality, free meals are served at Langar Seva, the community kitchen. Prayers and the recitation of Gurbani express gratitude and ask for well-being. Additionally, Kar Sewa honors the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and reflects the fundamental principles of Sikhism through voluntary community service.
Shreyas Vange
