27th November - Guru Nanak Gurpurab
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a significant religious festival for Sikhs worldwide. It is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who is the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. This day is one of the most important occasions in Sikhism, and it is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm.
Sikhs commemorate Guru Nanak Jayanti with various activities and rituals. The celebrations typically include early morning processions called Nagar Kirtan, where Sikhs gather to sing hymns and carry the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture, in a procession. Gurdwaras, Sikh temples, are beautifully decorated, and special prayers and hymns are recited. Devotees also engage in selfless service and community kitchen (Langar) to promote the values of equality, selflessness, and service to humanity that are at the core of Sikhism.
Which festival is celebrated on the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on the full moon day of the month of Kartik in the Sikh calendar, which typically corresponds to the months of October or November in the Gregorian calendar. Since the Sikh calendar is based on the lunar calendar, the date of Guru Nanak Jayanti varies from year to year. The lunar calendar calculations determine the specific day when this important festival is celebrated, making it a movable holiday, much like other lunar-based festivals in various cultures. This date change adds an element of anticipation and reverence to the celebration each year, and it is a time when Sikhs come together to honor the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his teachings.
In what year Guru Nanak Dev ji was born and where ?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in the town of Rai-Bhoi-di-Talwandi, which is now known as Nankana Sahib in present-day Pakistan. He is highly revered as a spiritual leader and the founder of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings emphasized monotheism, equality, selfless service, and devotion to God. He is regarded as a social reformer for his efforts to promote harmony among different religious communities, challenge social inequalities, and advocate for the welfare of the marginalized and oppressed.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's legacy and teachings continue to inspire millions of people worldwide, not just within the Sikh community but also among those who seek wisdom, spirituality, and a path to leading a meaningful and virtuous life. His birth anniversary, Guru Nanak Jayanti, is a special occasion when Sikhs and people of various backgrounds come together to commemorate his life and teachings.
What were the major teachings of Baba Guru Nanak?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, imparted a profound and timeless set of principles that emphasize spirituality, equality, and unity. Some of the fundamental teachings of Guru Nanak include:
Oneness of God: Guru Nanak preached the oneness of God, emphasizing the belief in a single, formless, and omnipresent divine Creator. This monotheistic principle is central to Sikhism and is captured in the Sikh phrase "Ik Onkar," which means "One God."
Equality: Guru Nanak staunchly advocated for the equality of all human beings. He rejected social hierarchies and divisions based on caste, creed, or gender. Sikhs are taught to treat every individual with respect and dignity, emphasizing that all are equal in the eyes of God.
Spiritual Enlightenment: Guru Nanak emphasized the need for spiritual enlightenment and a personal connection with the divine. Sikhs are encouraged to meditate, recite hymns, and reflect on the teachings to attain a deeper spiritual understanding.
What is the first principle of Sikhism?
Guru Nanak's core teaching revolves around the belief in the oneness of God, which he stressed as the fundamental principle of Sikhism. This belief is encapsulated in the term "Ik Onkar," which signifies the idea of one supreme, formless, and all-pervading divine presence. The concept of "Ik Onkar" emphasizes the singularity and universality of God.
Guru Nanak was a vocal critic of the caste system and social hierarchies prevalent in his time. He rejected the idea of discrimination based on caste, creed, or social status. Instead, he promoted the concept of "Sangat" and "Pangat," which translates to the congregation and community kitchen, respectively. These practices are integral to Sikhism and emphasize the principles of equality and community living.
"Sangat" represents the gathering of people in a place of worship, where individuals from all backgrounds come together to sing hymns, meditate, and engage in spiritual discussions. This practice underscores the equality and unity of all who assemble to worship and learn.
"Pangat" refers to the community kitchen, where Sikhs and visitors of all social backgrounds and genders sit together and share a meal as equals. This practice symbolizes the rejection of social hierarchies and the promotion of equality and unity among all.
What are the rituals of Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a significant occasion for Sikhs, and the celebrations typically involve a range of religious and community activities. Here are some of the key traditions and practices observed during Guru Nanak Jayanti:
Gurdwara Visits
Kirtan (Devotional Songs)
Langar (Community Meals)
Akhand Path (Continuous Reading of the Guru Granth Sahib)
Community Service and Acts of Kindness
Guru Nanak Jayanti is not only a religious celebration but also an occasion to reflect on the teachings of Guru Nanak and strive for a life of humility, equality, and service to humanity. The communal and inclusive nature of the celebrations reflects the core values of Sikhism.
Sikhism - An Indian Religion
Guru Nanak Jayanti offers a chance to encourage interfaith dialogue and comprehension, inviting individuals from diverse backgrounds to partake in the festivities and gain insights into Sikhism. Participation in these celebrations fosters a sense of unity and enlightenment, celebrating diversity and establishing a platform for interfaith harmony and education during Sikh festivals.
Guru Nanak Jayanti serves as a bridge between different communities, fostering unity and understanding. Embracing diversity and providing a space for interfaith dialogue during these festivals is a powerful way to promote harmony and enlightenment.
What was the main aim behind the Udasis of Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
Prior to undertaking his spiritual journey, Guru Nanak Ji embarked on extensive travels, covering vast distances and visiting numerous sacred sites, collectively referred to as "Udasis." Throughout his travels, Guru Nanak actively advocated for gender equality, rejected social hierarchies, and emphasized the equality of all human beings in the eyes of God.
Guru Nanak Ji sounds like a wise and compassionate soul. Traveling thousands of miles to spread such important messages takes dedication. It's heartening to hear about his emphasis on equality and unity among people.
What is the meaning of tuk?
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲਾ ॥
ਤੇਰੇ ਭਾਣੇ ਸਰਬੱਤ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ॥
Meaning :-
Nanak Naam Chardi Kala,
Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhala
Oh Naanak, only the the True Naam(the Naam given to Abhelaakhis at the time of Ameit Sanchaar) can bring True Glory(ChaRdiklaa)
With Your Grace may everyone be blessed with your Darshan ( become Gursikhs, receive Naam)
Many do Arth that "Bhlaa" means "doing good" ie giving money to charity, helping out the "needy". But in the light of Gurbani, the True Bhlaa is if someone comes under the Sharan of Satguru Maharaj.
Guru Nanak Dev ji Quotes : गुरु नानक देव जी कोट्स
Some of the best collections of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The founder and first Guru of Sikhism.
I am neither male nor female, nor am I sexless. I am the Peaceful One, whose form is self-effulgent, powerful radiance.
Even Kings and emperors with heaps of wealth and vast dominion cannot compare with an ant filled with the love of God.
Let God’s grace be the mosque, and devotion the prayer mat. Let the Quran be good to conduct.
He who has no faith in himself can never have faith in God.
Through shallow intellect, the mind becomes shallow, and one eats the fly, along with the sweets.
Let no man in the world live in delusion. Without a Guru, none can cross over to the other shore.