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Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 Date, History, 555th Birth Anniversary

PWOnlyIAS November 15, 2024 09:50 1505 0

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 will be celebrated on November 15, 2024. Learn more about Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 here.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 Date, History, 555th Birth Anniversary

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024: Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is an important festival celebrated by Sikhs worldwide to honor the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. This day is significant as it commemorates Guru Nanak’s teachings and contributions to humanity. Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2024 is being observed with devotion, prayers, and community service.

When is Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024?

Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2024 is celebrated on November 15, corresponding to Kartik Purnima on the Hindu calendar. This festival falls on the full moon day in the Kartik month and is marked by various rituals and celebrations, primarily in Sikh communities across the globe.

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Who was Guru Nanak Dev?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, born in 1469 CE in Talwandi (now in Pakistan), was the first Sikh Guru and the founder of Sikhism. He advocated for a life of spirituality, equality, and social justice, against discrimination and religious orthodoxy. Guru Nanak’s travels across the Indian subcontinent and beyond allowed him to spread messages of unity, tolerance, and devotion.

Key Aspects Details
Birthplace Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan)
Date of Birth April 15, 1469
Significant Teachings Equality, Compassion, Truthfulness, Devotion
Founded Sikhism Based on principles of oneness and service

Why is Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated?

This festival is one of the most significant events in the Sikh calendar and is observed by Sikhs around the world. Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrates the teachings and life of Guru Nanak, who emphasized values such as equality, unity, humility, and devotion to God.

Guru Nanak’s life was marked by his travels across South Asia and the Middle East, where he shared his philosophy of a universal, loving God and a life dedicated to compassion, truth, and justice. He opposed religious discrimination, rituals, and societal hierarchies, advocating instead for a direct relationship with God and service to humanity.

The Life and Journey of Guru Nanak Dev

Guru Nanak’s life journey was remarkable. He traveled extensively, preaching values that transcended religion and caste. His teachings emphasized that God is universal and encouraged people to see divinity within themselves and in others. His travels, known as “Udasis,” took him across South Asia, including areas in modern-day India, Sri Lanka, Tibet, and Mecca. He shared wisdom and challenged established dogmas.

  • Birth: Born on April 15, 1469, in the village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi (now known as Nankana Sahib), in present-day Pakistan.
When Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on 15th April 1469, why do we celebrate his birth on the day of Kartika Poornima?

  • This variation in celebration dates is due to the differences between the lunar-based Hindu calendar and the solar-based Gregorian calendar.

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  • Significance: He is the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
  • Teachings: Guru Nanak’s teachings are encapsulated in his hymns and compositions, which are found in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. He emphasized the following key principles:
    • Oneness of God: Guru Nanak preached the belief in one God (Ik Onkar) who is formless, eternal, and all-pervading.
    • Equality: He rejected the caste system and emphasized the equality of all human beings, regardless of their social or religious background.
    • Selfless Service: Guru Nanak stressed the importance of selfless service and helping those in need, which is reflected in the Sikh practice of Langar (community kitchen) in Gurdwaras.
    • Naam Simran: He encouraged meditation and remembrance of God’s name as a means to connect with the divine.
  • Three pillars of Sikhism: Guru Nanak Dev founded and formalized the three pillars of Sikhism:
    • Naam Japna (Meditation on God’s Name): 
      • Sikhs are encouraged to remember and meditate on the name of God (often referred to as “Waheguru” or “Satnam”) as a way to maintain a strong connection with the Divine. 
      • The practice of Naam Japna involves constant remembrance and repetition of God’s name as a means of spiritual growth and realization.  
    • Kirat Karni (Honest and Hard Work): 
      • Guru Nanak emphasized the importance of leading an honest and truthful life. 
      • Sikhs are expected to earn their living through honest labor and to avoid engaging in unethical or fraudulent activities. 
      • The concept of Kirat Karni promotes the idea that work should be carried out with integrity and in service to humanity.  
    • Vand Chakna (Sharing with Others): 
      • Sikhs are encouraged to engage in selfless service and acts of charity. 
      • This includes sharing one’s wealth, resources, and time with those in need. 
      • The community kitchen, known as “langar,” is a significant manifestation of Vand Chakna, where free meals are provided to all, regardless of their background or social status. 
      • This practice promotes equality and community service.
  • Writings: His written compositions were included in the Adi Granth compiled by Guru Arjan (1563-1606), the fifth Sikh guru.
    • This came to be known as Guru Granth Sahib after the additions made by the 10th guru Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708).

Key Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev

Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings focus on compassion, humility, and service. His philosophy was built on three primary principles:

  1. Naam Japna (Meditation on God’s Name): Guru Nanak advocated for the remembrance of God, fostering a close relationship with the divine.
  2. Kirat Karni (Earning through Honest Means): He promoted earning one’s livelihood through hard work and honesty.
  3. Vand Chakna (Sharing with Others): Guru Nanak emphasized the importance of sharing resources with those in need, highlighting compassion and community service.

Key Facts about Guru Nanak Dev

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life and teachings have profoundly impacted spirituality and social justice. Here are some key facts that highlight his contributions and significance:

Key Fact Explanation
Founder of Sikhism Established Sikhism based on principles of equality and service
Promoted Equality Fought against caste and religious discrimination
Extensive Traveler He undertook journeys across Asia to spread his teachings
Rejection of Rituals Opposed rituals, advocating for direct devotion to the divine
Established Langar Introduced community kitchens to promote equality

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Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 Celebrations

The celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti includes prayers, hymn singing (kirtan), and community service. This day serves as a reminder to follow the values he promoted and to work towards a more compassionate and inclusive society. Guru Nanak Jayanti is marked by several rituals and events that honor the Guru’s legacy:

  • Akhand Path: A continuous 48-hour recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture.
  • Prabhat Pheris: Early morning processions in the community, singing hymns and praying.
  • Langar: Community kitchens that serve free meals to people of all backgrounds, promoting equality.
  • Kirtan: Singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, emphasizing spiritual devotion.

These traditions reflect Guru Nanak’s teachings of selfless service and unity.

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FAQs about Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru. He advocated for universal values like equality, compassion, and devotion.

Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on November 15, 2024, coinciding with Kartik Purnima.

Guru Nanak’s teachings include the importance of meditation, earning through honest work, and sharing with others.

It is celebrated with events like Akhand Path, Prabhat Pheris, Langar, and Kirtan, honoring Guru Nanak’s legacy.

Guru Nanak challenged social inequalities and promoted a philosophy that emphasizes unity, service, and ethical living, which influenced Indian society.
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