Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to people across the country on the occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

About Parkash Purab

• Parkash Purab marks the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism.
• is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Kartika (October-November) according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
  • This Year it is celebrated on 5th November
• Celebration Traditions:
  • Prabhat Pheris: Early morning processions, known as Prabhat Pheris, are organized in various gurdwaras (Sikh temples), where hymns (Shabad Kirtan) are sung.
  • Akhand Path: A continuous, non-stop recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism) is performed in the days leading up to the festival.
  • Langar (Community Meal): Free meals are served to everyone, regardless of background or belief, as a practice of selfless service and equality.
  • Kirtan and Religious Ceremonies: Devotees gather in gurdwaras for Kirtan (singing of hymns) and Katha (religious discourse), reflecting on Guru Nanak’s teachings.

About Guru Nanak Dev JI

• Birth: Born in 1469 at Talwandi Rai Bhoe (near Lahore), later renamed Nankana Sahib.
• Contributions and Legacy:
  • Founder of Sikhism and regarded as the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
  • Composed 974 hymns, which form a significant part of the Guru Granth Sahib.
  • His compositions were first compiled in the Adi Granth by Guru Arjan Dev (1563–1606), the fifth Sikh Guru.
  • The scripture was later expanded by Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708) and came to be known as the Guru Granth Sahib.
  • Emphasized oneness of God, equality, social justice, and selfless service to humanity.
  • Advocated the ‘Nirguna Bhakti’ tradition — devotion to a formless, eternal divine.
  • Remembered for spreading the message of peace, unity, and compassion across communities.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

• Guru Nanak’s Teachings:
  • Naam Japna – Remembrance of God’s name.
    • Encourages constant remembrance and meditation on the name of God — Waheguru or Satnam.
    • Aims to maintain a spiritual connection with the Divine.
  • Kirat Karni – Honest living.
    • Emphasizes living a life of honesty, integrity, and hard work.
    • Sikhs are expected to earn their livelihood ethically and avoid deceit or exploitation.
    • Work is viewed as a form of service to God and humanity.
  • Vand Chakna – Sharing with others.
    • Encourages selfless service, charity, and sharing of resources with the needy.
    • Promotes community welfare and equality through acts of giving.
    • The tradition of Langar (community kitchen) reflects this principle — offering free meals to all, regardless of caste, creed, or background.
• Major Travels (Udasis): Undertook four extensive spiritual journeys (Udasis) across India, Tibet, Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Central Asia, spreading his message of Ek Onkar (One God) and human unity.
• Institutional Contributions:
  • Founded Kartarpur Sahib (Punjab region) – first Sikh commune where all lived and ate together.
  • Established the institutions of Sangat (community congregation) and Langar (free community kitchen) promoting social equality.
• Death: In 1539 at Kartarpur, Punjab.

DOWNLOAD PDF