Guru Nanak Jayanti: Significance and Celebration of the Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev

• Festival significance: Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is the most important festival for the followers of the religion of Sikhism. 
• Birth commemoration: It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev. 
• Date and calendar: The festival is celebrated on the day of Kartik Poornima, which is the fifteenth lunar day in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar, and usually falls in the month of November by the Gregorian calendar.
• Guru Nanak Jayanti 2023: This year will mark the 554th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Jayanti and will be observed on Monday, November 27.

Guru Nanak Jayanti Traditions: A Celebration of Devotion, Community, and Service

• Nagar Kirtan: The celebrations of Guru Nanak Jayanti often begin with a Nagar Kirtan that involves the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, being carried through the streets, accompanied by devotional singing.
• Gurdwara Visits on Guru Nanak Jayanti: Sikhs visit Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) to offer their prayers and participate in special programs, including Kirtan (devotional singing), Katha (scripture readings), and Langar (community kitchen serving free meals to all).
• Akhand Path: It is a continuous, uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture, that lasts for 48 hours or more.
• Community Service: Many Sikhs engage in community service on this day, performing acts of selflessness and helping those in need. This reflects the teachings of Guru Nanak, who emphasized the importance of selfless service and equality.
• Gurbani Kirtan on Guru Nanak Jayanti: Special prayers and hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib are sung and recited to honor Guru Nanak’s teachings.
• Prabhat Pheri: Early morning processions called “Prabhat Pheri” are organized in some areas, where people sing hymns and recite prayers while walking through the streets.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji: Founder of Sikhism and Champion of Equality, Selfless Service, and Spiritual Unity

• Birth: Born on April 15, 1469, in the village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi (now known as Nankana Sahib), in present-day Pakistan.

• 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).

Guru Nanak’s Enduring Wisdom: Relevance in Today’s World for Equality, Interfaith Harmony, Service, and Environmental Responsibility

• Equality and Social Justice: In a world still grappling with discrimination and inequality, his teachings on social justice, fairness, and the rejection of caste-based divisions are particularly relevant.
• Interfaith Harmony: Guru Nanak engaged in dialogues with followers of different religious traditions and promoted religious tolerance and understanding. In today’s globalized and diverse world, his message of interfaith dialogue and respect for all religions can help foster peace and harmony.
• Compassion and Service: Guru Nanak’s teachings encourage selfless service and compassion for all living beings. In a world facing numerous humanitarian challenges, these values are crucial for addressing issues like poverty, hunger, and environmental sustainability.
• Community Welfare: The concept of “Sangat” (community of equals) and “Langar” (community kitchen) is integral to Sikhism. These principles encourage community bonding and the welfare of all members, regardless of their background. 
• Environmental Responsibility: Guru Nanak’s teachings also highlight the importance of environmental stewardship and respect for nature. In a time of climate change and ecological concerns, these teachings can inspire responsible environmental practices.
• Leadership and Ethics: Guru Nanak’s life exemplified leadership with integrity, honesty, and a strong moral compass. His teachings on ethical leadership and personal conduct are valuable in contemporary discussions on leadership and business ethics.
• Cultural Identity and Pride: Guru Nanak’s teachings help Sikhs and those influenced by his philosophy maintain a strong cultural and religious identity. In an era of globalization, preserving one’s cultural heritage is significant for maintaining a sense of self and community.