Guru Nanak Jayanti- Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa and Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Guru Parv and Gurunanak Parv, is one of the most sacred holidays observed by Sikhs worldwide. It celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of ten Sikh Gurus.

 

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is marked with great devotion, prayer, and community service. This festival commemorates Guru Nanak's teachings of equality, humility, and devotion to one Supreme God.

 

 

Who Was Guru Nanak? 

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, a spiritual leader, philosopher, and social reformer, founded Sikhism in the 15th century. His teachings, gathered in the sacred Sikh book Guru Granth Sahib, emphasise the ideals of God's oneness, selfless service, love, and equality for all human beings. 

 

 

When was Guru Nanak born?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on April 15, 1469 at Rai Bhoi Di Talwandi, also known as Nankana Sahib, in modern-day Pakistan. However, Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti according to the lunar calendar, therefore the date changes each year.

 

 

When Is Gurupurab Celebrated?

Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of Kartik month, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This means that Gurpurab takes place on a different date each year. Guru Nanak Jayanti will be held on November 5, 2025.  

 

 

The Importance of Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings revolutionised religious and social systems throughout his time. He questioned caste discrimination, religious dogma, and inequality. His spiritual worldview is founded upon three key principles: 

 

1. Naam Japna (Remembering God's Name): 

• Living a life of dedication and thankfulness. 

 

2. Kirat Karni (Honest Living): 

• Making a living by hard effort and honesty. 

 

3. Vand Chakna (Sharing with Others): 

• It means selflessly sharing wealth, food, and resources with people in need.

 

These teachings continue to enlighten and inspire people worldwide.

 

 

How Is Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebrated?

 

The Guru Parv festival lasts three days and includes spiritual practices, prayers, and selfless service.

 

1. Akhand Path (Continuous Reading of Guru Granth Sahib): 

• Two days before Gurupurab, a 48-hour non-stop reading of Guru Granth Sahib is held in Gurdwaras, known as Akhand Path.

 

2. Nagar Kirtan (Religious Procession): 

• A day before Gurpurab, a big Nagar Kirtan takes place. The parade includes devotional singing, Sikh flags (Nishan Sahib), and martial arts performances (Gatka).

 

3. Early Morning Prayers and Kirtan:   

• During Guru Parv, devotees congregate in Gurdwaras for early morning prayers and devotional singing. The festival starts with the recitation of Asa di Var, a hymn penned by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

 

4. Katha and Discourses: 

• Scholars and religious leaders explain the life and teachings  of Guru Nanak Dev Ji through sermons and spiritual discourses.  

 

5. Langar—The Community Feast:

• One of the most important aspects of Guru Nanak Jayanti is the Langar, which is a free community meal provided to everybody, regardless of caste, creed, or status. This behaviour represents equality and unselfish service. 

 

6. Night Prayers and Kirtan: 

• Celebrations continue throughout the night with devotional singing (Kirtan) and prayers. The event ends at midnight, the time of Guru Nanak's birth.\

 

 

Life and Philosophy of Guru Nanak:

Prior to Nanak's birth in 1469 CE, India was dominated by a hierarchical hierarchy known as the caste system. This structure ensured that unlucky people remained impoverished while wealthy people continued to grow their influence. Guru Nanak recognised that this system was unjust, so he dedicated his life to opposing it. Following prolonged meditation and self-reflection, Guru Nanak saw a vision that revealed God's genuine intent. According to this vision, connecting with God did not require India's formal institutions or caste structure. Guru Nanak believed that all humans had a direct relationship to God.

 

Following prolonged meditation and self-reflection, Guru Nanak saw a vision that revealed God's genuine intent. According to this vision, connecting with God did not require India's formal institutions or caste structure. Guru Nanak believed that all humans had a direct relationship to God. This drove Guru Nanak to reject the priesthood and caste hierarchies. Guru Nanak refused to embrace the Vedas, Hinduism's ancient holy literature.

 

At first, Guru Nanak was labelled a heretic who opposed God's plan. This all changed when the Dalits, or the lowest class, discovered that Guru Nanak's philosophy could improve their lives significantly. Soon after, many people saw Guru Nanak as a champion. Guru Nanak also taught his disciples that conventional methods of communicating with God, including fasting and pilgrimage, were ineffective. He recommended that his followers merely live a decent life and worship God via prayer.

 

After disrupting the caste structure, Guru Nanak became a political adversary of the clergy and Mughal emperors. Guru Nanak was eventually jailed for defying Mughal ruler Babar. Guru Nanak is credited with the establishment of Sikhism. After Nanak died, his wisdom and energy were passed down to nine Sikh gurus.

 

Guru Nanak's Teachings and Their Importance Today

Guru Nanak's wisdom and teachings are ageless and internationally applicable: 

 

Oneness of God - 

• Guru Nanak emphasised that there is only one God (Ek Onkar) who is for everyone. 

 Equality for All - 

• He opposed caste discrimination and advocated for social equality. 

 

Service to Humanity - 

• Guru Nanak emphasised selfless service (sewa) to the poor. 

 

Honesty and Hard Work - 

• He believed in living a moral life and earning money by honest means. 

 

Spiritual Enlightenment - 

• Guru Nanak taught that true enlightenment requires commitment and self-discipline. In today's world, his teachings can lead us to unity, peace, and compassion.

 

 

Upcoming Guru Nanak Jayanti Dates:

 

 

Conclusion

Guru Nanak Jayanti is more than just a celebration; it is a spiritual awakening that encourages people to follow the paths of righteousness, love, and devotion. As we celebrate Guru Parv, let us remember Guru Nanak Dev Ji's great knowledge and work to establish a world of peace, harmony, and selfless service. His lessons on equality, compassion, and humility continue to enlighten millions, pushing humanity towards a better, more loving future.

 

May we embrace his message and use his teachings in our daily lives. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa and Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!