What is Guru Nanak Jayanti?

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is one of the most important religious festivals for Sikhs around the world, celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. This significant occasion is observed on the full moon day of the Kartik month according to the Hindu lunar calendar, usually falling in October or November. It is a time to reflect on Guru Nanak’s teachings of equality, love, and service to humanity.

future dates for Guru Nanak Jayanti:

• 2024: November 15
• 2025: November 5
• 2026: October 25
• 2027: November 14
• 2028: November 2

The day is marked by prayers, processions, and Kirtans (devotional songs), as well as gatherings at Gurdwaras (Sikh temples), where the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, is read continuously for 48 hours in a practice called Akhand Path. The teachings of Guru Nanak focus on living a life of truth, humility, and selflessness, and these values are emphasized throughout the celebrations.

History and Origin

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib, in Pakistan. He was the first of the ten Sikh Gurus and laid the foundation of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that preaches the oneness of God and the equality of all humans, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender. His teachings challenged the prevailing social structures and religious orthodoxy of the time, emphasizing universal brotherhood, the rejection of superstitions, and direct communion with God through meditation and selfless service.

Guru Nanak Jayanti has been celebrated for centuries, honoring the principles of Naam Japna (remembering God’s name), Kirat Karni (honest living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others), which form the pillars of Sikhism. It is a day for Sikhs to come together and reflect on the values of equality, kindness, and community service, continuing the legacy of Guru Nanak.

Who Observes Guru Nanak Jayanti?

• Sikh Community: Sikhs around the world observe Guru Nanak Jayanti by attending prayers at Gurdwaras, listening to sermons about Guru Nanak’s life, and participating in religious processions called Nagar Kirtans.
• Families and Friends: Families celebrate by gathering together, preparing meals, and serving in Langars (community kitchens), where free meals are served to everyone, regardless of background, to honor Guru Nanak’s teaching of equality.
• Gurdwaras and Religious Leaders: Gurdwaras hold special programs that include reading from the Guru Granth Sahib, performing Kirtans, and organizing communal feasts. Religious leaders share messages about Guru Nanak’s teachings to inspire the community.
• Cultural Organizations: Sikh cultural groups often host events that showcase the teachings of Guru Nanak through dramas, lectures, and educational programs to spread awareness of his philosophy.
• Non-Sikh Communities: People from various religious backgrounds also join in the celebrations to learn about Sikhism, experience the spirit of service at Langars, and engage in the festivities, reflecting the inclusive message of Guru Nanak.

Slogans and Themes

Guru Nanak Jayanti is centered around themes of universal brotherhood, oneness with God, and service to humanity. Slogans such as “Ek Onkar” (God is One) and “Sarbat da Bhala” (Welfare of All) reflect Guru Nanak’s teachings of unity, humility, and compassion.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

Colors:

• Saffron/Orange: This color is widely associated with Sikhism and represents courage and sacrifice, commonly seen in the flags at Gurdwaras and in the attire of devotees during Guru Nanak Jayanti.
• White: Symbolizing purity and peace, many wear white during the celebrations as a reflection of spiritual devotion and humility.
• Blue: A color often associated with the Khalsa (the collective body of baptized Sikhs), blue represents sovereignty and service.

Symbols:

• Ek Onkar: The fundamental symbol of Sikhism, meaning “One God,” represents the monotheistic belief system of Sikhs and is prominently used during the celebrations.
• Khanda: The emblem of Sikhism, consisting of a double-edged sword surrounded by two single-edged swords and a circular shield, symbolizes the strength and unity of the Sikh faith.
• Guru Granth Sahib: The central scripture of Sikhism, it is treated with the highest reverence during the celebrations, and special recitations are held in its honor.

Patterns:

• Gurdwara Motifs: Architectural designs of Gurdwaras, representing the spiritual homes of Sikhs, are often featured in decorations and artwork during Guru Nanak Jayanti.
• Geometric Patterns: Traditional Sikh art, including intricate geometric patterns, is used to adorn the Gurdwaras and in religious processions, symbolizing the harmony and balance found in Sikh teachings.
• Floral Designs: Flowers are used to decorate Gurdwaras and processions, symbolizing the beauty of spiritual purity and the joy of celebrating Guru Nanak’s life.

Most Used Hashtags

• #GuruNanakJayanti
• #Gurpurab
• #GuruNanakDevJi
• #Sikhism
• #LangarSeva

How to Participate in Guru Nanak Jayanti

• Attend Prayers at a Gurdwara: Join Sikhs in Gurdwaras for special prayers, listen to Kirtans, and take part in the Akhand Path, the continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Serve in a Langar: Participate in the preparation and serving of meals at a community Langar, where food is provided to all, reflecting Guru Nanak’s message of equality and selfless service.
• Take Part in a Nagar Kirtan: Join the religious processions, where Sikhs walk through their neighborhoods singing hymns, playing devotional music, and carrying the Guru Granth Sahib in a palanquin.
• Learn and Reflect on Guru Nanak’s Teachings: Spend time reading about the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, especially his core principles of unity, humility, and devotion to God.
• Engage in Acts of Kindness: Guru Nanak’s message of compassion and service to others can be practiced by helping the needy, donating to charity, or engaging in community service projects.

Importance of Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Jayanti holds immense significance not only for Sikhs but for all people who appreciate the values of compassion, service, and equality. Guru Nanak’s teachings are centered on breaking down societal barriers of caste, religion, and gender, advocating for a world where justice and unity prevail. The celebrations serve as a time to come together in service and spirituality, reflecting on the deeper messages of humility and selflessness.

Guru Nanak Jayanti also emphasizes the importance of Langar, where all people, regardless of background, sit together to share a meal, embodying the Sikh principle of inclusivity. The day brings communities closer and highlights the relevance of Guru Nanak’s teachings in today’s world, where issues of equality and social justice remain critical.