Gurpurab: Guru Nanak Jayanti

Gurpurab is celebration or commemoration based on the lives of one of the Sikh gurus. The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion, usually comes in the month of November, and this day is being celebrated as Gurpurab, and also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti. It’s more that a festive time for Sikh community across the globe to worship and celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti and Gurpurab.

The Gurpurab is the special occasion, and celebration of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak or Guru Nanak Jayanti lasts for three days. Akhand Path is performed in the Gurdwaras before two days before of Gurpurab or the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. On another day before of the Gurpurab, a procession is organized, Gatka the martial art team show their swordsmanship and the procession and entire Sikh community participate singing hymns of Guru Nanak.

On the Gurpurab day, or the birth anniversary day, special programmes are being started from the wee hours. With the singing of Asa-di-var and hymns from Guru Granth Sahib. Sometimes it is followed by katha (discourse), religious and Sikh Historical lectures and recitation of poems in praise of the Guru. Kirtan-Darbars and Amrit Sanchar ceremonies are also held in the Gurdwara hall. After Ardas and distribution of Karah Parshad (sweet pudding) the Langar (food) is served to one and all and there is kirtan till late in the night, the distribution of langar continues to the end of the programme.

The birth anniversary of other Sikh Gurus are being organized and celebrated with gaiety in Punjab and across the globe by the Sikh community. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, the tenth Nanak was born at Patna Sahib on 22nd December 1666, (Poh Sudi Saptmi). His birthday generally falls in December or January or sometimes twice within a year as it is calculated according to Hindu Bikrami Calendar based on moon-year. According to Nanakshahi calendar the birth-day of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib falls only once in a year i.e. on 5th January (every year).