Guru Nanak Dev Ji Birth Anniversary

About Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh guru , was born in 1469 in Talwandi. His father was Mehta Kalu and his mother was Mata Tripta. His older sister was Bibi Nanaki. From birth, Guru Ji was seen as a special figure and was God himself in a human form. As the founder of a new religion, Guru Nanak set down strong foundations for his successors and his followers. 

One of the most important beliefs of Sikhism that Guru Nanak Dev Ji set down is that it's necessary to help the needy and the poor. Guru Ji was always ready to help the poor and he served food to them. In fact, Guru Ji often invited the needy and the poor into his house. Another example of Guru Ji helping the poor and the needy occurred while he was a storekeeper. Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to spend a large part of his wages in order to feed the poor and the hungry.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji also taught us that there is one God and he is the Truth and Ultimate Reality. To emphasize this point, Guru Ji said, "There is neither Hindu nor Muslim." In God's eyes, the labels of Hindu, Muslim, Jew, Christian, etc. don't mean anything. Guru Ji also taught that God has created the universe and he is everywhere. In order to spread these messages, Guru Nanak Dev Ji took four long journeys. On these journeys, Guru Ji got many followers and was able to relate his message to many people.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught us that all human beings regardless of skin color, wealth, caste, and gender are created equal. When Guru Ji left this world at the age of 70, in 1539, he had laid down the foundations for a great religion.

Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji or Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the founder of Sikhism and so his birthday is of special importance to every Sikh. Usually his birthday known as Guru Nanak Jayanti falls in November but as per the lunar Indian Calendar, every year his birthday date keeps on changing. To start with the celebrations, Prabhat Pheris are held many days before the birthday date of Guru Sahib. Prabhat means morning and Pheris, which is derived from Pheras means rounds. In Prabhat Pheris Sikhs gathers at one place early morning at Gurdwara and start singing hymns. The whole procession then moves towards the home that has invited them for religious mean. After the complete pheri, Prasad is distributed among the Sangat. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday celebrations last for three days and instigate with Akhand Path. On the second day, a procession led by Panj Piare is organized that passes through main roads and streets. The Palki (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib is the main attraction that is decorated with flowers. Passersby pay obeisance to Guru Granth Sahib. Devotees also chant hymns and Sikhs play “Gatka” a kind of Sikh martial art in the procession. On the third day, i.e. on the birthday-date, Asa-di-Var (morning hymns) is recited at 4-5 AM. Then the hymns from Guru Granth Sahib are read which are followed by Katha, recitation of poems and lectures on the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The whole celebrations are performed till 2:00 pm which is followed by Ardas and Guru ka Langar. 

At some Gurdwaras, even the night prayers are done in which path of Rehras Sahib is recited followed by late night kirtan.