Guru Nanak Jayanti 2021: Check date, significance and history of Gurpurab
Gurpurab 2021: Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak's Parkash Utsav and Guru Nanak Jayanti, marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the 10 Sikh gurus.
Guru Nanak Dev is highly revered by the Sikh community, and Gurpurab is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism.
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Guru Nanak's birth place
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on 'Puranmashi' of 'Kattak' in 1469 at Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in Shekhupura district of Pakistan. It is now known as Nankana Sahib. On Gurpurab, there is a gazetted holiday in India.
Gurpurab celebrations
In 2021, Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab shall be observed on November 19.
The Sikhs have been celebrating Guru Nanak's Gurpurab around November. However, some scholars and organisations believe Guru Nanak Jayanti should be celebrated on Baisakhi, which falls on April 14 according to the original Nanakshahi Calendar passed by the Akal Takht in 2003.
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The original Nanakshahi Calendar follows the tradition and celebrates it on Kartik Purnima due to demands by various Sikh Saints.
Guru Nanak's teachings
The most famous teachings attributed to Guru Nanak Dev Ji are that there is only one God, and that all human beings can have direct access to God. The Guru denounced the caste system and said "everyone is equal, regardless of caste or gender".
He believed 'Vand Shhako': Share with others, help those who are in need, so you may eat together; and 'Kirat Karo': Earn an honest living, without exploitation or fraud.
His other key lessons included honesty and truth overpower everything; equality and brotherhood go hand in hand; to live a life away from evil and see or hear no discrimination.
Significance of the day
Ahead of Gurpurab, members of the Sikh community take out 'prabhat feris' in the wee hours. Akhand Paath is organised two days prior to Guru Nanak Jayanti and the bhog is held on Gurpurab. A nagar kirtan on the eve of Guru Nanak Jayanti is the main highlight.
On Guru Nanak Jayanti, members of the Sikh community do 'paath' and sing 'Asa di Vaar' (morning hymns), do 'kathas', followed by shabad kirtan. At the end of the day, langar (community kitchen) is organised in various gurdwaras. In the evening, members of all communities light candles and diyas at gurdwaras, and fireworks are also organised.
However, it is also to be noted that Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with zeal and fervour by members of other communities too.
