Guru Nanak Jayanti: Significance of this Sikh Festival & how celebrated

 


Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the most significant festivals in Sikhism, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith. It is also known as Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav. The festival is observed on the full moon day of the Kartik month, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.


Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti


1. Teachings of Guru Nanak: Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasized the principles of equality, compassion, humility, and devotion to God. His teachings challenge social inequalities, including caste discrimination and gender bias.


2. Universal Message: Guru Nanak’s message, expressed in the Japji Sahib and other hymns, highlights the oneness of God (Ik Onkar) and the importance of honest living, selfless service (sewa), and meditative remembrance of God (simran).


3. Cultural and Spiritual Importance: The day serves as a reminder of Sikhism’s core values, promoting harmony and unity among people of all faiths.


How Guru Nanak Jayanti is Celebrated

1. Akhand Path: The celebrations begin with the continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, for 48 hours.


2. Prabhat Pheris: Early morning processions, called Prabhat Pheris, are carried out in local neighborhoods, where devotees sing hymns and spread Guru Nanak's teachings.


3. Nagar Kirtan: A grand procession, known as Nagar Kirtan, is led by the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones). It features devotional singing, martial arts demonstrations, and displays of Sikh traditions.


4. Gurdwara Ceremonies: Special prayers and kirtans are held in gurdwaras. Devotees listen to spiritual discourses and offer their respects to the Guru Granth Sahib.


5. Langar (Community Meal): Free community meals are served to all, symbolizing the spirit of equality and selfless service.


6. Illuminations and Festivities: Many gurdwaras and homes are decorated with lights and candles. The festive atmosphere reflects joy and devotion.


Guru Nanak Jayanti is not only a religious event but also a celebration of values that transcend cultural and religious boundaries, fostering a sense of community and universal brotherhood.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Olympics24 : Julien Alfred of St Lucia becomes fastest woman on earth by winning 100 mtrs

Image
  Saint Lucia's Julien Alfred did wonders to put her country in the Olympics map by beconing the fastest woman on earth . Before the semi-finals, when Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce withdrew, everyone thought Sha'Carri Richardson would easily win the gold. She was expected to become the world's fastest woman. However, Sha'Carri disappointed. St. Lucia's Julien Alfred won the gold in the women's 100 meters at the Olympics, finishing in 10.72 seconds. Sha'Carri secured the silver by finishing second, while America's Melissa Jefferson took bronze. The event was delayed slightly due to rain before the race. Despite the wet track, Julien seemed unaffected. She took the lead right from the start and maintained it until the end. Despite her efforts, Sha'Carri couldn't catch up. Julien set a national record by finishing in 10.72 seconds. Her celebration after winning gold showed how significant this victory was for her and her country. Sha'Car
Read more

Olympics24 : Ten men India edge out Britain in tie breaker to storm into hockey SF

Image
  India reached the Olympic hockey semifinals by defeating Britain in a shootout. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, leading to a shootout where India won 4-2. India played with ten players for 42 minutes to secure the victory. In the semifinals, India will face the winner of the Germany-Argentina match. A win in Tuesday's match will ensure a silver medal for last time's bronze winners at the Paris Olympics. Following the advice of video umpire , Indian defender Amit Rohidas was shown a red card in the fourth minute of the second quarter for unintentional stick contact with a British player’s head. Video umpire Goyentzen suggested it was intentional, and South African field umpire Sean Rapaport recommended a red card, resulting in India playing the rest of the match with ten players. This is the first red card issued in this Olympic hockey tournament. Despite this, India remained undeterred. Coach Craig Fulton adjusted the strategy after going down to ten players. Captain
Read more

Olympics24 : USA thrives on Steph Curry's late blast to overcome France & win basketball gold, Serbia gets bronze

Image
  For the fifth consecutive time, Team USA secured the gold medal in basketball  at the Olympics by defeating host nation France 98-87 in the championship game of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Saturday. Following a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to overcome Serbia in the semifinals, Team USA faced another challenge as their 11-point lead in the final quarter was narrowed to just three points after a tip-in by Victor Wembanyama with 2:58 remaining. However, Steph Curry rose to the occasion, scoring 12 points in the final 2:48, all from beyond the 3-point line. His clutch performance not only helped the Americans maintain their lead but also extend it to a more comfortable margin, much to the satisfaction of fans back home who held high expectations for their national basketball team. Curry finished the game with 24 points, while Kevin Durant and Devin Booker each contributed 15 points, and LeBron James added 14. With basketball legends like Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant possibly
Read more