DIDM celebrates the birth of the first Sikh Guru with pure heart and devotion.
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Guru Purab, is the most sacred festival in Sikhism. Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
Guru Purab is an auspicious day that holds great significance for Sikhs across the world. On this day, everyone recognizes the profound teachings of Guru Nanak.
Guru Nanak Ji emphasized the values of equality, compassion, and selfless service, which are essential for the well-being of the world.
Guru Nanak Dev ji was born in the year 1469 in Talwandi, which is now known as Nankana Sahib, currently located in Pakistan.
This day is celebrated to purely honor the first guru of Sikhs and devotees offer prayers at Guru Dwaras with devotion and faith.
As per the Sikh Literature, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji is celebrated in the lunar month of Kartik on the Full Moon day. This year Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurupurab is on November 15th, 2024.
It will be observed as the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The followers across the world of Sikhism celebrate this day with celebrations in Gurudwaras two days before the day of Jayanti. An Akhand Path held on for 48 hours non-stop with the recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib.
To celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak, a Nagarkirtan is organized one day prior which is a procession and it is led by five men known as Panj Pyare.
On the same day of Guru Purab, devotees participate in Langar which is a community kitchen to provide food for the needy or anyone. It is a tradition to provide food to anyone irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, or class.
As per the teaching of Guru Nanak Dev ji, to provide food to needy people is ‘Sacha Sauda’.
When Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a child, his father wanted to teach him some money and trading skills to include him in the family business and told him to go to the market by giving him some money and to do ‘Sacha Sauda’.
At this time, Nanak was just 12 years old, and Guru used the money to buy food for a large group of saints who had been hungry for days and told his father about making the worldly deal ‘Sacha Sauda’.
Guru Nanak’s teachings were revolutionary for his time and he wanted to bring a positive change in humanity. Some of his core messages are:
Ek Onkar (There is One God): Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasized monotheism which is a belief in a sing, formless, and the most powerful God.
Equality and Brotherhood: As per Guru Nanak Ji, all humans are equal regardless of caste, race, or gender.
Selfless Service (Seva): He always preached and advocated for selfless seva and encouraged everyone to help each other without seeking personal gain.
Kirat Karo (Earn an Honest Living): Guru Nanak preached about earning your livelihood in honest and ethical ways.
Naam Japna (Chant the Name of God): Guru Nanak Dev ji promoted continuous chanting and remembering God’s name.
Guru Nanak Dev travels through India, the Middle East, and beyond to spread his spiritual insights to everyone. He has great respect for all religions as he underscored his belief in universalism.
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a celebration of life and values that teaches us to live with integrity, help each other selflessly, and grow spiritually.
May his principles inspire everyone to a collaborative environment where every individual feels valued and motivated to achieve goals regardless of their background.
Wishing you and your family a Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti from all of us at DIDM!
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