| |
 |
Guru Nanak Jayanti is the
birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru and the
founder of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev was born on 14 April 1469 in
Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present Shekhupura District of
Pakistan. Guru Nanak’s birthday falls on Kartik Poornima which
is sometime in the month of November.
Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated by the Sikh community all over
the world and is one of the most important and sacred festivals
in the Sikh calendar. In India the celebrations are particularly
elaborate in the states of Punjab and Haryana.
|
Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebrations:
Birth anniversaries of Sikh Gurus are called Guru Purabs. On the
occasion of Nanak Jayanti there are Prabhat Pheris, the early
morning procession that start from the Gurdwaras, go around
localities singing 'shabads'. People of all age groups
participate enthusiastically.
The celebrations include the
three-day ‘Akhand path’ during which the holy book, the Guru
Granth Sahib is read continuously, from beginning to end without
a break. After the Akhand Path the holy book is then taken out
in a procession, decorated with flowers and carried on a float.
Five armed guards, representing the Panj Pyares, head the
procession carrying Nishan Sahibs, the Sikh flag. They are
followed by groups of singers singing hymns, brass bands playing
different tunes; 'Gatka' teams (martial arts) display their
swordsmanship.
Later there is ‘Langar’
arranged by the volunteers at the Gurudwaras. In the evening,
the Gurdwaras are beautifully illuminated and special kirtans
are arranged. On the occasion of Nanak Jayanti the leaders
spread the message of Guru Nanak and remind people of his
teachings.
Life of Guru Nanak Dev:
Born to Mehta Kalu Chand, the village accountant and his wife
Tripta, Guru Nanak had a childhood unlike the others. At a very
young age he started talking about God. He spent time meditating
and doing spiritual practices. He studied Hinduism and Islam,
travelled all over India and few other countries and preached
true love and worship of God. He was married to Sulakhani and
had two sons Srichand and Lakshmichand. He passed away in 1539
and was succeeded by nine Gurus.
Teachings of Guru Nanak:
He was a great poet, philosopher and teacher. Guru Nanak has
also been called the ‘Prophet of Punjab and Sind’. He preached
goodness and the love of God. He didn’t believe in
discriminating humans on the basis of religion, caste, creed or
colour. He carried the message of one-ness of mankind through
his several travels or udasis, which are said to have extended
over three decades.
The Holy Text - Shri Guru Granth Sahib:
The holy book of the Sikhs, Shri Guru Granth Sahib popularly
known as Adi Granth is of 1430 pages containing the actual words
spoken by the ten Gurus. Initially it contained the hymns of the
first five Gurus. It was collected, arranged and formed into one
volume called Guru Granth Sahib by the fifth Guru. It contained
a few selections from the hymns of Kabir and other contemporary
Vaishnavite saints. Later the hymns of the ninth Guru were
incorporated in the holy Granth by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth
and last Sikh Guru. The Sikhs treat the Granth Sahib as their
Guru. A copy of the Granth is kept in every Gurudwara.
Author: Ms Coutinho.
|
|
