Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024: Honoring the Teachings and Legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh religion. It celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. This festival is observed with great devotion and reverence by Sikhs all around the world. The date of Guru Nanak Jayanti usually falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2024, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on Friday, November 15th. 

Cultural and Religious Significance

Guru Nanak Jayanti holds immense spiritual and cultural importance, as it honors Guru Nanak’s teachings of equality, humility, compassion, and devotion to God. His message transcended religious boundaries and focused on a universal path of truth, righteousness, and service to humanity. The three main principles of Guru Nanak’s teachings are:

1. Naam Japna (Meditation on God’s Name): Devotees are encouraged to focus on God and recite His name throughout their lives.
2. Kirat Karni (Earning an Honest Living): Guru Nanak emphasized the importance of earning a living through honest and hard work.
3. Vand Chakna (Sharing with Others): He also promoted the values of sharing, helping those in need, and living a life of humility.

These teachings form the foundation of Sikh philosophy and are embodied in the way Sikhs celebrate this festival.

Historical Background

Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in a village called Talwandi (now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan). From a young age, he exhibited signs of deep spirituality and a questioning nature regarding religious practices of the time. Throughout his life, Guru Nanak traveled extensively, spreading a message of unity, equality, and devotion to one formless God. His ideas were revolutionary for the time, as he rejected the caste system and emphasized the oneness of humanity, regardless of religion or social status.

The tradition of celebrating his birthday is said to have started during the time of the early Sikh Gurus. Over time, it became a major event, with processions, prayers, and community service, reflecting the core tenets of Sikhism.

Festival Dates and Key Events

Important Dates: Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). In 2024, Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on Friday, November 15th. The date may vary slightly depending on local lunar calendars, but Kartik Purnima generally marks the occasion.

The festival typically spans three days. Here is a breakdown of the key events:

1. Day 1: Akhand Path
   The celebrations begin two days before the actual Guru Nanak Jayanti with the commencement of the Akhand Path, a continuous, uninterrupted 48-hour recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. The recitation is done by devoted volunteers at Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and homes, symbolizing devotion and commitment to the teachings of the Gurus.
2. Day 2: Nagar Kirtan
   The day before Guru Nanak Jayanti, Sikhs organize a Nagar Kirtan, a vibrant procession through the streets led by the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones). They represent the first five baptized Sikhs, chosen by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru. The procession is accompanied by singing of hymns (Kirtans), performances of Gatka (Sikh martial art), and chants of prayers. The Guru Granth Sahib is carried in a decorated palanquin, and the streets are filled with the faithful offering free food and water to all.
3. Day 3: Guru Nanak Jayanti (Main Day)
   On the day of the festival, devotees gather early in the morning at Gurdwaras to sing Asa-di-Var (morning hymns) and recite Sukhmani Sahib, a composition of peace. The celebrations include Kirtan (devotional singing), Kathas (religious lectures), and Langar (community meals), a hallmark of Sikhism where people from all backgrounds share a meal as equals.

Mahurat of Puja: Sikh festivals don’t follow the traditional “Mahurat” concept as in Hindu rituals, but there is significance in the timing of prayers. On Guru Nanak Jayanti, prayers begin before dawn, continuing with Prabhat Pheris (early morning processions) from homes to Gurdwaras. The culmination of the day’s prayers happens around sunset or during the moonrise, aligning with the auspicious Kartik Purnima.

Preparations for the Festival

Home and Personal Preparations: In the days leading up to Guru Nanak Jayanti, Sikh households thoroughly clean their homes and often decorate them with lights and flowers, symbolizing purity and devotion. People also prepare by participating in community Seva (selfless service), helping in Gurdwaras, distributing food and water, or volunteering for social causes.

In terms of personal preparation, devotees wake up early to take part in Amrit Vela (the pre-dawn time considered most sacred for meditation and prayer). Wearing traditional white or saffron-colored clothing, many Sikhs also make a conscious effort to follow the core tenets of Guru Nanak, such as helping the needy, avoiding ego or anger, and being mindful of their actions.

Significance of Items or Rituals During Preparation:

• Lighting and decoration: Many Sikhs decorate their homes and Gurdwaras with oil lamps or electric lights. The lighting represents the divine light of Guru Nanak’s teachings that dispels ignorance and brings enlightenment.
• Prayers and meditation: Sikhs meditate on Naam Simran (repetition of God’s name) to purify the mind and seek blessings from Guru Nanak.
• Langar preparations: In line with Guru Nanak’s emphasis on equality and service, Langar (community kitchen) is prepared at Gurdwaras. Volunteers cook meals to be served to people of all backgrounds as part of the celebration.

How to Perform the Puja

While Sikhs do not perform “puja” in the traditional sense, there are specific ways to participate in the prayers and observances on Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Steps for a Devotee on Guru Nanak Jayanti:

1. Early Morning Devotion:
   • Devotees wake up before dawn and perform their daily ablutions, followed by reciting the Japji Sahib, the morning prayer written by Guru Nanak.
   • After the prayer, they offer Ardas (prayers) for peace, health, and blessings for all.
2. Visit the Gurdwara:
   • Devotees gather in Gurdwaras to recite or listen to the Asa-di-Var, a collection of hymns sung in the early hours, reflecting on Guru Nanak’s philosophy. The atmosphere is filled with divine Kirtans and chants from the Guru Granth Sahib.
3. Kirtan and Katha:
   • Throughout the day, devotees engage in Kirtans (singing of sacred hymns) and Kathas (discussions and teachings of the Gurus’ lives and philosophies).
4. Performing Ardas and Listening to Hukamnama:
   • An important ritual is performing the Ardas (a concluding prayer) and reading the Hukamnama (a random verse from the Guru Granth Sahib that provides spiritual guidance for the day).
5. Participating in Langar:
   • After prayers, devotees partake in Langar, a simple meal served in a communal setting. This symbolizes humility, equality, and service, central to Guru Nanak’s teachings.

Significance of Rituals and Traditions

Meaning of the Key Observances: Each aspect of the Guru Nanak Jayanti celebration is symbolic of Guru Nanak’s philosophy. The Akhand Path represents the unbroken continuity of divine wisdom, while the Nagar Kirtan reminds followers to carry the Guru’s message to the world. Langar highlights the importance of service, equality, and community.

Symbolism and Virtue:

• Kirtan (devotional singing) symbolizes the expression of love and devotion to God.
• Seva (selfless service) represents the core value of humility and helping others.
• Lighting of lamps signifies enlightenment and the triumph of truth over ignorance.

By observing these rituals, devotees not only honor Guru Nanak but also reflect his teachings in their daily lives.

Do’s and Don’ts

Key Practices to Follow:

• Do practice Naam Simran (meditation on God’s name) throughout the day.
• Do perform Seva by helping in the Gurdwara or volunteering for community service.
• Do participate in Langar by contributing to cooking, serving, or cleaning after meals.
• Do attend the Akhand Path or listen to the hymns being recited.
• Do engage in positive actions like donating to charity or helping the underprivileged.

Practices to Avoid:

• Avoid ego, anger, or pride. Guru Nanak emphasized humility and the rejection of materialistic values.
• Do not engage in gossip or slander. This goes against the principle of seeing God in all beings.
• Avoid indulgence in intoxicants or harmful behaviors that distract from spiritual growth.

Conclusion

Guru Nanak Jayanti is a celebration of truth, love, and unity, echoing the core message of Sikhism. The festival not only honors Guru Nanak’s birth but also encourages people to reflect on his teachings and incorporate them into daily life. Observing this festival with devotion can lead to spiritual growth, peace, and the blessings of Guru Nanak. By focusing on equality, humility, and service, devotees receive the divine grace and continue to walk the path of righteousness as laid out by Guru Nanak.

Celebrating Guru Nanak Jayanti is not just about following rituals, but about embodying the virtues of kindness, devotion, and selflessness throughout the year, allowing the teachings of Guru Nanak to illuminate every aspect of life