Spiritual Figures  Guru Nanak FAQs  FAQ

How is Guru Nanak celebrated in Sikhism?

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is celebrated in a grand manner by Sikhs all over the world. He is revered as the first of the ten Sikh Gurus and is considered to be a spiritual leader and teacher who brought about a new way of life for his followers.

The celebration of Guru Nanak's life and teachings is known as Gurpurab, which translates to "Guru's day". It is observed on the full moon day of the Indian lunar month of Kartik, which usually falls in the month of November. This day is marked with great enthusiasm and devotion by Sikhs, who gather in large numbers at gurdwaras (Sikh temples) to pay their respects and offer prayers.

The celebrations begin early in the morning with the singing of hymns and recitation of prayers from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. This is followed by a procession called "Nagar Kirtan", where devotees carry the Guru Granth Sahib on a decorated float, accompanied by music and singing. The procession moves through the streets, spreading the message of Guru Nanak's teachings to the community.

One of the key aspects of Guru Nanak's teachings was the concept of "seva", which means selfless service to others. Therefore, on Gurpurab, Sikhs engage in various acts of seva, such as preparing and serving free meals (langar) to anyone who visits the gurdwara, regardless of their religion, caste or social status. This practice symbolizes the equality and inclusivity that Guru Nanak preached.

Another important aspect of the celebration is the reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib, which is known as "Akhand Path". This reading is done continuously, without any breaks, and is completed on the day of Gurpurab. Devotees also participate in "Kirtan" (devotional singing) and "Katha" (religious discourse) to honor Guru Nanak's teachings.

The celebrations culminate with a special prayer session, known as "Ardaas", where devotees offer their prayers and seek blessings from Guru Nanak. The atmosphere is filled with joy and devotion as people come together to celebrate the life and teachings of their beloved Guru.

In addition to the celebrations at gurdwaras, many families also gather at home to commemorate Guru Nanak's birth anniversary. They prepare traditional dishes and share them with their loved ones, spreading the message of love, unity, and community.

In conclusion, Guru Nanak's teachings of love, equality, and selfless service are an integral part of Sikhism and are celebrated with great fervor on Gurpurab. The celebrations not only honor the life of Guru Nanak but also serve as a reminder to his followers to continue living by his teachings and spreading his message of peace and harmony.