Date, timing and tithi of Guru Nanak Jayanti 2022
This year Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on the 8th of November. It is the most significant holiday for Sikhs, often called Gurpurab. It is observed to commemorate Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary, who was the first Sikh Guru.
TITHI: Purnima
Purnima Tithi Begins – the 07th of November, 2022, 4:16 PM
Purnima Tithi Ends – on the 08th of November, 2022, at 4:32 PM.
OVERVIEW
Guru Nanak Jayanti, one of the most well-known Sikh holidays, honours the birth of Guru Nanak, the first of their gurus.Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, played a crucial role in forming and fortifying the Sikh community.
On this Gurpurab, may all of your wishes and aspirations come true. Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti, everyone! This day, also known as Gurpurab or Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav, is enthusiastically observed by Sikhs all over the country.
Birth of Guru Nanak
In the Sekhpura district of present-day Pakistan, at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, close to Lahore, Guru Nanak was born on the 15th of April, 1469. At his birthplace in the city that is now called Nankana Sahib, a Gurudwara was constructed. It is situated in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Guru Nanak, who established Sikhism in the fifteenth century, is revered as a spiritual leader. He began the Guru Granth Sahib and finished it with 974 hymns.
The Guru Granth Sahib’s primary passages expound on the idea that the universe’s creator was one. His verses also advocate for social justice, wealth, and selfless service to humanity, regardless of individual distinctions. The core of the Sikh religion is the Guru’s function as a spiritual and social master. According to Guru Nanak Dev, anyone can spiritually connect to God if they worship with integrity.
Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti
The first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak, was instrumental in shaping the religion into what it is today, and this day is dedicated to honouring him. Sikhism teaches that the key to living a successful life is always maintaining God in your thoughts and prayers and that your religious state is the most crucial factor. These lofty ideas form the backbone of the world’s major faiths, making them a wonderful means of fostering mutual understanding and respect; after all, we’re all just human.
How Guru Nanak Jayanti is Celebrated?
In the Gurudwaras, the festivities usually start two days before Guru Nanak Jayanti. The Guru Granth Sahib is recited over 48 hours of uninterrupted prayer, known as the “Akhand Path,” which begins the day before Guru Nanak Jayanti. Five men lead a parade known as “Nagarkirtan” while carrying the Sikh triangle flag.
Early dawn processions at Gurudwaras, known as “Prabhat Pheris,” traditionally kick off the festival. Flags and flowers decorate the streets as the procession moves through them. People play traditional musical instruments and chant religious songs as the revered Guru Grant Sahib is carried in a palanquin. Some also demonstrate their mastery of martial arts.
Langar and community work
Langar and community workThe community kitchen of a gurdwara is known as a “Langar,” which is an almshouse or a place for the needy in Sikh tradition. Everyone is welcome in this communal kitchen as the Guru’s guests. Irrespective of their caste, class, religion, or gender, anyone in need can get food at the Langar.
The Sikh community is renowned for stepping up to help those in need by providing food and shelter at the gurdwaras. In the Sikh culture, distributing food is regarded as a communal service (Seva). Everyone is welcome to the lunch, which volunteers make.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, where worshippers remain at the gurdwara and seek the blessings of their Guru, is the best place to celebrate the festival in India. Every year on Guru Nanak’s birthday, the Akal Takht (seats of power) are illuminated here. Since Guru Nanak Ji was born there, the Gurdwara Nankana Sahib draws visitors annually beyond the nation’s border. The Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib was built in honor of Guru Nanak in Kullu, a highland town. According to folklore, Guru Nanak and his Sikh congregation once travelled through this region, making it a popular destination for followers. The Gurudwara Sis Ganj was created in memory of the Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was beheaded here by Emperor Aurangzeb and is located near Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. One of the busiest Sikh pilgrimage sites in Delhi is here. The gurdwara contains a prayer hall with a two-story construction, a high ceiling, and glass chandeliers. The illuminating teachings of Guru Nanak Dev are remembered as the Sikhs celebrate their rich religion and the occasion.
Some Gurudwaras also have night prayer sessions, which start with the recitation of Rehras (evening prayer) at sunset and continue with Kirtan till late at night. Around one and twenty in the morning, the assembly begins chanting Gurbani, commemorating Guru Nanak’s real birth time. The party comes to an end at about two in the morning. One of the most significant festivals in the Sikh calendar, Guru Nanak Gurpurab, is observed by the Sikh community around the world. The festivities are particularly vibrant in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and many other places, including in some areas of Pakistan and England. This event is observed by some Sindhis as well. The Punjab government has stated that in honour of the auspicious day, 11 universities will receive chairs honouring the great saint.
TRADITIONAL FOODS CONSUMED
Atte Ka Sheera:
This is a delicious meal that is typically prepared on Gurpurab Day. This dish is wonderful and straightforward to prepare.
Malai Laddoo:
It’s another delectable dessert ideal for celebrations like Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Chhole Peyaz Pulao:
A daily and healthy Punjabi diet must include rice, peyaz (onion), and chhole (chickpeas), three different but equally essential ingredients.
Kaju Katli/Kaju Barfi:
The famous Indian sweet delicacy known as Kaju Katli, Kaju Barfi, or Cashew Fudge can be prepared for any celebration or event, such as Guru Nanak Jayanti. Given that it includes khoya and cashew nuts, it is recognised as one of the most expensive and delectable.
Kada prashad:
The customary treat prepared and served in huge amounts during this occasion is kada prasad. Whole wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and water are the four elements that go into making Kada prashad. The wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and water ratio is 1:1:1:3, correspondingly.
FAQS
- What significance does Gurupurab have?
The nation honours Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, to mark the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.
- How is Gurpurab observed?
The morning hymns will kick off the day of Gurpurab, followed by a combination of Kirtan and Kathas in gurbani to the Guru. After a special community supper (Langar), night prayer sessions in Gurudwaras will be held.
- What do we eat on the Gurpurab?
Guru ka Langar is usually a wholesome vegetarian dinner. It is crucial to keep the kitchen spotless and to prepare the Langar in a hygienic environment. A common dessert made with wheat flour, ghee, and sugar is kada prasad. On this day, Kada Prasad is made in honour of the sacred Gurpurab festival.
- What is Langar?
During the Gurupurab, the Sikh community participates in the preparation of Langars. Serving those who are in need is done out of selflessness. It is the preferred method for receiving the Guru’s blessings. There are other organised latkars on the other days. The idea of communal kitchens is to feed people. It aimed to eradicate social divisions caused by differences in class, gender, caste, creed, and other factors.
- How do you wish a happy Gurpurab?
Waheguru ji ka khalsa, Waheguru ji ki fateh.
Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti to you and your family! On this Gurpurab, may all of your wishes and aspirations come true. Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti, everyone!
- What do Gurpurab and Eid have in common?
These two holidays are the same, but because of the way people think, they are divided into several religions.
- Where are the Guru Purab prayers held?
The nationwide celebration of Gurpurab is in full swing. Over 2,000 pilgrims travelled to Nankana Sahib in Pak, the location of Guru Nanak Dev’s birth. Numerous people go to gurdwaras to pray.
- Which Gurpurab holds the most significance?
Important gurpurbs in the Nanakshahi calendar include the birthdays of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh, the days of the deaths of Guru Arjan and Guru Tegh Bahadur, and the day that the Guru Granth Sahib was installed in the Harimandar in Amritsar.
- What are the facts regarding Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
The Sikhs’ spiritual head left a profound impression wherever he went. He propagated the message of love while travelling over Asia, from Mecca to Medina to Burma and Ceylon. This helped to unite people.
When women in the nation had few rights, he fought for the cause of women’s equality. He is renowned for bringing forth the notion that “man is born of woman, conceived of woman, engaged to woman, and wedded to woman. He makes a woman his friend, and she brings in future generations.
- He is known by various identities worldwide as a result of his travels.
- He goes by the name Nanak Rishi in Nepal.
- He is known as Nanak Peer in Afghanistan.
- He goes by the name Baba Nanak in Iraq.
- In Tibet, he is renowned as the Nanak Lama.
- He is known as Nanak Chraya in Sri Lanka.
Around 500 years ago, Guru Nanak Dev Ji proposed setting up a langar, or communal kitchen, where food would be offered to everyone regardless of gender, social rank, or religion.
- What were the primary tenets of Guru Nanak?
The most well-known ideas attributed to Guru Nanak are that there is only one God and that everyone has access to God directly without the aid of priests or ceremonies. His most radical social teachings condemned the caste system and advocated for equality for all people, regardless of gender or caste.
- What are the ideas for gifts for Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Ik Onkar Pendants –They will serve as a constant reminder of the values maintained by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in addition to being aesthetically pleasing.
Books – Reading religious books that include Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings can be an excellent way to commemorate the occasion.
Make someone’s day by giving them a lovely pooja hamper filled with simple but necessary prayer items like a diya, some incense sticks, an incense stick holder, candles, etc.
Idols and Photos – Along with a classy, handwritten note, you can also give idols or exquisitely framed pictures of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Sweets and Dry Fruits – No event is complete without sweets and dry fruits. To make the day even more special for your loved ones, get them their favourite treats or put together an assortment.
- Which states provide holidays on Guru Nanak Jayanthi?
Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
CONCLUSION
The Sikh religion is practised by people all around the world. The Sikhs observe this holiday with joy and wealth. You must be aware of the significance of the methods used to celebrate Gurpurab. The Sikhs still recall Guru Nanak’s fundamental teachings. They adhere to it religiously in their daily lives.
They revere their Guru, who travelled to several locations to instruct the locals. He provided instruction on how to live in harmony and peace. Additionally, Guru Nanak pioneered the idea of langar kitchens. The concept of communal kitchens is to feed people. It aimed to eradicate social divisions caused by differences in class, gender, caste, creed, and other factors. It encouraged prosperity, love, and fraternity.
