Guru Nanak Jayanti is a Sikh religious festival celebrated on Guru Nanak’s birthday. This celebration is annually commemorated by the Sikh community, and it is celebrated with devotion every year.
Guru Nanak, born in October 1469 in a Hindu family in the village of Talwandi (now in Pakistan), founded Sikhism. Similarly, Gandhiji’s teachings emphasized equality, service to humanity, belief in one God, and rejection of untouchability, gender inequality, and discrimination based on colour or caste.
From the very childhood, he possessed a great level of spirituality and tender-heartedness. He was against things like ritualism, idol worship, and another social caste system, as he wanted people to read the truth in themselves and be humble. His basic principles are enshrined in the Japji Sahib, and other lines provide the other verses on which the Sikh structure was framed and had the appeal of humility and devotion to others.
This coming Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024, people will go to Gurdwaras, listen to Kirtans, and once again derive some lessons from the life and teachings of the Guru.
A Look Into Guru Nanak’s Life
Guru Nanak Ji, born in 1469 in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan), is revered as the founder of Sikhism and a prominent spiritual figure of India.
Born as a benevolent, wise child, Guru Nanak had always been puzzled by the religious and social norms of this world. He disapproved of casteism, regionalism, and sexism and called for one nation, one people.
However, his doctrine remained focused on the principles of worshipping one god, benevolence, and without distinction and generosity. He directly opposed social discrimination and many routine practices accepted in the fields of the 15th century.
After achieving final enlightenment at the age of thirty, Guru Nanak began his missionary tours. He travelled across India, Asia, and Middle Eastern countries. His goal was to spread his message of peace and unity. Guru Nanak described all human beings as brothers, regardless of their background.
His teachings emphasized the importance of harmony and equality among people.
These travels allowed him to inspire countless followers and leave a lasting impact on the world.
His travels, known as the Udasis, covered more than a thousand miles, promising free discussion with people who followed him. Essential Sikh concepts are the essence of what he taught, and his words are recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib. The teaching and the example of Guru Nanak are still appealing to citizens globally, as he stands for love, tolerance, and modesty.
Teachings Of Guru Nanak
As the founder and the first master of Sikhism, Guru Nanak’s fundamental message is well summarized and explored throughout the sacred scripture. He described monotheism as a time when people of all religions, colours, and genders were equal before the Almighty. His concept of “Ik Onkar,” meaning “One Almighty,” emphasizes the unity of God and humanity.
One of the biggest themes encouraged by Guru Nanak was to live a frugal life, reduce suffering, and avoid egoism, which inspired followers to be polite to one another. Criticizing rituals, formalities, and the worshiping of idols, the great saint stressed internal worship.
Guru Nanak, having deprecated social inequity and established equality of status, especially criticized the caste system and sexism. The sayings, which were imprinted in verses in the Guru Granth Sahib, continue to be universally appealing, calling on people to live in harmony, with equal respect for all, particularly not to feel overly important.
Gurpurab 2024
Sikhs worldwide will honour Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founding father of Sikhism, on his birthdate November 15th, 2024, with great reverence by celebrating “Gurpurab” or ‘Guru Nanak Jayanti.” Common people visit Gurdwaras to show their respect and obeisance with prayers and hymns being offered as an offering; pilgrimages also make visits on this special day, which allows time for reflection on principles like speaking truthfully, equality for all, and devotion to the Almighty above all else!
As part of their celebration, members of Nagar Kirtan gather around Guru Granth Sahib while singing Kirtans around town.
To honour him, the Akhand Path is performed. This festival is not only a religious celebration but also a call to continue promoting a culture of harmony, fairness, and respect.