Guru Nanak’s Birthday
Posted on June 12, 2008 in Festivals by Chris
Guru Nanak’s birthday also known as the “Prakash Utsav” is celebrated in the month of Karthik (October/November) every year. Guru Nanak’s birthday symbolizes enlightenment and hope against all evil and bad, that is why it is called the “Prakash Utsav” or festival of lights.
This festival is also called a Gurupurab. Faithful prepare themselves spiritually by walking down the streets of the city in the early morning singing holy hymns and praising God. Also, the holy book Guru Granth Sahib is read continuously for three days in the Gurudwara during these three days.
On the holy day, at 1.20 in the morning, the actual time when the saint was born, holy songs are sang and scriptures are recited in the gurudwara, praising God.
Sweets and food are distributed to all the devotees in remembrance of the saint. Also, the holy book is decorated with flowers and is carried in a procession. Prayers and holy songs are sung during this procession.
During these three days the devotees engage themselves in prayer, charitable acts, and good deeds. Family concerns, fights, misunderstandings are put aside and the whole family comes together praising and thanking God.
» Filed Under Festivals