Guru Nanak Jayanti marks the birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Devji, who known to be the founder of Sikh faith. It is the most sacred festival observed by the Sikh community. Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed on
Kartik Poornima, that is the full moon day of Kartik month (October-November). In the year of 2009, Guru nanak Jayanti is observed on 2nd November 2009.

Who is Sri Guru Nanak: Sri Guru Nanak Devji is honoured as the first Guru in Sikh faith. Sri Nanak Dev was born on 15th April 1469 in Tolevandi village, about 30 miles from Lahore, Pakistan. It is believed that Sri Guru Nanak was born in Bedi Kshatriya family, to Sri Mehta Kalyan das Bedi and Sri Tripa Devi.

From the very childhood Sri Guru Nanakji began enquiring about God and questioned the existence of the Supreme. He had unparallelized wit and as a quick learner he soon mastered Vedas and Sanskrit. As his father used to work for a Muslim landlord, Sri Guru Nanak also studied Persian and Arabic.

Sri Guru Nanak was learned in Hinduism and Islam and advocated Oneness of the Supreme God. He condemed the discreation of men based on caste and creed and accredited equality of all human beings. He formed the new religion based on the above principles.

The Divine Teachings:

Sri Guru Nanak’s teachings are recorded in the Sikh scripture Guru Granth which is meant to be a vast collection of revelatory verses called Gurumukhi. Three important principles that Sri Guru Nanak emphasied to bring his followers near to God are Nam Simaran, Kirt Kaara and Wand Chakko.

Nam Simaran is to meditate of the Holy Name of the Lord. The Holy Name is the revelation of the Supreme Lord’s identity and means to connect to the Supreme.

Kirt Kaara is the lifestyle that every sikh has to adopt. Simple living and high thinking is the principle. One should earn by honesty and hard work and lead a life devoted to the Supreme Lord.

Wand Chhako teaches charity to the needy and the importance of sharing with needy. One should treat all men and women equal without biasments of nationalities, religions and creed.

Celebrations:

The anniversary celebrations of Guru is known as Gurupurab. All Gurupurabs are celebrated with dedication and devotion.

Morning of the Gurupurab starts with a morning procession from gurudwara. This procession go around the localities with singing ’shabads’ or Holy Hymns and Names of the God.

Three day continous study of Guru Granth is done by authorities of the temple. Thousands of Sikhs gather at Gurudwaras and offer their homeage to Sri Guru Nanakji. They remember their beloved Guru for his extra ordinary teachings and his compassion towards his followers.

Several processions are carried out taking the Granth Sahib which is decorated with flowers. Panj Pyares are the five armed guards who head the procession. Flags and tags are displayed and band music make the procession grand and picturesque.

Special programs are held in gurudwaras in which all men, women and children participate in the divine celebrations. Free feast or lunches are offered to everyone irrespective of religious faith. ‘Guru ka Langar’ is the special dish of the day which is distributed to every one as prasad.