Guru Nanak Jayanti,also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav or Guru Nanak Gurpurab is the celebration of the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. This is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism.
Courtesy:en.wikipedia
Guru Nanak (1469-1539 C.E.) was the founder of the religion of Sikhism and the first of the Sikh Gurus. His birth is celebrated worldwide on the day of Kartik Purnima as per Hindu lunar calendar.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2016: Date & Time
(Monday)
Purnima Tithi Ends = 19:22 on 14/Nov/2016
Guru Nanak Jayanti Rituals & Ceremonies
Rituals related to the celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab begin a few days prior.Generally two days before the birthday, Akhand Path (a forty-eight-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs) is held in the Gurdwaras. One day prior to the birthday, a procession, referred to as Nagarkirtan is organised. This procession is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones).They head the procession carrying the Sikh flag, known as the Nishan Sahib and the Palki (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by teams of singers singing hymns and devotees sing the chorus. There are brass bands playing different tunes and ‘Gatka’ teams display their swordsmanship through various martial arts they mock battles using traditional weapons. The procession travels through the streets of the town. The passage is covered with banners and gates decorated flags and flowers, for this special occasion.The leaders spreading the message of Guru Nanak.
On the day of the Gurpurab, the celebrations starts as early as 4 to 5 am in the morning.This time of the day is referred to as Amrit Vela.The singing of Asa-di-Var or the morning hymns marks the beginning of the day. Following this, Katha (exposition of the scripture) and Kirtan (hymns from the Sikh scriptures) are recited in the praise of Guru Nanak.Followed by Langar, a special community lunch, which is arranged at the Gurudwaras by volunteers. The idea behind the free communal lunch is that everyone, irrespective of caste, class or creed, should be offered food in the spirit of seva(service) and bhakti (devotion).
The chanting of hymns in Gurdwaras continues throughout the day. Some Gurdwaras also hold night time prayer sessions on this occasion which begin around sunset. The evening prayer, also known as Rehrasi, is recited following which a session of Kirtan is held. The Kirtan goes on until late in the night. At around 1:20 am—the actual time of birth of Guru Nanak—the congregation starts singing Gurbani. The celebrations eventually come to an end at around 2 am.
Messages For Guru Nanak Jayanti
Messages to wish your friends, family, relatives and loved ones a Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti or Guru Nanak Gurpurab :
Raj karega khalsa, aakee rehae naa koe,
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti !!!
O my mind, keep the thoughts of True Lord forever inside you and feel the bliss of peace.. Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti !!
Gurpurb Dee Lakh Lakh Wadai..!! Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti To All
Vahe Guru ka aashish sada
Mile aisi kamana hai hamari
Guru ki krupa se aayegi
Ghar ghar me khushahali
Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti !!!!
Nanak naam jahaaz hai, jo chadhe so uttre paar
Jehda thalle reh gaya, Nanak nahi jimme vaar!
Satguru nanak pargateya miti dhund jag chaanan hova
guru nanak dev ji de prakash utsav di lakh lakh vadhayee sabhnu.
Nanak Nich kahe vichaar,Waria na jaava ek waar,
Jo tud bhave sai bhali kaar,
Tu sada salamat nirankaar
Guru Nanak Jayanti Dee Lakh Lakh Wadai..!!
Happy Gurpurab To All 🙂