Guru Nanak Jayanti is a festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. It is also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav or Guru Nanak Gurpurab. It is one of the most sacred and important festivals for the Sikhs and is observed with great fervor and devotion across the world.
Significance
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a festival that commemorates the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, who was born in 1469 in a village called Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib, in Pakistan. Guru Nanak was a spiritual leader who preached the message of one God, equality, peace, and compassion. He challenged the rigid social hierarchy of the caste system and the rituals and superstitions of the prevailing religions. He traveled extensively to spread his message and inspired millions of people to follow the path of truth, love, and service. He also composed many hymns and poems that are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a festival that celebrates the birth of this great Guru, who enlightened the world with his divine wisdom and grace. It is a festival that honors his legacy and inspires the Sikhs to follow his teachings and values. It is a festival that expresses gratitude and reverence to the Guru, who is regarded as the manifestation of God on earth.
Origin
Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This date varies from year to year, according to the Gregorian calendar. This year, it falls on November 8. The festival is also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav, which means the festival of light, as it marks the day when Guru Nanak was born and illuminated the world with his spiritual light.
The origin of the festival can be traced back to the times of Guru Nanak himself, who celebrated his birthday with his disciples and followers. He would hold a special prayer session and sing hymns in praise of God. He would also distribute food and clothes to the poor and needy. Later, his successors, the other nine Sikh Gurus, continued this tradition and celebrated his birthday with great devotion and joy. Over the years, the festival became a major event in the Sikh calendar and a symbol of the Sikh identity and faith.
Celebrations and Customs
Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with various religious and cultural activities that reflect the spirit and essence of Guru Nanak’s teachings. Some of the common customs and traditions followed during the festival are:
- Akhand Path: This is a continuous recitation of the entire Guru Granth Sahib, which takes about 48 hours. It begins two days before the festival and ends on the day of the festival. It is done at the gurdwaras, the Sikh places of worship, or at the homes of the devotees. It is a way of paying homage and respect to the Guru and his words.
- Prabhat Pheri: This is a morning procession that takes place on the day of the festival. It starts from the gurdwaras and passes through the localities, singing hymns and devotional songs. The procession is led by the Panj Pyare, the five beloved ones, who carry the Sikh flag, the Nishan Sahib, and the palanquin of the Guru Granth Sahib. The procession also includes musicians, dancers, and martial artists, who display their skills and talents. The procession is a way of spreading the message and joy of the Guru to the people.
- Langar: This is a community kitchen that serves free food to everyone, regardless of their caste, creed, or religion. It is a hallmark of the Sikh faith and a practice initiated by Guru Nanak himself. It is a way of expressing equality, generosity, and service to humanity. The food is prepared and served by the volunteers, who consider it a sacred duty and a blessing. The food is usually vegetarian and consists of simple and nutritious dishes, such as roti, dal, sabzi, and kheer.
- Kirtan: This is a musical rendition of the hymns and verses from the Guru Granth Sahib. It is performed by the professional singers, called the ragis, who use various instruments, such as the harmonium, the tabla, and the dilruba. It is a way of praising and meditating on the name of God and the Guru. The kirtan is usually held at the gurdwaras or at the homes of the devotees, where the congregation listens and joins in the singing.
- Katha: This is a discourse or a sermon on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak. It is delivered by the religious scholars, called the granthis, who explain and interpret the meaning and significance of the Guru’s words and deeds. It is a way of educating and enlightening the people about the Guru’s philosophy and values. The katha is usually held at the gurdwaras or at the homes of the devotees, where the congregation listens and learns from the speaker.
Special foods prepared during the festival
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a festival that is celebrated with a variety of delicious and mouth-watering dishes, both sweet and savory. Some of the special foods prepared during the festival are:
- Karah Prasad: This is a sweet dish made of wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and water. It is cooked in a large iron vessel, called the karah, and stirred continuously with a wooden spoon, called the sancha. It is offered to the Guru Granth Sahib and then distributed to the devotees as a blessing. It is a symbol of the Guru’s grace and love.
- Halwa: This is a sweet dish made of semolina, ghee, sugar, and dry fruits. It is cooked in a large pan and garnished with almonds, pistachios, and raisins. It is served hot or cold, depending on the preference. It is a popular dessert and a festive treat.
- Pinni: This is a sweet dish made of roasted wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and dry fruits. It is shaped into small balls and stored in an airtight container. It is a rich and nutritious snack and a winter delicacy.
- Chole Bhature: This is a savory dish made of spicy chickpeas, called chole, and deep-fried bread, called bhature. It is served with onion, green chili, and pickle. It is a filling and satisfying meal and a favorite among the youngsters.
- Kadhi Pakora: This is a savory dish made of gram flour dumplings, called pakoras, and yogurt-based gravy, called kadhi. It is seasoned with spices, such as turmeric, cumin, and fenugreek. It is served with rice or roti. It is a tangy and tasty dish and a comfort food.
Destinations to visit in Bengaluru during the festival
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a festival that is celebrated with enthusiasm and zeal in Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka. There are many places to visit and enjoy the festival in the city, such as:
- Sri Guru Singh Sabha: This is the oldest and the largest gurdwara in Bengaluru, located in Ulsoor. It was established in 1943 and has a beautiful architecture and a serene ambiance. It is the main venue for the celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti and attracts thousands of devotees and visitors. It organizes various events and activities, such as Akhand Path, Prabhat Pheri, Langar, Kirtan, and Katha, during the festival. It also has a library, a museum, and a school within its premises.
- Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurdwara: This is another prominent gurdwara in Bengaluru, located in Rajaji Nagar. It was established in 1976 and has a spacious and elegant structure and a peaceful atmosphere. It is also a popular destination for the celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti and hosts various programs and functions, such as Akhand Path, Prabhat Pheri, Langar, Kirtan, and Katha, during the festival. It also has a guest house, a hall, and a dispensary within its premises.
- Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Gurdwara: This is a relatively new and modern gurdwara in Bengaluru, located in Koramangala. It was established in 2006 and has a splendid and majestic architecture and a vibrant ambiance. It is also a preferred place for the celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti and conducts various events and activities, such as Akhand Path, Prabhat Pheri, Langar, Kirtan, and Katha, during the festival. It also has a meditation center, a gym, and a library within its premises.
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