Celebrating Guru Nanak Jayanti: A Day of Unity, Compassion, and Sikh Heritage

Celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti with us! Explore the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Discover the key tenets of Sikhism, the joyous celebrations on Gurpurab, and the significance of community service. Join us in commemorating unity, compassion, and Sikh heritage on this sacred day.

The sacred and joyful event known as Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Gurpurab, is observed by Sikhs worldwide to honor the birth anniversary of Sikhism's founder, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Based on the Nanakshahi calendar, this auspicious occasion falls on the full moon day of Kartik month. Being the birthdate of the first Sikh Guru and a day dedicated to introspection, devotion, and communal fellowship, Guru Nanak Jayanti is extremely important.

The Life and Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji:

Born in the village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi in 1469 (now known as Nankana Sahib in modern-day Pakistan), Guru Nanak Dev Ji established the foundation for Sikhism, a religion founded on the values of equality, unity, and selfless service. His teachings in Sikhism's sacred book, the Guru Granth Sahib, strongly emphasize seeking a life of truth and righteousness, compassion for all people, and oneness with the divine.

Fundamental Tenets of Sikhism:

Oneness of God (Ik Onkar)

Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached the belief in one universal, formless God, emphasizing that all humanity is connected to the divine.

Equality and Social Justice

Regardless of caste, creed, gender, or socioeconomic standing, Sikhism promotes the equality of all people. Selfless service (seva) and the well-being of others are highly valued in Guru Nanak's teachings.

Community Kitchen (Langar)

The concept of langar, a free community kitchen, was introduced by Guru Nanak. It symbolizes equality, community, and the idea that everyone can share a meal regardless of background.

Celebrations on Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal by Sikhs and communities worldwide. The festivities typically begin with reading the Guru Granth Sahib in the early morning, followed by kirtan (devotional singing) and prayers. Sikhs often participate in Nagar Kirtan processions, where the Guru Granth Sahib is carried through the streets, accompanied by hymn singing and various displays depicting Sikh culture and heritage.

The day is also marked by community service, with many Sikhs engaging in voluntary activities, such as cleaning public spaces, organizing blood donation camps, and distributing food to the less fortunate.

Guru Nanak Jayanti is not just a celebration for Sikhs but a universal occasion promoting love, peace, and unity. It serves as a reminder to all of us, regardless of our faith, to embrace the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and strive for a world where compassion, equality, and justice prevail. As we celebrate this auspicious day, let us reflect on the timeless wisdom of Guru Nanak and endeavor to live our lives in a manner that uplifts and unites humanity.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2023 Bank Holiday

One of the most important days of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Jayanti, is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, Government offices, banks, and schools will remain closed on Monday (November 27, 2023). Many banks are closed in different states of the country on Monday, although banks are open in some states. 

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Agartala, Aizawl, Belapur, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, entire Telangana, Itanagar, Jaipur, Jammu, Kanpur, Kohima, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Raipur, Banks will also remain closed in Ranchi, Shimla and Srinagar, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Gangtok, Guwahati, entire Andhra Pradesh, Imphal, Kochi, Panaji, Patna, Shillong, and Thiruvananthapuram.