Gurpurab 2018: Why is Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated, date and auspicious time

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In order to honor the birth of the first Guru of the ten Gurus, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who laid the foundation of Sikhism, people celebrate this auspicious day with great zeal and enthusiasm. This year would be the 549th birth anniversary of the first Guru and the auspicious day falls on November 23, Friday. The word "Gurpurab" is made of two words- "Gur", which means Guru or master, and "Purab", which means parv in Hindi, meaning day. So Gurpurab depicts that this day is dedicated to their guru. Each year, people from the Sikh community put up stalls in their areas and feed others. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teaching of goodness, equality and love are honored in every way possible especially on this day.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teaching are also cataloged in the form of 974 poetic hymns in ‘Guru Granth Sahib’, the holy text of Sikhism. The day also serves as the reminder of the Holy Guru’s teachings to overcome the five vices - lust, greed, attachment, anger and pride and devote one's life in the selfless service of God. He traveled all across the globe and never believed the superficial upper caste system. His only mantra in life was to wear the God’s name rather than following the vices of society. According to him, God’s name can never be broken or get impure.

Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab 2018 Date

November 23, 2018

Friday

Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab 2018 rituals

On Gurpurab, the prayers begin at about 4 AM in the Gurudwaras with 'Prabhat Pheris' or early morning processions. This time of the day is referred to as Amrit Vela. The day begins with the singing of Asa Ki Vaar (morning hymns), combination of Katha (exposition of the scripture) and Kirtan (hymns from the Sikh scriptures), in the praise of the Guru.

Two days before the birth anniversary, Akhand Path (a forty-eight-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs) is done. The day prior to Gurpurab, a procession, referred to as Nagar Kirtan is organised. It is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones).

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