"Ik Onkar, Satnam, Karta Purakh, Nirbhau, Nirvair, Akal Murat, Ajuni Saibhang, Gur Prasad."
- Ihana Tiimi
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
The Radiant Spirit of Gurpurab: A Celebration of Unity and Light
By ihana360
Today, on the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, vibrant celebrations resonate across India and the globe. Also known as Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav, this sacred festival commemorates the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered founder of Sikhism. It is a day steeped in devotion, community service, and joyous reflection on the profound teachings that continue to inspire millions. The festivities bring people together from all walks of life, transcending cultural and religious boundaries in a beautiful display of unity.
The Guiding Light: Guru Nanak's Teachings
At the heart of Guru Nanak Jayanti are the timeless principles taught by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which form the bedrock of the Sikh faith. His message was one of universal brotherhood and the existence of one formless God, encapsulated in the opening words of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Mool Mantar.
ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥jagranjosh"Ik Onkar, Satnam, Karta Purakh, Nirbhau, Nirvair, Akal Murat, Ajuni Saibhang, Gur Prasad."jagranjoshThis translates to: "There is but One God. His name is Truth; He is the Creator. He fears none; He is without hate. He never dies; He is beyond the cycle of births and death. He is self-illuminated. He is realized by the kindness of the True Guru."
He articulated a path to a spiritual and ethical life through three core tenets:
These teachings emphasize compassion, equality, and truthful living, offering a guide to a harmonious and meaningful existence.
A Symphony of Devotion: The Celebrations
The celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti is a multi-day affair, beginning two days before the main event. Gurdwaras commence an Akhand Path, a forty-eight-hour, non-stop recitation of the entire Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
The day before Gurpurab, grand processions known as Nagar Kirtan fill the streets. These are led by the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones) dressed in traditional attire, who carry the Sikh flag. They are followed by a beautifully decorated palanquin (Palki) carrying the Guru Granth Sahib. Devotees follow, cleaning the road ahead and singing hymns (Shabad Kirtan), while teams demonstrate Gatka, a traditional Sikh martial art.
A profound Gurbani often sung during celebrations is the Aarti composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji himself, which describes the cosmos as a divine ceremony of light
ਗਗਨ ਮੈ ਥਾਲੁ ਰਵਿ ਚੰਦੁ ਦੀਪਕ ਬਨੇ ਤਾਰਿਕਾ ਮੰਡਲ ਜਨਕ ਮੋਤੀ ॥shivpreetsingh"Gagan mein thaal rav chand deepak bane, tarika mandal janak moti."shivpreetsinghThis translates to: "Upon that cosmic plate of the sky, the sun and the moon are the lamps. The stars and their orbs are the studded pearls."shivpreetsingh
On the morning of Guru Nanak Jayanti, the day begins before dawn with Prabhat Pheris, or early morning processions, that sing devotional hymns like the Asa Di Vaar.
The Heart of Seva: Langar and Community
A central and most cherished tradition of Gurpurab is the Langar, or community kitchen. In Gurdwaras, volunteers prepare and serve free vegetarian meals to everyone, irrespective of their faith, caste, or background. This practice is a powerful embodiment of Guru Nanak's teachings on selfless service and equality. A special sweet offering, Karah Prasad, made with simple ingredients to reflect humility, is also prepared and distributed throughout the day. The Langar meal typically includes dal, rice, roti, a vegetable dish, and kheer.
As evening falls, Gurdwaras and homes are illuminated with candles and lights, creating a festive glow that symbolizes the spiritual enlightenment Guru Nanak brought to the world. The day's celebrations conclude with evening prayers and kirtans that fill the air with devotion and gratitude.
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