Guru Nanak Jayanti 2017: Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary across the Country
Guru Nanak Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Jayanti, celebrates the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. This is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhi.
The festivities in the Sikh religion revolve around the anniversaries of the 10 Sikh Gurus. These Gurus were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs. Their birthdays, known as Gurpurab (or Gurpurb), are occasions for celebration and prayer among the Sikhs.
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born on April 15, 1469, O.S. April 15, 1469, in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present Shekhupura District of Pakistan, now Nankana Sahib. It is a Gazetted holiday in India.
The 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[8] and devotees sing the chorus. There are brass bands playing different tunes and ‘Gatka’ teams display their swordsmanship through various martial arts and as mock battles using traditional weapons. The procession pours into the streets of the town. The passage is covered with banners and gates decorated flags and flowers, for this special occasion.[7][6] The leaders spreading the message of Guru Nanak.
Guru Nanak was born on April 15, 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present Pakistan, and the place is now called the Nankana Sahib. The date of the festival varies from year to year, according to the Indian lunar calendar. This year will mark the 548th birthday of Guru Nanak.
Satguru nanak pargateya miti
dhund jag chaanan hova
guru nanak dev ji de prakash utsav di
lakh lakh vadhayee sabhnu.
