Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024, History, Gurpurab, Teachings, Rituals
15-11-2024
09:10 AM
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 also called Gurpurab, is a festival celebrated by Sikhs around the world to honor Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. It marks the birth of Guru Nanak and celebrates his teachings and contributions to humanity. In 2024, it will be observed with devotion, prayer, and acts of community service.
When is Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024?
Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2024 is celebrated on November 15, coinciding with Kartik Purnima in the Hindu calendar. This auspicious day, observed on the full moon of Kartik, includes various rituals and festivities, especially within Sikh communities worldwide.
Who was Guru Nanak Dev?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, born in 1469 CE in Talwandi (modern-day Pakistan), was the first Sikh Guru and the founder of Sikhism. He championed a life of spirituality, equality, and social justice, advocating against discrimination and religious orthodoxy. Guru Nanak’s extensive travels across the Indian subcontinent and beyond helped spread his messages of unity, tolerance, and devotion, influencing millions globally.
Key Aspects | Details |
Birthplace | Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan) |
Date of Birth | April 15, 1469 |
Significant Teachings | Equality, Compassion, Truthfulness, Devotion |
Founded Sikhism | Based on principles of oneness and service |
Why is Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated?
Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the most significant celebrations in the Sikh calendar, observed by Sikhs worldwide to honor Guru Nanak’s life and teachings. The festival highlights his core values of equality, unity, humility, and devotion to God. Guru Nanak's life was marked by extensive travels across South Asia and the Middle East, where he spread the message of a universal, loving God, and promoted a life dedicated to compassion, truth, and justice. He challenged religious discrimination, rituals, and societal hierarchies, advocating for a personal connection with God and selfless service to humanity.
Life of Guru Nanak Dev
Guru Nanak’s life was extraordinary, marked by his extensive travels and teachings that transcended religious and social boundaries. Through his journeys, known as the "Udasis," he spread the message of one universal God and the importance of seeing divinity within all people, regardless of caste or religion. His travels took him across South Asia, including regions in modern-day India, Sri Lanka, Tibet, and even Mecca, where he challenged societal norms and religious dogmas.
Born on April 15, 1469, in Rai Bhoi di Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan), Guru Nanak's birth is celebrated on Kartika Poornima due to the differences between the lunar Hindu calendar and the solar Gregorian calendar. He is revered as the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
Guru Nanak’s teachings, encapsulated in his hymns and compositions, emphasize key principles:
- Oneness of God: Belief in one formless, eternal, and all-pervading God (Ik Onkar).
- Equality: Rejection of the caste system and promotion of equality among all people.
- Selfless Service: Emphasis on community service, epitomized by the Langar (community kitchen).
- Naam Simran: Encouraging meditation and remembrance of God’s name to connect with the divine.
He formalized the Three Pillars of Sikhism:
- Naam Japna (Meditation on God’s Name): Repeated remembrance of God’s name to maintain spiritual growth.
- Kirat Karni (Honest Work): Earning through honest labor and living with integrity.
- Vand Chakna (Sharing with Others): Acts of charity and community service, reflected in practices like Langar.
His writings were compiled into the Adi Granth by Guru Arjan, later becoming the Guru Granth Sahib after additions by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru.
Guru Nanak Dev’s Key Teachings
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings emphasize compassion, humility, and service to humanity. His philosophy is anchored in three core principles:
- Naam Japna (Remembrance of God's Name): Guru Nanak encouraged constant meditation on God's name, fostering a deep, personal connection with the divine.
- Kirat Karni (Honest Earning): He advocated for earning a livelihood through honest labor and integrity, highlighting the importance of ethical work.
- Vand Chakna (Sharing with Others): Guru Nanak emphasized the value of sharing one’s resources with others, particularly those in need, to promote compassion and community service.
Guru Nanak Dev Key Facts
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life and teachings have had a lasting impact on both spirituality and social justice. Here are key highlights of his contributions:
Key Fact | Explanation |
Founder of Sikhism | Guru Nanak established Sikhism as a monotheistic faith centered around the belief in one formless and eternal God. |
Promoted Equality | He rejected the caste system and emphasized the equality of all human beings, irrespective of their social or religious backgrounds. |
Promoter of Compassion | Guru Nanak’s teachings emphasized service to humanity, as seen in practices like Langar (community kitchens) that serve people regardless of their background. |
Philosophy of Self-Realization | He promoted spiritual growth through meditation on God’s name (Naam Japna) and ethical living through honest work (Kirat Karni). |
Global Influence: | His travels across South Asia and the Middle East spread his teachings of unity, peace, and tolerance, making a significant mark on both spiritual and social landscapes. |
Guru Nanak's vision of a just, compassionate world continues to inspire millions globally, fostering values of unity, service, and humility.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 Celebrations
Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with a blend of devotion and community spirit, featuring key rituals and practices that honor Guru Nanak’s teachings of selfless service, equality, and unity. Key observances include:
- Akhand Path: A continuous 48-hour recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture, reflecting the Guru's wisdom.
- Prabhat Pheris: Early morning processions that involve singing hymns and prayers, creating a collective atmosphere of devotion.
- Langar: Community kitchens that offer free meals to all, symbolizing equality and the Guru’s message of service to humanity.
- Kirtan: The singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, fostering spiritual devotion and connection with God.
These customs embody Guru Nanak's ideals, emphasizing compassion, unity, and the importance of serving others.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 FAQs
Q1. When is Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024?
Ans. Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2024 will be celebrated on November 15.
Q2. Which guru's birthday is today, 2024?
Ans. Today, we celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru.
Q3. Is Guru Nanak Jayanti a government holiday?
Ans. Yes, Guru Nanak Jayanti is a public holiday in India, recognized by many state and central governments.
Q4. Who was Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
Ans. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the founder of Sikhism, born in 1469, and is revered for his teachings of equality, unity, and devotion to God.
Q5. What are some key teachings of Guru Nanak Dev?
Ans. Key teachings include Naam Japna (meditation on God’s name), Kirat Karni (earning honestly), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others).
Q6. Where was Guru Nanak Dev born?
Ans. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in the village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib, in present-day Pakistan.