Photography by Aditya Sharma & Sana Kauser
Published on 16 March 2025
Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Gurpurab as it is also known, is the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It’s celebrated on Kartik Purnima, the 15th lunar day in Kartik month. Festivities include a 48-hour non-stop recitation of Guru Granth Sahib. In 2024, it was celebrated on November 15 to commemorate the 555th birthday of Guru Nanak, born in 1469 C.E. in what is now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. This day is extremely important for Sikhs and is celebrated through several rituals and collective activities that reflect the core of Guru Nanak’s teachings.
In an era where materialism often overshadows spiritual values, Guru Nanak’s call for honest living and meditation provides a pathway for individuals seeking fulfillment beyond material wealth. His message encourages a collective responsibility toward creating a compassionate society where everyone is treated with respect. These values are encapsulated in the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the seminal scriptural text of Sikhism, it is a guide to the faithful.
Guru Nanak Ji’s legacy stretches beyond religion. It has fueled visions of a gracious, just world. His travels spanned a portion of the Indian subcontinent and beyond, as he launched a message of unity and compassion that streams into the present. The messages he preached continue to reflect and inspire people to live with integrity, kindness, and service. The values he shared are still pertinent as the human race strives for peace, equality, and understanding amidst diversity.
Devotees engage in various activities like nagar kirtan, akhand path reading, kirtan, and katha sessions, while the community kitchen, langar seva, offers free meals to promote equality. Gurbani recitations, prayers, and kar seva (voluntary community service) reflect Sikh values and honour Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings.
Several Sikh devotees flocked to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi. The Gurudwara is known for its association with the 8th Sikh Guru, Guru Har Kishan. It was decorated with beautiful lights.
The celebrations on this day begin with Prabhat Pheris or early morning processions that begin at the Gurudwara. Two days before Guru Nanak Jayanti, Akhand Path, or a forty-eight-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of the Sikhs) is held in the Gurudwaras. One day before Gurupurab, a procession called Nagarkirtan is organised and led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones). Leaders spread the message of Guru Nanak while devotees sing hymns.
On the day of Gurupurab, devotees sing hymns and recite katha. Following this is langar, a special community lunch, arranged by volunteers at Gurudwaras. In some sites, night prayer sessions are also held that begin around sunset and last till late night. The congregation starts singing Gurbani at about 1:20 am., which is the actual time of the birth of Guru Nanak. The celebrations culminate at around 2 am.
On this day, a wholesome meal is prepared which is followed by ‘langar’ — which allows followers to offer ‘seva’ (offerings/serving). The lunch is prepared by volunteers and is offered to everybody irrespective of caste, religion and creed. It consists of daal, roti, chawal, sabji and halwa.
Guru Nanak’s teachings include:
IK onkar (One Creator): His mool mantra is “Ik Onkar, Satnam, Karta Purakh, Nirbhau, Nirvair, Akal Murat, Ajuni Sae Bham, Guru Prasad”. This means, there is only one god, his name is the only truth, he is the only creator, he is fearless, he is without hate, he is immortal, he is beyond birth and death, and by only his grace one can chant his name. Today, when the world is divided in the name of religion and castes, this life lesson by Guru Nanak Dev Ji becomes the most significant one. He believed that there is only one creator of this world and the segregation that happens in the name of God and religion is pointless.
Kirat Karo: It means work honestly. Guru Nanak Dev Ji has given this message to everyone that all humans need to earn their living through honest means and use their skills and talents to lead an honest life. One should not exploit others just to enjoy self-happiness.
His other teaching is Naam Japo, which means chanting the name of ‘True God’. According to Guru Nanak, chanting the name of God can gain control over five evils- Kama, Krodh, Lobh, Moh, Ahankar means Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment and Ego.
Vand Shhanko which translates to ‘Share and Consume’. Guru Nanak Dev Ji believed that those who are capable have the responsibility to take care of the needy.
Sewa- selfless service: Guruji believed and practised the virtue of selfless service. He firmly believed that spiritual satisfaction and true contentment can be achieved only through engaging in completely selfless acts. This is the idea behind the langar seva which is offered in Gurudwaras across the country even today.
Schools across India observe a holiday in honour of Guru Nanak Jayanti. It is declared and celebrated as a gazetted holiday. The day provides families an opportunity to attend religious gatherings, prayers, and community services that honor Guru Nanak’s teachings.
