One app for all your study abroad needs
In 2024, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on 15 November. Also known as Guru Nanak Gurpurab, it is a popular Sikh festival annually observed as the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first and most important Sikh Guru. He is known as the founder of Sikhism and was highly revered by the Sikh Community. According to the Gregorian calendar, Gurpurab is celebrated on the full moon day in Kartik, typically in October or November. Let’s explore more about this popular Sikh festival and its importance in our society.
| Name of the Event | Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) |
| Date | 15 November |
| Observance | Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji |
| Religion | Sikhism |
| Type of Holiday | Anniversary |
Table of Contents
Who Was Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the first Sikh Guru who founded the Sikhism religion in the late 15th century. His teachings and words are registered in hymns, a total of 974, in the holy text of Sikhism. His resting place is Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Punjab (Pakistan). He proposed the 3 golden principles of Sikhism:
📌 To constantly remember God
📌 To earn an honest livelihood
📌 To share your earnings with everyone through charity.
In the Sikh community, it is believed that Guru Nanak’s sanctity, divinity and religious authority had descended to the subsequent nine (9) Sikh Gurus. His teachings are mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture and are recorded in Gurmukhi. In the 20th century, three competing theories were proposed for Guru Nanak’s teachings:
- According to the hagiographical Janamsakhis, his teachings and Sikhism were not a social protest but revelations from God
- The second theory says that he was a Guru and not a prophet. Sikhism does not follow the concepts of incarnational and prophethood. Rather, it has an important concept of Guru. A Guru is an illumined soul
- The third theory states that Guru Nanak was an incarnation of God. Many Sikh intellectuals support this theory. One of the Sikh intellectuals, Bhai Gurdas said, ‘The Guru and God are one; He is the true master and the entire work craves for Him.’
The Holy Sikh book, Guru Granth Sahib, says. ‘O Nanak, serve the Guru, the Lord Incarnate; the Blessed Vision of His Darshan is profitable and at last, you shall not be called to account.’
Also Read: Regional Festivals in India
How to Celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024?
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a welcoming festival for all communities around the world, meaning you don’t have to be a Sikh to celebrate this cultural and ritualistic festival. Celebrating Guru Nanak Jayanti can be a meaningful and spiritually enriching experience. Here are some traditional and ritual activities that you can do on this auspicious occasion:
- Visit a Gurudwara where you can participate in early morning prayers and listen to the recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib
- Participate in Kar Seva, which are voluntary services, such as community services or Langar, and engage in charitable activities
- Listen and understand the Gurbani, the hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Engage in Seva practices or selfless activities, to help those in need, regardless of their background. With this, you can promote the values of empathy and kindness
- Participate or organise events that focus on the teachings and philosophies of Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus. The purpose of these activities is to spread awareness and deepen the understanding of Sikh principles.
Is Guru Nanak Jayanti a National Holiday?
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a public holiday in India. Therefore, many schools, colleges, and even offices are closed on this day.
Read More Interesting Articles
FAQs
A1. In 2024, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be observed on 15 November.
A2. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the first Sikh Guru who founded the Sikh religion in the late 15 century. His teachings and sayings are mentioned in the holy Sikh text, Adi Granth Sahib.
A3. Celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti by visiting a Gurudwara early in the morning and listening to the recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib; Participate in Kar Seva or voluntary services; Listen and understand the Gurbani, Engage in Seva practices or selfless activities, etc.
Hope you enjoy reading about Guru Nanak Jayanti. For more information on such interesting topics, visit our Important Days page and follow Leverage Edu.