In 2016, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on November 14. It is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, this day portrays the purity of Sikhism and true meaning of selfless humanity. Let’s read more about this beautiful festival.

Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated as the birth anniversary of first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. Here, in this article we will understand the importance and significance of this day by taking a sneak peek into each and every aspect of Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2016: What Is Guru Nanak Jayanti Actually?

Guru Nanak Jayanti is also known as Prakash Utsav and Gurupurab. Apart from Sikhs, this great festival is celebrated by followers of Guru Nanak and Nanakpanthi Hindus, as well. Almost all Sikh festivals are celebrated as the birth anniversaries of their ten pious Gurus. Festival of celebrating birthday of Sikh Guru is considered as ‘Gurpurb’.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2016: Who was Guru Nanak?

Guru Nanak Dev is the founder of Sikhism and for this very reason, he is known as the first Guru of Sikhs. He was born on April 15, 1469, at Rai-Bhoi-Di Talwandi, which is now at Sheikhupura, a district of Pakistan and now known as Nankana Sahib. According to traditional Hindu lunar calendar, his birthday is celebrated on Kartik Purnima (full Moon night in Hindu month Kartik). If considered from Gregorian calendar, Guru Nanak birthday usually falls in the month of November. However, the date varies from year to year in Gregorian calendar because of the Hindu lunar calendar.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2016: Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebration

The celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti is almost same everywhere, only hymns differ from region to region. The festival of Guru Nanak Jayanti starts with beautiful Prabhat Pheri. Prabhat Pheri is that event in which people walk on street in groups at 4 am and visit houses of the Sikhs. Event of Prabhat Feri begins from Gurudwara. People make the environment spiritually ecstatic by singing hymns, carrying lamps and some musical instruments.

At most of the Gurudwaras, Akhand Path of Guru Granth Sahib is organized two days before the main festival. Akhand Path is the continuous recitation of Guru Granth Sahib till 48 hours. Just a day before the main festival, Nagarkirtans are organized. Panj Pyares lead this procession. Most of you must not be aware of Panj Pyare. So, here we tell you.

Literal meaning of Panj Pyare is 5 beloved. As per the legend, Guru Nanak crowned five men as Panj Pyare. Since then, 5 men are always selected to be the Panj Pyares.

Literal meaning of Panj Pyare is 5 beloved. As per the legend, Guru Nanak crowned five men as Panj Pyare. Since then, 5 men are always selected to be the Panj Pyare.

In other words, Panj Pyares are the five men who are the purest men of this religion, the protectors of Sikhism.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2016: Legend Behind The Evolution Of Panj Pyare

Once, Guru Nanak Dev called a meeting to gather all the Sikhs from different corners of India. When all of them reached there, Guru Nanak called for a man who would sacrifice his life for the welfare of humanity. He called for the man who can sacrifice his life to symbolize that we are not scared of death. One man stood up. Guru Nanak took him in a small tent behind him. After some time, he came out with his sword red in blood. He then called on for another volunteer and every time came out with a bloody sword. This process kept on moving till the fifth man. Finally, after bringing fifth man to the tent, he came out with all five men alive and not hurt at all. He then baptized them with the holy water using his sword and crowned them the holiest of the holy. These 5 men were named as Panj Pyare. He then asked them to baptize him too. Hence, Panj Pyare came into existence. Since then, custom of selection of Panj Pyare is being followed for the selection of the holiest of holy.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2016: Nagarkirtan

Nagarkirtan is also a major event of the festival of Guru Nanak Jayanti. The Panj Pyares lead this procession holding a flag called Nishan Sahib and Palki (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib. A team of devotees follow them while singing beautiful hymns in chorus. During this procession, various arts are displayed like mock battles using weapons and martial arts, to name a few. Overall, this event adds power to the glory of Sikh religion.

Similarly, there are many other events that are followed during Gurupurab. It keeps the zeal of Sikhs alive in their hearts. Guru Nanak Jayanti is incredibly a unique festival. Be a part of it and experience the glory of Sikhism. Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti 2016 – Happy Gurupurab 2016!