Gurupurab

Guru Nnak Jayanti also known as Gurupurab is a holiday in a few regions of India. Gurupurab marks the birthday of father of Sikhism Guru Nanak Ji. It is one of the several auspicious religious festivals in Sikhism observed to commemorate and remember the birth and philosophy of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism.

How Do People Celebrate in India

Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurupurab is one of the most significant festivals of the Sikh community and is celebrated across the globe every year.

This day falls on a full moon day in the month of Kartik, according to Hindu Lunar Calendar. The day usually falls on October-November every year. People who follow Sikhism and even Hindus celebrate Gurpurab every year with full energy and enthusiasm.

Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations are a three-day celebration.

On the first day, Sikh read the holy book of Sikhism – the Guru Granth Sahib-from beginning till the end.

As is the tradition on the second day, the holy book is paraded through the streets of Amritsar in a hand-held carriage. The procession is led by five people representing the original Panj Pyare ("the Five Beloved Ones") who helped shape the religion.

On the third day, to commemorate his birth, followers begin Guru Purab with ‘Prabhat pheri’, an early morning possession. Through the day the devotee chants and sing hymns. A special prayer known as ‘Rehrasi’ is organized in the sunset. It is believed that he was born at around 1:20 AM, therefore evening prayers continue till then. Worshipers sign Gurbani (Hymnes of Guru Nanak Ji) in his praise until 2:00 AM.

This occasion is hugely celebrated all over India and across the globe in Gurudwaras where Sikhs gather together and offer prayers to Guru Nanak Ji. A lot of people do ‘Seva’ selfless service to clean roads ahead of the possession of Palki and distribute free food and drinks to everyone regardless of religion or cast. All the Gurdwaras are beautifully adorned with flowers and upholstery, and at night, they are lit with light bulbs, rendering it a breath-taking view. Since it is a special day, people flock to the Gurdwaras in astounding numbers with their friends and families. As a form of Sewa, there are usually many stalls serving all kinds of delicious food outside the Gurdwaras, and inside, Langar, the food prepared by the people, is served to everyone, regardless of their caste or community. The mouth-watering Karha Prasad is also served throughout the day. People also distribute sweets to others to show and spread their happiness.

A platform with 6 arrows is set up. A man lies, belly facing the arrows, on the platform. Breaths are held as four other men set an icy slab on his back and another two men hold him up. Finally, one last man enters, carrying a massive hammer, which he begins to swing heavily into the ice. Sikhs celebrate this day with music, dancing and the use of their amazing weapons. They offer spear attack and defense and have displays of various weapons, such as the guru, which is a kind of gladiator disc with spokes.

Advise from Locals

Gurupurab is celebrated across India, but to experience the three days tradition, there is no better place to visit than Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab. It is considered the Holiest place of worship by followers of Sikhism. Golden temple is open to all the people irrespective of religion, cast, etc. The shrine stands out for its beautiful architecture made of gold. Thousands of people visit the Golden Temple on the occasion of Guru Purab to pray together and eat Langer as well.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the second most visited Gurudwara in the world. It is associated with 8th Sikh Guru, Har Krishna who stayed here in the year 1664. It is beautifully made with the usage of Gold.

There are many other Gurudwara in India especially in the state of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi where most of the Sikhs live. All the Gurudwara has rich history and cultures. On the occasion of Gurupurab, all Gurudwara are decorated with lights, flowers where a parade of Sikhs performing unbelievable stunts and bravery with the help of weapons and martial arts.

Tips from Locals for Visiting India during Guru Nanak Jayanti 

Some of the tips advised before you visit the Golden Temple or any other famous Gurdwara are as follows"

1. Be patient: There are no online bookings to enter Gurudwara, but you might have to stand in long lines before you enter, Guards are standing outside to manage disciplined lines and help you if confused. You might have to stand in line for more than one hour just to enter.

2. Plan your visit in the early afternoon to enjoy daily free afternoon ‘langar’ (free food). Golden Temple has one of the largest kitchens in the world which serves free food to thousands of people each year.

3. Remove your shoes before entering Gurudwara.

4. Keep your head covered all the time, there are head coverings provided near the entry of Gurudwara, it is not allowed to enter inside without your head covered.

5. Dress appropriately. Short clothes for both men and women are not allowed inside Gurdwara.

6. Try to witness famous parade which is full of unbelievable stunts and actions. Do not miss this experience.

Overall Feeling in India during Gurupurab

Gurupurab is celebrated with full energy and enthusiasm. Sikhs wear traditional clothes and parade through the streets of cities. Sikhs decorate their houses with lights, flowers, and diyas. There are even fireworks done. Small kids wear traditional Sikh clothes that are marching in the parade. There are some mesmerizing views of Gurudwara which are decorated for this occasion. Anyone can enter the Gurudwara no matter from what religion or cultures.

The overall feeling during Guru Nanak Jayanti signifies the importance of unity, bravery, goodness, beliefs and prayers.