Introduction

Guru Nanak Jayanti is the most important festival of Sikh community. It is celebrated on the Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev who was the founder of Sikh religion. This festival is observed on the Kartik Puranmashi which is the full moon day of the month Kartik according to Hindu Bikrami Calendar. In Gregorian calendar, the festival usually falls in the month of November but the date varies.

Celebration

The celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti last for usually three days i.e. first two days and the Birthday. The celebration is observed with Akhand Path (forty eight hours non stop recitation of Guru Granth Sahib- the Holy Scripture of the Sikh). A day before the birthday, a procession is held which is led by Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones). They lead the procession with Sikh flag called Nishan Sahib and the Palki (Palanquin) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by the devotees singing hymns, brass band playing different tunes, 'Gatka' teams (Martial Arts) display the art of swords. This procession marches past every important places of the town or the city.

On the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, morning starts with the singing of Asa-di-Var (morning hymns) from the Sikh scriptures and that is then followed by Katha (exposition of the scripture) together with the recitation of the pomes in the praise of Guru Nanak Dev. The celebration ends with the arrangement of “Langar”; the community lunch volunteered by the devotees and Gurudwaras.

Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated all across the world, where the Sikh Community lives. The celebration is usually more colorful and vibrant in the state of Punjab and surroundings.