Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the sacred festivals of Sikhism. It is known as Guru Nanak Birthday, and apart from Sikhs, the Nanakpanthi Hindus along with other followers of Guru Nanak also follow this festival. Sikh Guru`s birthday is also known as the Gurpurab. The festivities in the Sikhism revolve around the anniversaries of 10 Sikh gurus. These gurus were actually responsible for shaping the ideas and beliefs of the Sikhs. Their birthdays, known as Gurpurabs, are occasions for celebration and prayer among the Sikhs.
The Guru Nanak Sahib birthday falls on Kartik Poornima, i.e., the day of the full moon in the month of Kartik (mid October to mid November). This birthday is similar to all Gurpurabs celebration but the hymns are different and usually for the last three days. Usually two days before the birthday, Akhand Path (a forty eight hours continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib) is held in all Gurdwaras.
A procession, prior to the birthday, is organized which is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones). The Sikh flag is carried by the person who leads the procession, known as Nishan Sahib and the Palki of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by singers singing hymns and also bands playing myriad tunes, the martial art team known as Gatka display their skills with swords singing chorus. The procession, that roles into the streets of the town are actually covered with buntings and ornamented with gates for this special occasion with leaders spreading the message of Guru Nanak.
On the day of Gurpurab, the day begins with the Asa-di-Var (morning hymns) and lines from Sikh scriptures followed by Katha (exposition of the scriptures) together with recitation of poems and lectures in praise of the great Guru.
At the end of course there is Langar, or the community kitchen, which is arranged at the Gurudwara by the Volunteers. The entire idea behind the langar is; people should be offered food in the spirit of Seva or service and Bhakti or devotion. Guru Nanak Gurpura is celebrated by the Sikh calendar. The celebrations are especially colourful in Haryana and Punjab.
