When Is Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 and How Will Sikhs Celebrate It?

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav, is one of the most significant festivals for Sikhs, celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India and around the world. The day marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. In 2024, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on November 15, which falls on a Monday.

Date and Time of Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 will be observed on November 15, a Monday. The date is determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar, falling on the full moon day of the Kartik month. While this date typically remains in November, it may sometimes shift to October, depending on the lunar cycle.

As the day approaches, Sikhs and followers of Guru Nanak’s teachings around the world are preparing for the occasion with special prayers, kirtan (devotional music), langar (community kitchen), and other religious activities in gurdwaras (Sikh temples).

Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Dev Ji is revered as the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. He was not only a spiritual leader but also a poet, philosopher, and social reformer. His teachings emphasized the importance of equality, compassion, and devotion to one universal God, challenging the social injustices and religious divisions of his time.

One of Guru Nanak’s key messages is encapsulated in the phrase "Ik Onkar," which means "There is only one God." This phrase is the opening line of the Mool Mantar, the central prayer in Sikhism, and appears at the beginning of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. Guru Nanak’s message continues to inspire millions of Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike, encouraging a vision of unity, equality, and universal brotherhood.

History of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in what is now Pakistan. Throughout his life, he traveled widely, spreading his message of equality, peace, and devotion to God. He strongly opposed practices such as caste discrimination, idol worship, and rituals that divided people based on religion or social status. Guru Nanak emphasized the idea of one God, who is beyond all human divisions and who resides in all beings, and he encouraged people to focus on selfless service and devotion.

Guru Nanak’s teachings laid the foundation for Sikhism, a religion that focuses on the importance of humility, community service, and the oneness of humanity. The day of Guru Nanak Jayanti is an opportunity for Sikhs to reflect on and share his teachings, not just within the Sikh community but with others as well, fostering harmony and understanding across different cultures and beliefs.

Celebrations and Traditions on Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024

Guru Nanak Jayanti is marked by several important rituals and community activities:

Akhand Path: A continuous, 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, which begins days before the celebration and is completed on the day of the festival.

Nagarkirtan: A procession that features singing hymns and prayers, often led by the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones), with devotees walking through the streets, sharing Guru Nanak's message of peace and equality.

Kirtan: Devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, which fills gurdwaras with spiritual music and joy.

Langar: The tradition of serving free meals to all, regardless of background or religion. The langar symbolizes Guru Nanak's commitment to equality and selfless service.

Prayers and Community Service: Sikhs gather in gurdwaras for prayers, remembering Guru Nanak’s teachings and reflecting on how to live a life of humility, service, and devotion to God.

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SUMMARY

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024, also known as Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav, will be celebrated on November 15 (Monday). This festival marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The date is based on the Hindu lunar calendar, falling on the full moon day of the Kartik month.

Guru Nanak's teachings of equality, compassion, and devotion to one God are at the heart of Sikhism. His message, expressed through the phrase "Ik Onkar" (There is only one God), continues to inspire millions.

The celebrations include Akhand Path (a 48-hour continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), Nagarkirtan (processions with hymns), Kirtan (devotional singing), and Langar (community meals). Sikhs also gather for prayers and community service, reflecting on Guru Nanak’s values of unity and selfless service. Guru Nanak Jayanti serves as a reminder of his vision of a just society, where all people are respected regardless of caste, creed, or gender.