Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024, Gurupurab, Birth Date, Biography

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti or Gurupurab, is a religious festival in Sikhism. It is celebrated with deep admiration across India and by Sikh communities worldwide. This festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. For the year 2024, Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on Friday, November 15 . This auspicious day will be observed with prayers, community service, and profound reflections on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's life and teachings.

Who was Guru Nanak Dev?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on April 15, 1469 , in a small village called Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan). He was the first of the ten Sikh Gurus and the founder of the Sikh religion. He was born in a Hindu family and showed signs of spiritual depth and insight from a young age. In his growing age, Guru Nanak became known for his deep wisdom, compassion, and persistent belief in the equality of all humanity ; he also spoke out against social injustices, rituals, and superstitions of his time.

At the age of 30, Guru Nanak had a deep spiritual experience that led him on a journey to spread his message of oneness with God and love for all beings . Throughout his lifetime, he travelled widely across South Asia and the Middle East, sharing his philosophy of devotion, kindness, and simplicity. His teachings laid the foundation of Sikhism, which eventually became one of the major religions in India and the world.

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Guru Nanak Biography

Guru Nanak Dev Ji's life was a journey of enlightenment and compassion. He was born on April 15, 1469 . His father, Mehta Kalu , was an accountant, while his mother, Mata Tripta , was a homemaker. Despite his early preference and interest in spirituality, his father anticipated him joining a traditional profession, but Guru Nanak was destined for a greater purpose.

Around 30, Guru Nanak started his spiritual journey and undertook four major Udasis (travels) across India and beyond while sharing his teachings with people from his life learnings. He travelled across South Asia and even to distant lands like Tibet, Mecca, and Baghdad.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024

The date for Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 is Friday, November 15 . The date changes every year as it follows the lunar calendar and generally falls on Kartik Purnima , the full moon day in the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. This day is one of the most noteworthy events in Sikhism, as it honours the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji .

Guru Nanak's life was filled with examples of him speaking up against social injustices, hypocrisy, and the rigid caste system dominant in society. His legacy continued through his nine successors , the ten Sikh Gurus, who spread his message and strengthened the foundation of Sikhism.

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Importance of Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024

Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti 2024 , is not just a celebration but a reminder of the values that Guru Nanak Dev Ji united. His teachings continue to guide millions of people worldwide towards a life of kindness , humility , and righteousness . In today’s world, his messages of unity, love, and tolerance resonate deeply and operate as an example of how we can coexist harmoniously.

Guru Nanak Teachings

The teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji are summarized in the Guru Granth Sahib , which the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, compiled. These teachings are as relevant today as they were centuries ago. Some of his key teachings are as follows:

1. Ek Onkar – "There is only one God" : Guru Nanak emphasized monotheism, teaching that one universal god exists in everyone. "Ek Onkar" is a fundamental concept in Sikhism, which symbolises the unity of all beings under one divine entity.
2. Kirat Karo – "Earn an honest living" : Guru Nanak promoted a life of integrity, encouraging the followers to earn their living honestly and through hard work. This teaching discouraged any form of exploitation or cheating.
3. Naam Japna – "Meditate on God’s name" : The practice of meditating on God's name, "Naam Japna," was major to Guru Nanak’s teachings. It is a way of maintaining a connection with god, promoting inner peace and clarity.
4. Vand Chakko – "Share with others" : Sharing wealth and resources with others, particularly those in need, is a core teaching of Guru Nanak. He advocated for a spirit of generosity and empathy toward all.
5. Equality and Social Justice : Guru Nanak was a determined supporter of equality, criticising the caste system, gender discrimination, and social hierarchies. He promoted equal respect for all, regardless of caste, creed, or gender, and addressed universal brotherhood.
6. Selflessness and Service (Seva) : Guru Nanak inspired the concept of "seva" or selfless service, encouraging individuals to serve their community and humanity without any desire for reward. This principle is still widely practised in Sikhism today, especially in community kitchens or "langars" at Gurdwaras.

Guru Nanak passed away on September 22, 1539 , but his legacy continues through his teachings, which serve as guiding principles for millions of people worldwide.

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Key Facts About Guru Nanak

Here are some interesting facts about Guru Nanak Dev Ji that highlight his incredible influence and legacy:

• Born in 1469 : Guru Nanak was born on April 15, 1469 , but his birthday is celebrated according to the lunar calendar on Kartik Purnima.
• First Sikh Guru : Guru Nanak was the first of the ten Gurus in Sikhism.
• Ik Onkar : Guru Nanak introduced the concept of Ik Onkar (One God), a core principle of Sikhism.
• Udasis : Guru Nanak undertook four major Udasis (journeys) that spanned thousands of kilometres and included regions across India, Tibet, and the Middle East.
• Founder of Langar Tradition : Guru Nanak established the tradition of Langar (community kitchen), promoting equality and selfless service.
• Final Resting Place : Guru Nanak passed away in Kartarpur (now in Pakistan) in 1539, where Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur memorialises his final resting place.
• Rejection of Rituals : Guru Nanak was opposed to ritualism and superficial religious practices. He promoted a direct connection with god through meditation, good deeds, and sincere devotion.

Celebrations of Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 is celebrated with conventional Sikh traditions and devotion. The festivities start with Prabhat Pheris , early morning parades, where devotees sing hymns and songs dedicated to Guru Nanak. Other highlights of the celebration include:

• Akhand Path : For 48 hours, Gurdwaras recite the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy scripture) continuously. This is a deeply spiritual part of the celebration, where devotees gather to listen to and meditate on the divine teachings.
• Nagar Kirtan : This is a grand march led by the five beloved ones (Panj Pyare) carrying the Sikh flag (Nishan Sahib) . The devotees sing hymns (Kirtan) and display martial arts and traditional Sikh weaponry. The Nagar Kirtan is accompanied by Jhanki, where the Guru Granth Sahib is carried in a beautifully decorated vehicle.
• Langar (Community Kitchen) : An essential part of the celebration, the Langar represents Guru Nanak’s principles of sharing and equality. Devotees prepare and serve free meals to all, irrespective of caste, creed, or background. Langars provides a space for community unity and humble service, supporting the idea of selflessness.

Conclusion

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 acts as a significant day to honour Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life, his teachings, and his enduring legacy. Celebrated on November 15, 2024 , this festival is a time for introspection, service, and remembrance of the timeless wisdom Guru Nanak left for humanity. His principles of compassion, truth, and equality are as relevant today as they were centuries ago, inspiring people to live meaningful and harmonious lives.

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