Guru Nanak Jayanti 2016
When is Guru Nanak Jayanti -
In the year 2016 Guru Nanak Jayanti is on Monday, 14.11.2016.. Kartik Shukal Purnima, Samwat 2073 .
Why Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated:-
Guru Nanak Dev was the first Guru and founder of the Sikhism or Sikh religion. He was born on Kartik Shukla Purnima at Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi about thirty miles from Lahore (Now in Pakistan). So the Sikhs celebrate kartik shukla Purnima as the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji. He was a poet and saint as well. He was a prophet of peace, love and truth. His message and teachings are universal. They are not bound with time and place.
Celebrations -
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a very important festival of the Sikhs. They celebrate it with great joy and enthusiasm. On this day the people of the Sikh community decorate their houses. They reach Gurudwaras in the morning and participate in the Prabhat Pheris or processions which begin from the Gurudwaras. Guru Granth sahib is also carried in a procession. Five armed guards who represent the Panj Pyaras, head the procession. They carry Nishan sahib (the Sikh flag) with them.
Langars -
On this day foodis also served to everyone free of charges without giving any importance to any creed or caste. The men, women and children take part in preparing and serving food which is known as the Kar Seva and considered as the part of their duty as a Sikh.
Akand Path-
It is the reading of Guru Granth Sahib. The festival of Guru Nanak Jayanti begins with the reading or recitation of Guru Granth sahib, which is the holy book of the Sikhs. It continues for 48 hours non-stop.
Important things about Guru Nanak Dev-
Guru Nanak Dev was the founder of the Sikh religion. He was also the first Guru.
Birth- Guru Nanak was born on 15 April, 1469 at Rai Bhoi Di (ki) Talwandi. (Now it is Pakistan and known as Nankana sahib)
Death- He died on 22 September, 1539 AD.
Father- His father's name was Kalyan Chand Das Bedi, who was popularly known by Mehta Kalu.
Mother- His mother's name was Mata Tripta.
Teachings-
Guru Nank Dev's teachings are found in Guru Granth Sahib, a holy scripture of the Sikh religion. His message to the people was that there is one God who resides in every creature. Three basic things or guidelines of his teachings are -
Guru Nank Dev's teachings are found in Guru Granth Sahib, a holy scripture of the Sikh religion. His message to the people was that there is one God who resides in every creature. Three basic things or guidelines of his teachings are -
(1)Vand Chakko (Vand Chakna)- People should share their wealth with others and help those who are in need.
(2)Kirat Karo (Kirat Karni)- People should earn their living honestly and accept the pains and pleasure as God's Gifts.
(3)Naam Japana- People should meditate on God's name. It would eliminate their suffering and help them to live a happy life.
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