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>The Eloquent Peasant: Importing Wikidata short description: "Sikh festival" (Shortdesc helper)

2021-06-21T00:39:02Z

Importing Wikidata short description: "Sikh festival" (Shortdesc helper)

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{{Short description|Sikh festival}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox holiday
|holiday_name = Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab
|image = Akal Takht illuminated, in Harmandir Sahib complex, Amritsar.jpg
|imagesize = 220px
|caption = [[Akal Takht]] illuminated on [[Guru Nanak]]'s Birthday, in [[Harmandir Sahib]] complex, [[Amritsar]].
|official_name = Guru Nanak Jayanti
|nickname = Parkash Guru Nanak Dev Ji
|observedby = [[Sikhism|Sikhs]], [[Nanakpanthi|Nanakpanthis]]
|significance = Guru Nanak's birthday
|date = [[Kartik Purnima|Kartik Pooranmashi]]
|date2019 = 12 November<ref name="nanakshahi">{{cite web |title=Movable Holidays |url=https://nanakshahi.net/calendar/movable/ |website=nanakshahi.net |access-date=22 November 2018 |archive-date=30 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830130425/https://nanakshahi.net/calendar/movable/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|date2020 = 30 November<ref>{{cite web |title=Movable Holidays |url=https://nanakshahi.net/calendar/movable/ |website=nanakshahi.net |access-date=22 November 2018 |archive-date=30 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830130425/https://nanakshahi.net/calendar/movable/ |url-status=dead |at=Set year to 2020, and click "Get Dates" }}</ref>
|date2021 = 19 November<ref>{{cite web |title=Movable Holidays |url=https://nanakshahi.net/calendar/movable/ |website=nanakshahi.net |access-date=22 November 2018 |archive-date=30 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830130425/https://nanakshahi.net/calendar/movable/ |url-status=dead |at=Set year to 2021, and click "Get Dates" }}</ref>
|observances = festival
}}
'''Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab''', also known as '''Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav''' and '''Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti''', celebrates the birth of the first [[Sikh gurus|Sikh guru]], [[Guru Nanak]].<ref name="Purewal">{{cite web|url=http://www.purewal.biz/gnsbirthdateall.pdf|title=Birth Date of Guru Nanak Sahib|first=Pal|publisher=Pal Singh Purewal|author=Singh Purewal|work=Purewal's Page|access-date=16 June 2017|archive-date=22 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222084945/http://www.purewal.biz/gnsbirthdateall.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> One of the most celebrated Sikh gurus and the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev is highly revered by the Sikh community. <ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-30|title=Happy Gurpurab 2020: Guru Nanak Jayanti Wishes Images, Status, Quotes, Wallpapers, Messages, Photos|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/happy-gurpurab-2020-guru-nanak-jayanti-wishes-images-status-quotes-wallpapers-messages-photos-7066085/|access-date=2020-11-30|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> This is one of the most sacred festivals in [[Sikhism]], or Sikhi.<ref>{{cite web|title=Guru Nanak Jayanti 2019: History, significance and traditions|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/guru-nanak-jayanti-2019-history-significance-and-traditions/story-Opf6s8eSEPtGNZgV0SbPyL.html|publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=5 May 2020|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214044920/https://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/guru-nanak-jayanti-2019-history-significance-and-traditions/story-Opf6s8eSEPtGNZgV0SbPyL.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The festivities in the Sikh religion revolve around the anniversaries of the 10 Sikh Gurus. These Gurus were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs . Their birthdays, known as ''[[Gurpurab]],'' are occasions for celebration and prayer among the Sikhs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Sikh 10 Gurus|url=https://sikhipictureframes.wordpress.com/2020/05/03/guru-nanak-dev-ji-and-sikh-10-gurus/|date=2020-05-03|website=Sikh legendaries|language=en|access-date=2020-05-05|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128120807/https://sikhipictureframes.wordpress.com/2020/05/03/guru-nanak-dev-ji-and-sikh-10-gurus/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Background ==
Guru Nanak, the founder of [[Sikhism]], was born on Puranmashi of Kattak in 1469, according to the [[Bikrami calendar]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Singh Purewal|first1=Pal|title=Vaisakhi Dates Range According To Indian Ephemeris By Swamikannu Pillai – i.e. English Date on 1 Vaisakh Bikrami|url=http://www.purewal.biz/PastVaisakhiDates.pdf|publisher=Pal Singh Purewal|access-date=25 June 2017|archive-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004232123/http://www.purewal.biz/PastVaisakhiDates.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present [[Shekhupura District]] of [[Pakistan]], now [[Nankana Sahib]].<ref name=ref2>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/gurus/nanak1.html|title=Guru Nanak Dev ji (1469–1539)|access-date=26 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070830205721/http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/gurus/nanak1.html|archive-date=30 August 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is a [[Public holidays in India|Gazetted holiday]] in India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Guru Nanak Jayanti in India|url=https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/india/guru-nanak-jayanti|access-date=2020-11-28|website=www.timeanddate.com|language=en}}</ref>

According to the controversial [[Bhai Bala]] Janamsakhi, it claims Guru Nanak was born on the Full Moon ([[Purnima|Pooranmashi]]) of the Indian Lunar Month Kartik.<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh Mehboob|first=Harinder|title=As the Sun of Suns Rose: The Darkness of the Creeds Was Dispelled|url={{Google books|_yKiDQAAQBAJ|keywords=katak|plainurl=yes}}}}</ref> The Sikhs have been celebrating Guru Nanak's Gurpurab around November for this reason and has it been ingrained in Sikh Traditions.<ref name="Purewal" /><ref name="Purewal2">{{cite web|last1=Singh Purewal|first1=Pal|title=Movable Dates of Gurpurbs|url=http://www.purewal.biz/gurpurbs_movable_dates.pdf|website=www.purewal.biz|publisher=www.purewal.biz|access-date=4 November 2017|archive-date=22 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222182335/http://www.purewal.biz/gurpurbs_movable_dates.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

However, some scholars and organizations believe the Birthday should be celebrated on [[Vaisakhi]], which falls on 14 April according to the [[Mool Nanakshahi Calendar|original]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikhnet.com/news/mool-nanakshai-calendar-mnc-implementation-conference|title=Mool Nanakshai Calendar (MNC) Implementation Conference|website=SikhNet|access-date=28 November 2020|archive-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207203633/http://www.sikhnet.com/news/mool-nanakshai-calendar-mnc-implementation-conference|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Nanakshahi_calendar|Nanakshahi Calendar]] passed by Sri Akal Takht in 2003. However, many people and organizations would like to keep the traditional date by celebrating on the [[Full moon day|Full Moon Day]] (Pooranmashi or [[Purnima]]) of the Lunar Month Kartik. The original [[Nanakshahi calendar|Nanakshahi Calendar]] follows the tradition and celebrates it on [[Kartik Purnima]] due to demands by various Sikh Saints.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sikhism Religion of the Sikh People |url=https://www.sikhs.org/dates.htm |website=www.sikhs.org |publisher=sikhs.org |access-date=22 November 2018 |archive-date=4 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204003743/http://www.sikhs.org/dates.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

==The festival==
[[File:Nankana Sahib.JPG|thumb|280px|left|Gurdwara [[Nankana Sahib]], [[Pakistan]], the birthplace of Guru Nanak]]

The celebration is generally similar for all Sikhs; only the hymns are different. The celebrations usually commence with Prabhat Pheris. Prabhat Pheris are early morning processions that begin at the Gurudwaras and proceed around the localities singing hymns. Generally, two days before the birthday, ''[[Akhand Path]]'' (a forty-eight-hour non-stop reading of the ''[[Guru Granth Sahib]]'', the holy book of the Sikhs) is held in the ''[[Gurdwaras]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 24, 2020|first=Faryal|last=Rumi|title='Prabhat pheri' to set off from Patna Sahib gurdwara today |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/prabhat-pheri-to-set-off-from-patna-sahib-gurdwara-today/articleshow/79374943.cms|access-date=2020-11-24|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125090901/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/prabhat-pheri-to-set-off-from-patna-sahib-gurdwara-today/articleshow/79374943.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

The day prior to the birthday, a procession, referred to as Nagarkirtan,<ref name="ref6">{{cite web|title=GURPURBS|url=http://www.sgpc.net/festivals/index.asp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601221718/http://www.sgpc.net/festivals/index.asp|archive-date=1 June 2009}}</ref> is organised. This procession is led by the ''Panj Pyaras'' (Five Beloved Ones).<ref name="ref5">{{Cite web|url=http://sikhpoint.wpengine.com/|title=What's your point?|website=Sikhpoint.com|access-date=12 November 2019|archive-date=22 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922203139/http://sikhpoint.wpengine.com/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ref3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/religion/sikhism/gurunanak.shtml|title=Guru Nanak|access-date=26 December 2011|archive-date=8 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108013617/http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/religion/sikhism/gurunanak.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> They head the procession carrying the Sikh flag, known as the ''[[Nishan Sahib]]'' and the ''Palki'' (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 27, 2020|title=Gurpurab 2020 date: All you need to know about Guru Nanak Jayanti |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/rituals-puja/guru-nanak-jayanti-2020-all-you-need-to-know-about-gurpurab/articleshow/79367073.cms|access-date=2020-11-30|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> They are followed by teams of singers singing hymns<ref name="ref3" /> and devotees sing the chorus. There are brass bands playing different tunes and 'Gatka' teams display their swordsmanship through various martial arts and as mock battles using traditional weapons.<ref name="ref5" /><ref name="ref6" /> The procession pours into the streets of the town. The passage is covered with banners and gates are decorated flags and flowers, for this special occasion.<ref name="ref5" /><ref name="ref6" /> The leaders spreading the message of Guru Nanak.<ref name="ref5" />
[[File:Palki.jpg|thumb|upright|Guru Nanak Jayanti 2010 at [[Pune]], Maharashtra, India]]

On the day of the Gurpurab, the celebrations commence/begin early in the morning at about 4 to 5 a.m.<ref name=ref6/><ref name=ref5/> This time of the day is referred to as ''[[Amrit Vela]]''. The day begins with the singing of ''Asaa-Ki-Vaar'' (morning hymns).<ref name=ref6/><ref name=ref5/> This is followed by any combination of ''Katha''<ref name=ref6/> (exposition of the scripture) and ''Kirtan'' (hymns from the Sikh scriptures), in the praise of the Guru.<ref name=ref5/> Following that is the ''Langar'', a special community lunch, which is arranged at the ''Gurudwaras'' by volunteers. The idea behind the free communal lunch is that everyone, irrespective of gender, caste, class or creed,<ref name=ref4>{{Cite web|url=http://www.festivalsofindia.in/gurupurab/|title=Guru Purab|access-date=26 December 2011|archive-date=24 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111224161348/http://www.festivalsofindia.in/gurupurab/|url-status=live}}</ref> should be offered food in the spirit of ''seva'' (service) and ''bhakti'' (devotion).

Night prayer sessions are also held in some Gurudwaras, which begin around sunset when Rehras (evening prayer) is recited, followed by Kirtan till late at night.<ref name=ref5/> The congregation starts singing Gurbani at about 1:20 a.m., which is the actual time of birth of Guru Nanak. The celebrations culminate at around 2 a.m.<ref name=ref5/>

Guru Nanak Gurpurab is celebrated by the Sikh community all over the world and is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar. The celebrations are especially colorful in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], Haryana, and [[Chandigarh]] and many more locations like in parts of Pakistan and England. Even some Sindhis celebrate this festival.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Satpathy|first=Kriti Saraswat|date=2016-11-14|title=Guru Nanak Jayanti: Why and how Gurpurab is celebrated in India|url=https://www.india.com/travel/articles/guru-nanak-jayanti-why-and-how-gurpurab-is-celebrated-in-india-3231424/|access-date=2020-11-25|website=India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News {{!}} India.com|language=en|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128120810/https://www.india.com/travel/articles/guru-nanak-jayanti-why-and-how-gurpurab-is-celebrated-in-india-3231424/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Celebrating the auspicious day, the Punjab government has announced that it will install chairs dedicated to the great saint in 11 universities. The announcement was made on 11 November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/punjab-government-to-install-chair-dedicated-to-guru-nanak-dev-in-11-universities/story-8uekfSMGLM65DHJy0LF1DN.html|title=Punjab government to install chair dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev in 11 universities|date=11 November 2019|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=12 November 2019|archive-date=12 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112075938/https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/punjab-government-to-install-chair-dedicated-to-guru-nanak-dev-in-11-universities/story-8uekfSMGLM65DHJy0LF1DN.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Public Holiday ===
Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated as public holiday in following places:
{| class="wikitable"
!Country
!States/Provinces
|-
|India <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://publicholidays.in/guru-nanak-jayanti/|title=Guru Nanak Jayanti 2020, 2021 and 2022|website=PublicHolidays.in|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-28|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930202415/https://publicholidays.in/guru-nanak-jayanti/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, West Bengal
|}
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/holydays/gurpurbs.shtml Gurpurab] [[BBC]]

{{Sikhism}}
{{Punjabi fairs and festivals}}
{{Winter solstice}}

[[Category:Birthdays]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals in India]]
[[Category:Memorials to Guru Nanak]]
[[Category:November observances]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in India]]
[[Category:Sikh festivals]]

Guru Nanak Gurpurab - Revision history

KateCurmi92: improved structure for accuracy also and corrected details

WikiDwarf: Update

UpdateBot: robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

>The Eloquent Peasant: Importing Wikidata short description: "Sikh festival" (Shortdesc helper)