It’s a cause for celebration in the Sikh community today, November 30, as they observe Guru Nanak Gurpurab.
Guru Nanak Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti, celebrates the birth of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak.
This is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism.
Let’s celebrate with some facts about the tradition…
Who was Guru Nanak?
Guru Nanak is considered the first Sikh Guru and the Sikh religion is based on his teachings.
Nanak was born near Lahore (now in Pakistan) in 1469.
Sikhs believe that his birth and early years were marked with many events that demonstrated that God had marked him out for something special.
What is Guru Nanak Gurpurab?
Guru Nanak Gurpurab is a festival celebrating Guru Nanak’s birthday.
The word Gurpurab is a combination of the word Guru and Purab which means festival or celebration in Punjabi.
Although Sikhs have many Gurpurabs each year – to celebrate the lives of the ten Sikh Gurus – Guru Nanak Gurpurab is considered the most sacred.
How is Guru Nanak Gurpurab celebrated?
Prior to the celebration, a 48-hour reading of the holy book of Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib, will take place. This is called Akhand Path.
On the day, celebrations usually begin with Prabhat Pheris – early morning processions that begin at the Gurudwara (the Sikh place of worship).
Sikhs will sing hymns together.
This is followed by any combination of Katha (reading of the scripture) and Kirtan (hymns from the scriptures), in the praise of the Guru.
Following that is the Langar, a special community lunch, which is arranged at the Gurudwaras.
The community feasts are important because people from all castes will mingle, regardless of social standing, which was a big teaching of Guru Nanak.
Greetings and wishes for Guru Nanak Gurpurab
If you are not Sikh but want to wish someone a happy day, you can simply say Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Traditional teachings and messages to celebrate the birth of the first Sikh Guru include:
Gurupurab is a day to honour the preachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji. May he fulfil all your dreams and blesses you from heaven above.
May you be inspired by the greatness of Guru Nanak Ji, who spread the message of peace and harmony!
God is one, but he has countless forms. He is the creator of the universe. This Gurpurab, may all your wishes and dreams come true. Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti!
Guru Nanak quotes and teachings
Death would not be called bad, O people, if one knew how to truly die.
Let no man in the world live in delusion. Without a Guru, none can cross over to the other shore.
Those who have loved are those that have found God.
He who has no faith in himself can never have faith in God.
Dwell in peace in the home of your being, and the Messenger of Death will not be able to touch you.
Speak only that which will bring you honour.
Burn worldly love, rub the ashes and make ink of it, make the heart the pen, the intellect the writer, write that which has no end or limit.
Riches cannot be gathered without sin and evil means.
From its brilliancy, everything is illuminated.
The world is a drama, staged in a dream.
MORE : Why do Sikhs celebrate Diwali? They are actually celebrating Bandi Chhorh Divas
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/11/30/guru-nanak-2020-facts-and-quotes-to-celebrate-today-13668794/