About Gurpurab

Gurpurab is a sacred Sikh festival, which means the “festival of the Gurus”. It is celebrated for honoring Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary, the first guru of Sikh religion. Do you know that it is also called as “Guru Nanak Jayanti”? Are you interested in knowing more about Gurpurab? Then have a look!
About Gurpurab : The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak usually falls in the month of Kartik as per the traditional Hindu calendar. It falls in between October and November. According to the belief of the Sikh people, Guru Nanak brought enlightenment to this world.

Because of this concept this festival is also known as “Prakash Utsav” means the light festival. This festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and fervor by the Sikh people throughout the world. Its another name is Jyototsava.
Guru Nanak Jayanti :Guru Nanak Jayanti is also known by the name of Gurpurab. On this festival, the Guru Granth Sahib- the holy scripture of Sikhs is recited throughout the day. This holy book is beautifully adorned with flowers. The beauty and sparkle of lamps that are lighted is worth watching on this day.

Sikh people take out processions lead by Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones). Langars (Free meals) are arranged for everyone. Prasad (holy food) is also distributed among all the people present there. The celebrations of Guru Nanak Jayanti at Sri Harmandir Sahib or Golden Temple are simply impressive.
Gurpurab Celebrations :On this auspicious day of the year, Sikh people and the devotees visit the Gurudwaras in order to pay their homage and respect to the Sikh guru. Another common sight of this day is the procession of ‘Granth Sahib’ taken out by the Sikh followers.

People and especially the children actively participate in the procession and they march to the tune of the religious hymns played by the local bands. The procession is lead by five armed guards who are known as Panj Pyare. This festival is observed by the Sikh followers across the world with enormous enthusiasm and energy. You will find the Sikh Flag just at the head of the procession. The reading of the Granth Sahib actually starts three days prior to the actual day.