Guru Nanak Jayanti 2019: Date, History, Importance, Significance of Gurpurab’s Sacred Day

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Guru Nanak Jayanti 2019 (Gurpurab) : The day marks the birth anniversary of the Sikh guru and falls on a full moon day in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2019 (Gurpurab) Date: Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab is one of the most significant festivals of the Sikh community and is celebrated across the globe every year. The day marks the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, and falls on a full moon day in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The day usually falls during October-November, and this year it will be celebrated on November 12.

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With Guru Granth Sahib being read continuously for 48 hours, the celebration of the guru’s birth anniversary begins two days prior to the actual date.

On this day, a wholesome meal is prepared which is followed by ‘langar’ — which allows followers to offer ‘seva’ (offerings/serving). The lunch is prepared by volunteers and is offered to everybody irrespective of caste, religion and creed. It consists of daal, roti, chawal, sabji and halwa.

To commemorate his birth, followers begin their day with Prabhat Pheri, an early morning procession. All through the day, devotees chant and sing hymns. A special prayer is organised at sunset and is known as ‘Rehrasi’. According to legends, it is believed that Nanak was born at around 1:20 am. Therefore, the evening prayers continue till then, as worshippers sing Gurbani in his praise. It finally comes to an end around 2:00 am.

The day is widely celebrated in northern India, especially in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. The Sikh community residing in the UK and Canada, also commemorate the day with much aplomb.

Guru Nanak Jayanti is a gazetted holiday in India, acknowledging the Sikh community.

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