Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024: Gurpurab, also called Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav or Guru Nanak Jayanti, honors the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. This day holds immense importance in Sikhism, celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life, wisdom, and teachings.
It emphasizes core Sikh values like unity, equality, and selfless service. Here’s everything you need to know about this special occasion, from its date to its historical significance.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Guru Purab and Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav, is a highly significant day marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru. Devotees and followers celebrate this occasion with great enthusiasm, offering prayers and paying tribute to Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This year marks his 555th birth anniversary, which will be observed on Kartik Purnima, falling on November 15, 2024.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 Date and Timings
This year, Sikhs worldwide will celebrate the auspicious festival of Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 with deep love and reverence on Friday, November 15. This marks the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
As per Drik Panchang, the timings for performing the rituals of Guru Nanak Jayanti are as follows:
| Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 Date and Timings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ritual | Date | Time |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | November 15 | 06:19 AM |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | November 16 | 02:58 AM |
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 History
Guru Nanak Dev, born on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Kartik month in 1469 in Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan’s Punjab province, is celebrated as the founder of Sikhism. A Gurudwara was built at his birthplace to honor his legacy.
Guru Nanak was a revered spiritual leader who traveled widely across the world, covering what is referred to as the “nau-khand” or nine regions of the earth. His teachings, captured in 974 hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib, focus on the unity of a single creator, the importance of serving humanity selflessly, and promoting social justice and prosperity for all people, regardless of their background.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 Significance
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a highly important religious and spiritual festival dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev, the first Guru and founder of Sikhism. Celebrated as his birth anniversary, this day is filled with devotion and reverence. People from Sikh communities and others come together to honor his life, values, and teachings, offering prayers with deep faith.
Across India and in many other countries where Sikhs and Hindus reside, this festival is observed with enthusiasm. Gurdwaras, Sikh places of worship, are beautifully decorated, and many hold special gatherings where people sing hymns, listen to teachings, and enjoy community meals known as langar.
Although primarily celebrated by Sikhs, Guru Nanak Jayanti is also respected by Hindus and people from other communities. Guru Nanak, who lived in the 15th century, is remembered as a spiritual guide who inspired all of humanity, not just followers of Sikhism. His teachings spoke against inequality and discrimination, encouraging unity among people regardless of their background, religion, or social status.
Guru Nanak’s messages were simple yet profound. He believed in equality, kindness, and selfless service to others. He urged people to see beyond differences, to live peacefully, and to understand that there is one divine presence that connects all of humanity. His lessons continue to inspire millions to live with compassion and respect for one another.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 Rituals
Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with meaningful rituals and customs in Sikhism, allowing devotees to connect deeply with Guru Nanak’s teachings. A key part of the celebration is the nagar kirtan, a vibrant procession where devotees sing hymns, carry the Sikh flag, and display the holy Guru Granth Sahib in a beautifully decorated vehicle, symbolizing respect and reverence.
An important ritual during this festival is the akhand path, which involves a continuous, uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, lasting for 48 hours. This sacred reading is accompanied by kirtan (hymn singing) and katha (spiritual storytelling), where people gather to sing praises and reflect on Guru Nanak’s wisdom.
One of the central practices on this day is the langar seva, where community kitchens serve free meals to everyone, regardless of background. This tradition of langar embodies equality and unity, showing that everyone is welcome to eat together as equals.
Devotees also engage in Gurbani (Sikh scripture) recitation, prayers, and ardas (special prayers) to express gratitude and seek blessings for the well-being of all. Kar sewa, or voluntary community service, is another meaningful practice, where devotees clean the Gurdwara, serve food, or assist others, reflecting Guru Nanak’s teachings of selflessness and compassion.
These rituals help to honor Guru Nanak’s legacy and promote values of kindness, equality, and unity among all people.
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| Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024 | World Kindness Day 2024 |
| Children’s Day 2024 | World Diabetes Day 2024 |
| National Education Day 2024 | World Pneumonia Day 2024 |
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 FAQs
Q.1. When is Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024?
Ans. Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 will be celebrated on Friday, November 15.
Q.2. What is the significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Ans. It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and celebrates his teachings of equality, unity, and selfless service.
Q.3. What rituals are performed on Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Ans. Key rituals include nagar kirtan processions, akhand path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), langar seva (community meals), and kar sewa (voluntary service).
Q.4. Why is Guru Nanak Jayanti important to Sikhs and Hindus?
Ans. Guru Nanak Jayanti is important for Sikhs to honor their first Guru, and Hindus respect his teachings of equality and spirituality.
Q.5. What is the history behind Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth?
Ans. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on the full moon day (Purnima) in 1469 in Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan.
