Gurpurab is one of the most significant Sikh festivals, which marks the birth anniversary of the first religious guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, also known as Prakash Parv. The followers of Sikhism worship him, one of the most supreme teachers of the religion. The day is one of the holiest days in Gurmat and it is a Gazetted holiday in India. The anniversaries of all the ten religious teachers serve as the focal point of the celebrations. The Gurus were in charge of laying the foundation of the divinity’s beliefs. The followers celebrate their birthdays, known as Parkash Purab, with prayers and festivities. 

According to the Vikram Samvat calendar, Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born on Puranmashi (Full Moon) of Kartik in 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi, now Shekhupura District of Pakistan, also known as Nankana Sahib. The Nanakshahi Calendar (calendar used in Sikhism) follows the Gregorian calendar and celebrates it on Kartik Purnima. As mentioned in Nanak Dev’s teachings, anyone can become a follower of God by engaging in conscience-free worship. We can easily find his teachings in the Guru Granth Sahib.

How Gurpurab is celebrated?

Gurpurab is a three-day celebration, two days prior to the birthday, Akhand Path is usually performed in Gurdwaras. The Panj Piare and the Palki (Palanquin) of the Guru Granth Sahib lead a procession the day before the birthday, which is accompanied by chorus singers, brass bands playing various songs, “Gatka” (martial art) teams demonstrating their swordsmanship, and processions singing hymns. The leaders of the procession share the message of Nanak Dev Ji with the people as they go through the town’s main streets and roads, which are festooned with bunting and ornate gates. 

PM Greets Nation on occasion of the Parkash Purab

In the most recent episode of Man Ki Baat honourable Prime Minister of India also shares his greetings on this auspicious day and posts a tweet, “Greetings on the auspicious occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. His emphasis on serving others and furthering brotherhood gives strength to millions around the world.”

His teachings inspire us to live a life of compassion, kindness, and equality and they hold special significance in the modern era. The most sacred place of Sikhism, the Golden Temple is decorated like a heaven and devotees light up candles on the occasion of Parkash Purab at Gurdwara.