Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 – How is it Celebrated, What are Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Teachings?

Guru Nanak Jayanti is the most significant festival for the Sikh community, celebrated on the full moon day of Kartik (Kartik Purnima). Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, was a social reformer, thinker, and poet. His birthday is observed as Prakash Parv (Festival of Light) throughout the country. His teachings remain highly relevant today, and on this special day, people reaffirm their commitment to living by his principles.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024

Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on November 15, 2024. On this day, the Sikh community reflects on the social contributions of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Many places hold special recitations of the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism). An Akhanda Path (continuous recitation) may last for 48 hours. Sikhs also organize Prabhat Pheris (morning processions) to share Guru Nanak Ji’s teachings with the broader community.

Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded Sikhism and was the first Guru of the Sikhs. He was born in 1469, during a time of societal division. Guru Nanak Ji aimed to awaken people and raise awareness of their rights. His birthplace, Nankana Sahib, is now a significant site in Pakistan, near Lahore. Guru Nanak Ji passed away in 1539 in Kartarpur, Punjab. His teachings continue to be widely embraced today. Guru Nanak Dev Ji established Sikhism based on profound spiritual insights.

Beliefs Associated with Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Dev Ji is recognized as the first Guru of Sikhism, a faith that he founded. He traveled extensively throughout the region, encouraging people to participate in social service, pursue education, and worship God. Some accounts suggest that Guru Nanak Ji married at the age of 16 and had children, but he later chose to step away from family life to dedicate himself to social reform.

Religious Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti

Kartik Purnima is a day of great importance for Sikhs, sometimes referred to as Guru Purnima. This day is seen as a perfect opportunity to remember Guru Nanak Ji, meditate on his name, and listen to Gurbani (the sacred hymns). It is believed that engaging in these practices with a sincere heart can bring joy, alleviate stress, and foster peace of mind.

Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Stand against religious superstitions and help others feel liberated.
Caste discrimination is a blight and should be rejected.
Chant the name of God, work diligently, and assist those in need.
There is only one God (Ek Onkar).
Avoid wrongful actions and think carefully before acting.
Treat all individuals, regardless of gender, equally.
Refrain from hoarding wealth acquired through greed.

These straightforward teachings highlight the values of equality, spirituality, hard work, and social justice.