Guru Nanak Jayanti 2020: Know The History And Importance Of Gurupurab

The festival, also popularly known as Prakash Utsav or Gurupurab, usually gets underway 15 days before his birth anniversary.

One of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on November 30, this year. Also known as Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav, the auspicious day marks the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated every year on the full moon day of Kartik month.

Guru Nanak Jayanti date & time 2020:

The 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak will be celebrated on Monday, November 30, 2020. It is observed as a Gazetted holiday.

Purnima Tithi Begins - 12:47 PM on Nov 29, 2020

Purnima Tithi Ends - 02:59 PM on Nov 30, 2020

Gurpurab Significance

Guru Nanak Dev was the founder of Sikhism and his birth anniversary is celebrated across the world with full fervour and zest. Guru Nanak Dev spent his life spreading peace and harmony and his teachings are preserved in the holy texts, known as Guru Granth Sahib. The first Sikh guru was born on this day in a village which is now located near Lahore, Pakistan. His birthplace is popular as Nankana Sahib. The birth anniversary is also popularly known as Prakash Utsav usually gets underway 15 days before his birth anniversary. The celebration starts with the early morning processions known as Prabhat Pheris that begins at the Gurudwaras and continues in the neighbourbhood where devotees sing hymns and spread the message of Guru Nanak.

In fact, two days before the birth anniversary, Akhand Path of the holy book of Sikhism Guru Granth Sahib is held in all Gurudwaras and the next day before the grand festival, a procession or Nagarkirtan is organised by Panch Pyaras (five beloved ones). Devotees take out the procession holding the Sikh flag, known as the Nishan Sahib, and the Palki (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib.

On Gurpurab, the celebrations commence early in the morning and is referred to as Amrit Vela. The day begins with the singing of morning hymns, followed by Katha and Kirtans, in the praise of the Guru. On this day, the world popular community lunch known as 'Langar' is arranged at Gurudwaras.