Guru Nanak Birthday

When is Guru Nanak Birthday 2022?

Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is a sacred festival observed by the faithful of Sikhism. The festival celebrates birthday of the Guru Nanak Dev Ji who is the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.

Who is Guru Nanak Dev Ji?

He was born in the 15th century in the village of Talwandi. According to some legends, Nanak was born in April, while others believe that it was in November. Nanak had a married elder sister whom Nanak lived with until he was of age. At 16, he started working with Daulat Khan Lodi before marrying Mata Sulakkani in 1487. Today, Guru Nanak Dev Ji is considered a supreme power, and the founder of Sikhism with 974 hymns contributed to him.

When is Guru Nanak Dev Ji Birthday?

Celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji start days before the actual date of his birthday. The main day is marked on the Full Moon Day in the month of Kartika as per the Hindu calendar. Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev ji in 2020 will be marked on November 30.

Is Guru Nanak Dev Ji a public holiday?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji is a public holiday in India and a day off to the general population. The holiday is mostly celebrated in areas with a high population of Sikhs such as Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.

What is open or closed on Guru Nanak Dev Ji Birthday?

On this day, government offices, schools, and most organisations are closed. In areas with a high population of Sikhs, most businesses are likely to remain closed as people observe religious celebrations.

Things to do on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Birthday

Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Birthday is celebrated with pomp, enthusiasm, and a variety of activities for Sikhs and other Indian societies to honor the life and teachings of Guru Nanak.

In the Sikh temples, a series of readings called Akhand Path is performed for 48 hours. The most important poems from Guru Granth Sahib, which is the holy text of Sikhism are recited. The Sikhs usually pray until 2 am and stop singing the hymns at 1.20 am, the time the Guru is believed to have been born.

As a Guru Nanak Dev Ji devotee, you will need to start the day with the morning procession, Prabhat Pheri. You should then spend the rest of the day chanting, singing hymns and saying a special prayer Rehrasi at sunset.

You may plan on attending the Nagarkitan procession on the eve of this auspicious day led by Five people representing Panj Pyaras, who is believed to have shaped the religion. During the procession, the Sikh flag and the holy book is usually carried across the streets of Amritsar in a handheld carriage. The procession attracts thousands of people, among them musicians, martial artists, and choreographers. The streets along which the parade takes place are beautifully decorated with banners and flower arrangements.

After the long day, you can enjoy Langar in the afternoon. Langar is a free community lunch for all the people who observe Guru Nanak Dev Ji Birthday. Share it with loved ones before proceeding for the Sikh evening prayer sessions.

Guru Nanak Birthday Observances