The word Gurpurab is a mixture of two different words, Guru and Purab. Here Guru means master or teacher, and Purab means Parv or occasion. So, Gurupurab means the day dedicated to Guru Nanak. It is one of the most sacred anniversaries for the Sikh society in India. The next Gurupurab is set to be observed on November 19, 2022.
History of Gurupurab
Gurupurab or Guruparv is the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism and first Sikh Guru, Nanak Dev. Guru Nanak came to this earth on the day of Kartik Purnima on November 29, 1469. The followers of Sikhism observe this sacred day as Guru Prakash Parv or Guruparb.
Conferring to the Vikrami year system, Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469 on Kartik Purnima. Followers of Sikhism all over the world observe this day with great belief. Gurupurab is observed as one of the most sanctified carnivals in the Sikh religion.
Guru Nanak Dev had a clear tendency since childhood. He used to close his eyes in his youth and engage in meditation and thinking. His parents were anxious about him because of these behaviours.
Once, Guru Nanak’s father sent him to Gurukul for study purposes. There he asked very complicated questions, which his Guru could not answer. His Guru became surprised by his questions and acknowledged his brilliance about worldly things.
Devotees also believe that he was once sent to a Maulavi for studies. Even he was not able to soothe his curiosity. Shortly after his marriage, Guru Nanak Dev left his home and went to other countries to visit. India, Afghanistan, Persia, and Arabia are the most common ones.
Guru Nanak Dev preached to the people in these countries. He also preached to the people of Punjab for worshipping Kabir, A Sikh poet. By doing this, Gradually, people started to revere him as a Sikh Guru. It is believed that from that time, Nanak Dev was distinguished as the first Sikh Guru.
Celebrations of Gurupurab
Followers clean the Gurudwaras and the adjoining areas on the occasion of Guru Nanak Gurupurab. Gurudwara is the place where followers of Sikhism gather to worship. The day is also known as Guruparb, Prakash Parv, and Guru Purnima.
They arrange a procession on the morning of Guru Nanak Gurupurab and sing Nagar Kirtan. The Guru Panch Peyare leads the Nagar Kirtan. The morning procession starts from Gurudwaras and ends at Gurudwaras after covering the whole city.
They arrange a huge Langar after the Morning Procession. Langar is like Prasad, which they serve after religious activities. On the occasion of Guru Nanak Gurupurab, people visit the Gurdwaras from dawn to dusk for prayer.
Importance of 10 different Gurudwaras
Sri Harmandir Sahib, Punjab
Harminder Sahib Singh at Amritsar in Punjab state is also known as Golden Temple. This Gurudwara is renowned worldwide because of its structural brilliance. The Gurudwara is known as the Golden temple because the walls of this temple are made of gold. Maharaja Ranjit Singh established this Gurudwara.
Sri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwaras, Uttarakhand
This Gurdwara was established by the tenth and last Sikh Guru, Guru Govind Singh. This worshipping place is situated in the Chamoli region of Uttarakhand on the bank of lakes and highlands.
Sheeshganj Gurudwara, Delhi
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is located at the Chandi Chowk in Delhi. Baghel Singh built this Gurudwara in remembrance of the execution of the ninth Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur. Emperor Aurangzeb murdered the ninth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Teg Bahadur here, for not accepting Islam.
Fatehgarh Sahib Gurudwara, Punjab
Fatehgarh Sahib was established in commemoration of the killing of Guru Sahebzada Fateh Singh and Jorawar Singh. It is a rare specimen of Gurudwara structural design.
Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Delhi
The Gurudwara is located on Baba Kharagsingh Marg in New Delhi. Raja Jai Singh built this Gurudwara. This Gurudwara is very well-known in commemoration of the phenomena done by the eighth Sikh Guru Harkishan Singh. Both Hindus and Sikhs come here to worship as it has religious significance for both of these religions.
Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, Maharashtra
Hazur Sahib Gurudwara is positioned on the bank of the famous Godavari river in Nanded Nagar, Maharashtra. The funeral of Guru Gobind Singh was accomplished at this place in 1708. Maharaja Ranjit Singh later placed the foundation stone of this Gurudwara.
Paonta Sahib Gurudwara, Himanchal Pradesh
Guru Govind Singh had spent four years of his life in the Paonta Sahib Gurudwara and composed the last book.
Takt Sri Damdama Sahib, Punjab
This Gurudwara is situated in the Talwandi Sabo rural community in the southeast at Bathinda in Punjab. Guru Govind Singhji came here and antagonised the Mughals.
Sri Patna Sahib Gurudwara, Bihar
Patna Sahib is the place of birth of the last Sikh Guru Govind Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh constructed the Gurudwara.
Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib, Himanchal Pradesh
There is a belief among the Shikhs about the Manikaran Gurudwara that the first Guru Nanak Dev meditated on this place. It is a very stunning Gurudwara established amongst the mountains.
Importance of Guru Nanak Gurupurab
This day has great significance for the followers of Sikhism. As this is the birthday of the founder of Sikhism, they celebrate with full honour. Followers of Sikhism gather at the Gurudwaras and share their happiness and sadness. It helps them to strengthen their bonds even more. Besides, this festival represents the religious diversity of India.
How is the celebration of Gurpurab different from the celebration of Dusshera?
The celebration of Gurpurab is distinct from the celebration of Dusshera in many ways. Gurpurab commemorates the birth anniversary of Sikh gurus, focusing on spiritual teachings and community service. On the other hand, Dusshera marks the dusshera day victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Are there any similarities in the significance and rituals of Gurpurab and Ganesh Chaturthi?
The significance and rituals of Gurpurab and Ganesh Chaturthi both revolve around the celebration of important figures in Sikh and Hindu tradition. While Gurpurab marks the arrival of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the arrival of Lord Ganesh. Both festivals involve elaborate rituals and fervent celebrations.
Conclusion
India is a very diverse country in both religion and culture. People live here in harmony. They celebrate cultural and religious festivals together. It is helping India to develop as a country. Indians should come together to help save the cultures of others because this is what makes India unique.