Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab Festival, India
Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti, is the most important festival for anyone following the religion of Sikhism. Celebrations are held in honor of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Guru of the Sikhs. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated on the fifteenth lunar day of Kartik Poornima, which falls on November Month of the Gregorian calendar.
The Guru was born in Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, a small village near Lahore, which is in the Sekhpura district of modern-day Pakistan, on April 15, 1469. During his lifetime, Guru Nankana Sahib constructed a Gurudwara on the site of his birthplace in Nankana Sahib. It is situated in Pakistan's Punjab region. The 15th century was the time when Guru Nanak founded Sikhism as a spiritual movement. During his lifetime, he composed 974 hymns for the Guru Granth Sahib. There is only one creator of the universe as outlined by the Guru Granth Sahib. Also expressed in his verses is a promotion of social justice and prosperity for everyone, regardless of differences. According to the Sikh religion, Gurus play both a spiritual and a social role.
On the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, celebrations begin in Gurudwaras two days before. The Guru Granth Sahib is recited non-stop for 48 hours, known as Akhand Path. Nagarkirtan is a procession organized the day before Guru Nanak's birthday. Leading the procession are five men and bearing the Sikh triangular banner, Nishan Sahib, which is called Panj Pyare. During the procession, the Guru Grant Sahib is placed in a palanquin. A group of people sings hymns and plays traditional instruments; they also demonstrate their martial arts skills. Flags and flowers decorate the streets as they pass through. Guru Nanak Jayanti is marked by processions and celebrations followed by langars, which volunteers arrange in Gurudwaras.