Guru Nanak Sahib (the First Guru and founder of Sikhism) was born on 15th April, 1469 at Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present district of Shekhupura (Pakistan), now Nankana Sahib. The Birthday of Guru Nanak Sahib falls on KartikPuranmashi i.e. full moon day of the month of Kartik. On this day, the Birthday is celebrated every year. Sikhs from all over the world celebrate the Gurupurab every year with great devotion and enthusiasm.
Gurupurab in the Sikh tradition refers to a celebration of an anniversary of a guru’s birth or death which is observed as a festival. They are marked by recitation of the Guru Granth known as Akhandpath in Gurudwaras and in homes. This is a continuous reading without interruption and devotees take turns in a relay to perform the recitation. The celebrations commence a couple of days earlier with the Prabhat Pheris, that is morning processions around the gurudwaras singing hymns. On the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, katha, kirtan and langar are most significant. The guru’s message and hymns are recited at the gurudwara followed by community lunch where all devotees irrespective of class, creed or religion partake the holy Prasad in a spirit of brotherhood and goodwill.
