Gurpurbs and Guru Nanak鈥檚 birthday
Gurpurbs
GurpurbsFestivals that celebrate the anniversary of the birth or death of a Guru. are festivals that celebrate the anniversary of births or deaths of GuruCan mean God, teacher or guide. Usually means a teacher of religion. In Sikhism, it also refers to the ten human messengers of God.. There are many celebrations throughout the year. However, throughout the world, the four gurpurbs that are celebrated the most widely are:
- the birthday of Guru NanakGuru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Gurus, who lived from 1469 to 1539. (November)
- the birthday of Guru Gobind SinghGuru Gobind Singh was the tenth and final Sikh Guru. He established the Khalsa and completed the Guru Granth Sahib, the most important Sikh holy book. (December/January)
- the martyrSomeone who suffers death and persecution for their beliefs. of Guru ArjanGuru Arjan was the fifth Sikh Guru. He was born in 1563 and was executed in 1606 on the orders of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, and was the first Guru to be martyred. (June)
- the martyrdom of Guru Tegh BahadurGuru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Sikh Guru and was born in 1621. In 1675 he was executed on the orders of the Mughal emperor. Guru Tegh Bahadur wrote a number of hymns which are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. (November/December)
Gurpurbs are important because they allow Sikhs to celebrate the history of Sikhism and remember the religion鈥檚 key beliefs and values. Gurpurbs help Sikhs to strengthen their faith and remind them of the sacrifices the Gurus made. Gurpurbs are also important as they enable Sikhs to share their faith with the wider community. This brings the sangatCongregation in a Sikh gurdwara. together as a community.
Gurpurbs are celebrated in many ways: celebration cards are exchanged, local competitions are organised and special meals are arranged in the langarThe kitchen and place where food is eaten in a Sikh Gurdwara. Often volunteers provide and cook food that is served to all as an act of sewa (charity).. For many gurpurbs, the Guru Granth SahibThe Guru Granth Sahib is the most important Sikh holy book. It is a collection of songs, prayers and hymns from the Sikh Gurus and other holy men, as well as teachings from other faiths. It is treated as a living Guru. is carried in procession on a float by members of the KhalsaThe Sikh community, literally 'the community of the pure'. Refers particularly to initiated Sikhs.. Five Amritdhari SikhA Sikh who has been initiated into the Khalsa. walk in front of the Guru Granth Sahib to represent the Panj PyareThe five beloved ones. Those first initiated into the Khalsa; those who perform the rite today..
Following the procession, many people visit the gurdwaraSikh place of worship. Literally, the 'doorway to the Guru'. and listen to a reading of the Guru Granth Sahib. They also perform kirtanDevotional singing of the compositions found in the Guru Granth Sahib. and offer Karah PrashadSanctified food ( a sweet pudding made from wheat flour, sugar, clarified butter and water) distributed at Sikh ceremonies. throughout the celebration.
Guru Nanak鈥檚 birthday
Guru Nanak鈥檚 birthday is seen as the most important gurpurb. It takes place in November and lasts for up to three days. The Akhand Path (Akand Path)Unbroken 48-hour reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib. is the central event of celebration and the reading takes about 48 hours. Lights and candles are often lit in gurdwaras and homes, and many firework displays are held. To celebrate the occasion, children are often bought new clothes.
The martyrdom of Guru Arjan
The celebration of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan takes place in June. It remembers the fifth Guru, who was sentenced to death by Emperor Jahangir after refusing to stop preaching Guru Nanak鈥檚 message.
The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur
The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur is celebrated in November or December. It remembers the ninth Guru, who was killed by the Emperor Aurangzeb while standing up for the rights of Hindus.
Differences between celebrations in India and the UK
Gurpurbs in India are celebrated on the actual anniversary of the event they celebrate. In contrast, in the UK, Sikhs often celebrate them on the Sunday nearest to the date. In India, schools are often closed for some of the gurpurbs, but in the UK the festivals are often celebrated at the weekend.
Question
What is the Akand Path and why is it important in gurpurbs?
The Akand Path is the continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib over 48 hours. It is a central event in all gurpurbs.