Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh faith, was born in the month of Kartik (October/November) and his birthday is known as Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Born in 1469 at Tolevandi, about 30 miles from Lahore, the religion of Sikhism was the fruit of his great vision, dedication and devotion.
The festivities in the Sikh religion revolve around the anniversaries of the 10 Sikh Gurus, known as ‘Guruparabs.’ These Gurus were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs. Their anniversaries are celebrated with great dedication and devotion. On the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Dev and indeed all Guruparabs, free sweets and langar (community lunches) are offered to everyone irrespective of religious faith. Men, women, and children, participate in this ‘Karseva’ as service to the community, cook food and distribute it in the ‘Guru ka Langar,’ with the traditional ‘Karah Prasad.’
Gurdwara Special
The Sikhs also visit Gurdwaras where special programmes are held and religious songs are sung in praise of Guru Nanak. Houses and Gurdwaras are lit up to add to the festivities. The most sacred shrine of the Sikhs is the Golden Temple, located in the city of Amritsar, in Punjab, where Sikhs comprise the majority of the population. The Golden temple is named after its dome which is covered completely with 400 kg of gold leaf.
Guru Nanak Dev’s life served as a beacon light for his age. He was a great seer, saint and mystic. A prolific poet and a unique singer of God’s laudation, he was the messenger of peace, love, truth and renaissance. Even in his childhood, Guru Nanak had a mystic disposition and he used to talk about God with saints. He had a contemplative mind and a pious nature. He began to spend his time in meditation and spiritual practices. He was, by habit, reserved.
Guru Nanak Dev’s ideas were ahead of his times. His universal message is as fresh and true even today as it was in the past and Sikhs all over the world practice what their leader preached, reaffirming their faith in humanity.
He believed in the concept of one God, without any physical form.
That is why Sikhs do not worship idols.
Progressive leader
Guru Nanak became part of India’s progressive movement from medievalism to modernity. He pioneered a change in religious beliefs creating new convictions and fervour among his followers.
Guru Nanak came to the world with a message of peace, unity, love and devotion to God. He came at a time when the Hindus and the Muslims were at loggerheads and at a time when real religion was believed to be mere rituals and forms.
He came to preach the gospel of peace, brotherhood or the unity of humanity, love and sacrifice.
