The Celebration of the Birthday of Guru Nanek is a Sikh Tradition Guru Nanak

On 11th November this year, Sikhs will be celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak, and present day Sikhism is still based on his teachings and those of the nine Sikh Gurus who followed him.  Gurus Nanak is never worshipped as a God, but as a human being held in great respect. Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in what is now Pakistan. At the age of 30 he mysteriously disappeared for 3 days. When he reappeared, he began to preach the Sikh faith and spent the rest of his life teaching, writing and travelling around the world to discuss religion with Muslims and Hindus.

Who was Guru Nanak?

Guru Nanak was born in 1469, in land that is nowPakistan. At the age of 30, he had a religious awakening, disappearing for three days and on his return began preaching the Sikh faith. He spent the rest of his life travelling the world discussing religion with Muslims and Hindus and promoting the practise of Sikhism.

How do Sikhs celebrate his birthday?     

The day before…

The Guru’s birthday is celebrated by reading the Sikh holy book, The Guru Granth Sahib, from beginning to end. This is a great task and a team of Sikh men and women will each read for 2-3 hours over 48 hours, beginning two days before and ending on the morning of his birthday.

On the day before his birthday, Sikhs also celebrate in a variety of ways. InIndiaand parts ofEngland, processions will be held and led by five people each representing the Panj Piare (Five Beloved Ones). They will be followed by singers, musicians, martial artists and sometimes fireworks, to put on a spectacular show.

The birthday itself….

On Guru Nanaks birthday itself, Gurdwaras, Sikh places of worship, are decorated extensively with flowers, lights and flags. The Gurdwaras are places of prayer, singing and eating on this day. Celebrations will begin early at 4 or 5am with hymns sung, poems recited in praise of the Gurus and lectures on Sikhism.

Special foods are also prepared, a sweet food made from semolina or wheat flour, sugar and ghee –Karah Prasad, is blessed and eaten. The congregation also share a meal together.

Wishing all Sikhs a wonderful celebration of Guru Nanak’s birthday!

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This entry was posted on Friday, November 11th, 2011 at 12:15 am and is filed under days of significance, East Asia, General, social practices, South Asia . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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