Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2012

Gurunanak Jayanti is the biggest festival of Sikhs. It is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of first Sikh Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak Jayanti is a big festival and celebrated unbiasedly amongst the people belonging to different religion or places. Gurunanak Jayanti 2012 will give you an insight of this beautiful festival. Read more to explore the glory of Guru Nanak as well as Gurunanak Jayanti.

Significance of Guru (mentor) has always been high in India since ancient days. Sikhs follow this ritual with full devotion. The first Guru in the chain of 10 Sikh Gurus is 'Gurunanak Dev'. Being the first Guru, he established the Sikh religion. Sikh people celebrate his birthday like a festival every year. And, they have named this festival 'Guru Nanak Jayanti'. This year, festival of Guru Nanak Jayanti is falling on 28 November 2012. Not only Sikhs, this festival is celebrated with great zeal and gusto amongst the people of other religions too. Many auspicious occasions are arranged at Gurdwaras on this day.

As per belief, Guru Nanak Dev was born in the month of Kartik, on the day of Purnima, in the year 1469 at Talwandi, Royebhoye. Kalyan Chand (Mehta Kalu), his father was a farmer. His mother's name was Tripta. Talwandi is now known as Nankana on the name of Nanak, and it is in Pakistan now. Since childhood, he was sharp minded. An incomparable radiance used to be seen on his face since the beginning. It is believed that he got married in the age of 16. After that, he got two sons named Shrichand and Lakshmichand. In 1507, he left all the responsibilities of his family over his father-in-law and started his journey. Till 1521, he travelled across the major cities of India, Afghanistan, Faras and Arab. It is said that he travelled to all four directions. While travelling through almost whole world, he faced some really interesting incidents. In 1539, he rested in peace. It is said that India got its name 'Hindustan' from Nanak Dev only. In approximately 1526, after Babar attacked India, Guru Nanak used the word 'Hindustan' in his speech.

In honor of Guru Nanak Jayanti, the believers of Sikh religion celebrate light festival (Prakash Parv). Prakash Parv signifies the eradication of darkness inside people and lighting up the belief in God. Additionally, removing the dark rituals of society and discrimination. Guru Nanak devoted all his life to remove the social malaise and giving a right direction to the society. He was born at such time when Mughals were attacking India. There was an environment of torture and violence everywhere. At that moment, Guru Nanak taught everyone to maintain peace as well as harmony. Nanak Dev demolished the casteism and taught everyone to treat humans equally.

On the occasion of Prakash Parv, all Gurdwaras arrange for the continuous recital of their holy book 'Guru Granth Sahib'. A holy event is arranged in town by walking with the beautifully decorated sedan carrying the pious Guru Granth Sahib. Panj Pyare moves for the sedan. Attractive costume of Panj Pyare becomes the center of attraction for all. Believers of Granth Sahib broom the road fore to the sedan during walk ceremony. Children and youths show different types of acts during the ceremony. Such activities take the viewers in awe. On this day, in almost all Gurudwaras, Langars are arranged. There is no discrimination in Langar, people from all religions, castes or creeds get food equally. Hence, we can say that a new way of salvation begins from Guru Nanak Dev. Such an adorable and easy way it is, that takes you smoothly toward salvation or God.