Guru Nanak Birthday 2024: Date and Time in India, History, Significance

Guru Nanak Birthday 2024: Celebrating the Life and Teachings of the Founder of Sikhism

Guru Nanak Birthday, also known as Guru Nanak Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav, is an important religious festival celebrated by Sikhs worldwide. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. This year, in 2024, the festival holds special significance as it marks the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The occasion is observed with great reverence and joy, bringing together millions of devotees to honor the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Guru Nanak Birthday 2024 Date in India: 15th November, Friday

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 Overview

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 India Calendar

Celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti with this 2024 India Calendar, featuring important dates and events commemorating the teaching of the Sikh Guru.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 Time

On Friday, November 15, 2024, people all over the world will come together to celebrate the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the revered founder of Sikhism. This auspicious day, known as Guru Nanak Jayanti, holds significant importance in the Sikh community. The festivities begin at the break of dawn, as the Purnima Tithi, or the full moon phase, begins at 06:19 AM on November 15, 2024. The atmosphere is filled with a sense of reverence and joy as devotees gather to pay their respects and seek blessings. The celebrations continue throughout the day and into the night, as the Purnima Tithi ends at 02:58 AM on November 16, 2024. It is a time of reflection, devotion, and unity, as people commemorate the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, spreading messages of love, equality, and peace.

When is Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024?

Significance of Guru Nanak Birthday

Guru Nanak Birthday holds immense significance for Sikhs as it provides an opportunity to reflect upon Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings and their relevance in today’s world. The festival serves as a reminder to follow the path of righteousness and to uphold the values of equality, justice, and compassion. It is a time for Sikhs to come together as a community, reaffirm their faith, and seek spiritual guidance.

On this auspicious day, devotees wake up early and visit gurdwaras (Sikh temples) to participate in special prayers and kirtan (devotional singing). The celebrations often begin with the recitation of the Sikh morning prayer, known as Nitnem, followed by the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib. Langar, a community kitchen, is an integral part of the festivities, where volunteers prepare and serve free meals to all visitors, irrespective of their caste, creed, or social status. This practice symbolizes equality and the importance of selfless service.

Worldwide Celebrations of Guru Nanak Birthday

Guru Nanak Birthday is celebrated with great enthusiasm not only in India but also in various parts of the world where Sikh communities reside. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, is the epicenter of the celebrations, attracting a large number of devotees from all over the world. The temple is beautifully decorated with lights and flowers, creating a vibrant and joyous atmosphere.

Processions known as Nagar Kirtans are organized in many cities, where devotees march through the streets singing hymns and carrying the Sikh flag, known as Nishan Sahib. These processions are accompanied by traditional music played on instruments such as the harmonium and tabla. The streets come alive with colors and music as people join in the festivities, spreading the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings.

Reflection and Service of Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak Birthday is not only a time for celebration but also an occasion for self-reflection and service to humanity. Sikhs are encouraged to engage in seva (selfless service) by volunteering at gurdwaras, organizing blood donation camps, or participating in community welfare activities. This practice aligns with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings of serving others and promoting social harmony.