Gurupurab 2023: Date, History, Significance, Story & more.

Gurupurab Quick Facts

History of Gurupurab

Guruparv is also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti and Gurpurab. The first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the founder of Sikhism. Gurpurab is celebrated with utmost enthusiasm among the people belonging to the Sikh community.

The history of Guru Parv dates back to Maharishi Vyasa, who is considered a great guru in Hinduism. Vyas ji is also known as Maharishi Ved Vyas and is considered the author of Mahabharata. He composed the Mahabharata and compiled the Vedas in the form of Vyasa lectures. Vyas ji is considered the best Guru, and Guru Purnima is dedicated to him. On this day people worship the feet of the gurus, greet them and seek their blessings. Gurudakshina is offered to the gurus by the students and religious programs prescribed by them are attended. Apart from this, people organize various religious and social functions and offer special food and devotional food to the Guru.

Story of Gurupurab

Guru Dakshina and God's Pleasure: This story is related to the Mahabharata. Once Arjuna asked Guru Dronacharya for valor as dakshina. Guru Dronacharya asks Arjuna to protect his son Ikshvaku in his biography. Arjuna protected Ikshvaku and killed him. Guru Dronacharya was pleased with this and gave Arjuna the knowledge of updated qualities. It is told from this story that by serving the Guru, the student attains ideality and knowledge.

Kabir and Ramanand: The story of Saint Kabirdas and his Guru Ramanand is depicted in this story. Kabir ji served his Guru and under his guidance oriented his life towards righteousness and virtues. This story gives the message that good qualities can be developed by surrendering oneself under the guidance of a Guru.

Vyas Muni and Ganesha: This story is about Maharishi Vyas and Lord Ganesha. Maharishi Vyas had resolved to compose the Mahabharata, but he had a monopoly on subtlety. So, he asked Ganesha to write it for him. Ganesha put a condition to him that he would keep writing continuously and if he got tired anywhere, Vyas would not order him to stop. Maharishi Vyas agreed and started the composition of Mahabharata. It is told from this story that in order to serve the Guru, it is necessary to be dedicated to the training in times of emergency.

Significance of Gurupurab

Guru Parv signifies the respect and importance of the Guru-shishya relationship. The Guru-shishya relationship is a sacred and dedicated relationship where the Guru provides knowledge, guidance, and solutions to problems to the student. Guru Parv extols the glory of this relationship and exhorts students to express respect and devotion to their gurus. Guru Parv provides an opportunity to praise the importance of Gurus. Guru is an important part of life who imparts knowledge, message, guidance and inspiration to the student. On this day students get an opportunity to show their respect and faith towards their gurus. This festival promotes the glory of knowledge. This day is the time of worship and blessings of the gurus for the students to gain knowledge. Students get an opportunity to demonstrate their devotion and faith in the gurus and express respect and reverence to the gurus who are the epitome of knowledge.

How to celebrate Gurupurab

Guru has a very important place in Indian culture. Guru Purab is a major Hindu festival celebrated on the occasion of the birthdays of the Gurus. The festival is an occasion for the devotees to remember the glory of the Guru and his ideals. The importance of Guru Purab is extremely important for his devotees. On the day of Guru Purab, people bow down to their beloved gurus and express their reverence and devotion towards them. It is an ideal occasion when students can express their gratitude towards their guru and understand the values taught by him. The festival of Guru Purab is celebrated in different forms. The day is celebrated in the form of rituals, worship and devotional singing shared with the Sangat. Religious programs are organized in the gurudwara, in which the story of the Guru is heard and kirtan is performed. On the day of Guru Purab, people worship the idols and photos of their gurus and seek their blessings. They meditate and pray and focus on their teachings. Apart from this, arranging food and water for the devotees, serving the Sangat, doing charity and doing other noble deeds are also considered extremely important on Guru Purab.

Through all these rituals the importance of Guru Purab is remembered and the ideals of the Guru are adopted. The importance of Guru Purab is an opportunity to keep alive its traditions, pioneers of education and Guru Shishya traditions. By celebrating this day, we remember the guidance of the Guru in our lives and adopt all the important things that he taught. Guru Purab reminds us of the importance of righteousness, ideals, dedication and service. In this way, Guru Purab is an important and ideal festival that provides us an opportunity to remember the glory of the Guru and adopt his teachings. On this day we should express our gratitude towards our Gurus and take a pledge to keep their influence alive in our lives.

Tradition and customs of Gurupurab

There are some general traditions that are followed during Guru Parv. The objective of the festival is to honor and remember the teachings and contributions of the Gurus, promote unity, equality and selfless service and strengthen the spiritual bond among the community.

Gurudwara Yatra: On Guru Parv people visit Gurdwaras, which are places of worship for Sikhs. They pray, participate in recitations of holy scriptures and listen to sermons delivered by Sikh priests.

Nagar Kirtan: Nagar Kirtan is a religious procession that takes place on Guru Parv. Devotees collect and carry the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs, on a beautifully decorated palanquin or boat. They sing hymns, chant devotional verses, and walk the streets spreading the Guru's message.

Langar Service: Langar refers to the community kitchen where free food is served to all visitors regardless of their caste, creed or social status. On Guru Parv, devotees actively participate in the preparation and service of langar. This practice is a symbol of equality, humility and selfless service.

Katha and Kirtan: Katha refers to the recitation of religious stories and teachings from the Guru Granth Sahib. Kirtan includes devotional singing and chanting of hymns in praise of the Guru. These activities are conducted in gurudwaras and community halls, where devotees gather to listen to spiritual discourses and engage in devotional singing.

Akhand Path: Akhand Path is the continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, without any break, over a period of two to three days. It is often held in Gurudwaras on the occasion of Guru Parv. Devotees take turns reciting the scriptures and pay their respects during this uninterrupted recitation.

Seva: Seva refers to selfless service done for the benefit of others. Devotees engage in various acts of service such as cleaning the Gurdwara premises, serving water and food to visitors, assisting in organizing events, and providing accommodation to pilgrims.

More info about Gurupurab

There have been many changes in the celebration of Gurpurab which are associated with the social and technological changes of the people. Some of the major changes may be mentioned here:

Technological Changes: In the era of modernity, on the occasion of Gurpurab, people can get information about Gurudwara events, Katha-Kirtan, and related programs by using social media and internet. They can share their experience and tribute on social media with bhajan, kirtan and sangat.

Community Service: Nowadays, during Gurpurab, there is a growing practice of doing community service programs in old age homes, hospitals, orphanages or other social institutions. People can devote their time and resources to the service of those who need help financially or socially.

Sharing with the Sangat: People now choose to share their experiences, thoughts and devotion with the Sangat on the occasion of Gurpurab. For this, the spirit of sharing has increased in the society and people throng Gurudwaras enthusiastically on Gurpurab.

Education and Inspiration: Most of the Gurupurab events have special teachings and inspiration sessions organized in the Gurudwaras. These sessions provide a way for the learners and the people of the community to revise and learn about the guidance, ideals and truths given by the gurus.

List of major festivals: