Sikhism is the fifth largest religion followed by the world. It is spread over a number of countries and Guru Purab is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of their first Guru, Guru Nanak Dev. It is one of the holiest festivals of the sikhs.
Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on the full moon day of Kartik month called Kartik Poornima and this year it happens to fall on 12th of November. Guru Nanak was born in a village now called Nankana Sahib near Lahore, Pakistan. This preacher of peace and service set up various spiritual, social and political platforms on the principles of quality, goodness and virtue. Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs is a compilation of his teachings. The celebrations start a fortnight before by doing pheris. Two days before the birth anniversary, a for 48 hours non stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib called Akhand Path is held in the Gurudwaras. A day prior, a procession called Nagarkirtan is organised.
Apart from school children participating in various activities to mark the 550 in India, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev is being celebrated the world over. The Birmingham City University will be hosting it annual ‘Langar on Campus’ event and is open to all regardless of colour, background or religion. Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Hardeep Singh Puri had last week delivered a lecture in the university and announced setting up of a Guru Nanak Chair with the initial funding coming from the Indian Government.
Source: News18 & Hindustan Times
