Post by : Rameen Ariff

Guru Nanak Jayanti, commonly called Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav, falls on 5 November 2025 and commemorates the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the inaugural Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism. Observances across India and the wider globe combine spiritual devotion, public processions and charitable acts to honour his lasting moral and social legacy.

At dawn many congregations take part in Prabhat Pheris, singing hymns and offering prayers. Nagar Kirtans—public processions that carry the Guru Granth Sahib in ornate palkis—move through streets while devotees chant shabads and demonstrate Gatka, the traditional Sikh martial discipline. Gurudwaras are elaborately decorated with flowers and lights, creating a reverent and festive atmosphere for worshippers and visitors alike.

The tradition of Langar, the communal kitchen, remains central to Gurpurab: kitchens serve free meals to all, irrespective of background, reflecting Guru Nanak's principles of seva (selfless service), equality and human dignity. Preparing and serving langar is widely regarded as a primary way to honour the Guru’s teachings on compassion and shared humanity.

Born in Talwandi (present-day Nankana Sahib, Pakistan) in 1469, Guru Nanak showed deep spiritual insight early in life. After a pivotal spiritual experience at about 30 years old, he began to teach a universal ethic emphasising devotion to one God, social equality, honest work and rejection of caste divisions. His hymns and teachings were later preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, which continues to guide millions.

Gurpurab is also a time for exchanging greetings, quotes and wishes among family, friends and online communities. Devotees commonly share messages on social media and messaging apps that highlight themes such as humility, peace, compassion and the importance of serving others—core tenets of Guru Nanak's message.

Guru Nanak’s message reaches beyond religious boundaries and national borders. His vision—rooted in universal brotherhood, dignity for all and spiritual devotion—has influenced successive generations and remains relevant in contemporary debates on social justice and interfaith harmony.

As communities observe Gurpurab 2025, the day offers a moment to reflect on Guru Nanak’s life and teachings. Participation in devotional activities, engagement in seva and the sharing of goodwill are ways devotees reaffirm a legacy that continues to inspire spiritual reflection and social commitment centuries after his birth.

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