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Guru Nanak Jayanti or "Gurpurab" is the most sacred festival observed by Sikhs across the world. The day marks the birth anniversary of "Guru Nanak," the founder of Sikhism and the first of the 10 Sikh Gurus. The birth anniversary varies each year and falls on a full moon day, or "Kartik Poornima," in accordance to the Hindu lunar calendar.
Festivities commence a day prior to the anniversary, which sees devotees organize processions holding the "Nishan Sahib," or the Sikh flag, while chanting religious hymns. People performing "Gatka," a Sikh martial art, is a common site during these processions.
On the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, devotees sing religious hymns from the holy Sikh book the "Guru Granth Sahib," and in praise of the Guru. Sikh places of worship, the Gurdwaras, also organize community meals known as "Langar," which are served free of cost to people from all walks of life.
Government offices, schools, colleges and stock markets are closed in India on this day.
India Celebrates Guru Nanak Jayanti - India Real Time - WSJ
Festivities commence a day prior to the anniversary, which sees devotees organize processions holding the "Nishan Sahib," or the Sikh flag, while chanting religious hymns. People performing "Gatka," a Sikh martial art, is a common site during these processions.
On the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, devotees sing religious hymns from the holy Sikh book the "Guru Granth Sahib," and in praise of the Guru. Sikh places of worship, the Gurdwaras, also organize community meals known as "Langar," which are served free of cost to people from all walks of life.
Government offices, schools, colleges and stock markets are closed in India on this day.
India Celebrates Guru Nanak Jayanti - India Real Time - WSJ
