Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated by Sikhs across the globe to mark the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru and the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Nanak Jayanti is also known as Prakash Utsav or Guru Purab, and is one of the most auspicious occasions for the Sikh community. This year, Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed on Tuesday, November 8.
On this holy day, devotees gather and offer prayers in Gurudwaras. The day starts with an ‘Akhand Path’, which is a 48-hour long verse from the holy Guru Granth Sahib, recited at various Gurudwaras. Traditions around the day also include carrying palanquins in Nagar Kirtan in the wee hours of morning. It is a procession in which devotees sing holy hymns. Devotees also organise ‘Langar Seva’ at Gurudwaras.
