|
|
|
|
|
 GURPURBS
Gurpurbs are part and parcel of Sikhism. In history we see that the
Sikhs have to sacrifice even their lives in order to celebrate the Gurpurbs.
Whether it is DEWALI (Bandi Chhor Diwas), VAISAKHI (Khalsa Sajna Diwas),
or Martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Sahib (Sahidi Diwas), Sikhs gather and
remember their Gurus & pay homage to the great Martyrs. All the
Gurpurbs are celebrated with great fervor & enthusiasm by the Sikhs
throughout the world. We are giving the account of the main & widely
celebrated Gurpurbs.
The birth-day celebrations & Gurpurbs of Guru Sahibs usually last
for three days. Generally before the birthday-date Akhand Path is held
in the Gurdwara. A large procession (Nagarkirtan) is organised one day
before the birthday. This is led by the Panj Piyaras (Five beloved ones)
and the Palki (Palanquin) of Shri Guru Granth Sahib and followed by
groups of kirtani Jatha, Various School bands and students, emenent
Citizans, Gatka Parties (displaying mock-battle with the traditional
weapons), and devotees singing hymns from Guru Granth Sahib in chorus.
The passage of the nagarkirtan is decorated with flags, flowers, religious
posters decorated gates and banners depicting various aspects of Sikhism.
On the Gurpurab day, the Divan begins early in morning at about 4 or
5 a.m. with the singing of Asa-di-var and hymns from Guru Granth Sahib.
Sometimes it is followed by katha (discourse), religious and Sikh Historical
lectures and recitation of poems in praise of the Guru. Kirtan-Darbars
and Amrit Sanchar ceremonies are also held in the Gurdwara hall. After
Ardas and distribution of Karah Parshad (sweet pudding) the Langar (food)
is served to one and all and there is kirtan till late in the night,
the distribution of langar continues to the end of the programme.
BIRTHDAY OF GURU NANAK SAHIB
Guru Nanak Sahib (the First Nanak, the founder of Sikhism) was born
on 15th April, 1469 at Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present distrect
of Shekhupura (Pakistan), now Nanakana Sahib. The Birthday of Guru Nanak
Sahib falls on Kartik Puranmashi i.e. full moon day of the month Kartik.
On this day the Birthday is celebrated every year. The Shrine (Gurdwara)
repsesenting the home of Baba Kalu (Father) and Mata Tripta (Mother)
is called Gurdwara Janam Asthan, situated at Rai-Bhoi-di-Talwandi in
the present district of Shekhupura (now Nanakana Sahib in Pakistan).
The Sikhs from all over the world gather here and celebrate the Gurupurab
every year with great devotion and enthusiasm.
BIRTHDAY OF GURU GOBIND SINGH SAHIB
Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, the tenth Nanak was born at Patna Sahib on
22nd December 1666, (Poh Sudi Saptmi). According to Nanakshahi calendar
2012-13 the birth-day
of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib falls on 18th January
2013.
|
