Prakash Gurpurb – The Day of Divine Illumination
Introduction
Prakash Gurpurb also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti, is one of the most sacred and celebrated festivals in Sikhism. It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539), the founder of the Sikh faith and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. The word Prakash means divine light, and Gurpurb means a festival related to a Guru. Together, Prakash Gurpurb signifies the manifestation of divine enlightenment through the birth of the Guru.
Celebrated with immense devotion and spiritual fervor, this festival not only honors the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji but also serves as a reminder of his eternal teachings of truth, equality, humility, service, and devotion to God.
In 2025, Prakash Gurpurb will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 5, as per the Indian government and market holiday lists, aligning with the full moon day (Kartik Purnima) of the lunar month of Kartik.
Early Life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Talwandi (now known as Nankana Sahib, in present-day Pakistan). His father, Mehta Kalu, was a revenue official, and his mother, Mata Tripta, was a devout woman. From an early age, Nanak displayed a deep spiritual inclination and questioned social inequalities, ritualism, and divisions based on caste and religion.
At the age of 30, he is said to have received a divine revelation while meditating in the River Bein. Emerging from the waters after three days, his first words were, “Na koi Hindu, na koi Musalman” – meaning “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim,” signifying the oneness of humanity under one Creator. This divine experience became the foundation of his spiritual mission.
Meaning and Significance of Prakash Gurpurb
The term Prakash signifies light, not merely in the physical sense but as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and divine wisdom. When Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born, it is believed that the world was in an age of darkness and ignorance, dominated by superstition, discrimination, and spiritual decay. His birth was seen as the rising of divine light that dispelled the darkness of ignorance.
Thus, Prakash Gurpurb is not just a commemoration of a historical event—it is a celebration of the eternal light of truth that Guru Nanak brought into the world. The festival inspires people to live by his teachings, focusing on compassion, service, and remembrance of God.
Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Nanak’s philosophy is simple yet profound. His teachings, enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, emphasize the unity of God, equality of all humans, and righteous living. His core principles can be summarized through three pillars of Sikhism:
- Naam Japna (Remembrance of God): Constant meditation and mindfulness of the divine name to purify the heart and mind.
- Kirat Karo (Honest Living): Earning one’s livelihood through honest and ethical means.
- Vand Chhako (Share with Others): Sharing wealth, food, and blessings with those in need, fostering community and compassion.
Guru Nanak strongly opposed the caste system, idol worship, and meaningless rituals. He advocated for a direct connection with the Divine through devotion and good deeds. His message was universal and remains relevant across all religions and times.
How Prakash Gurpurb is Celebrated
The celebration of Prakash Gurpurb begins two days prior to the main day with the Akhand Path, a 48-hour non-stop recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib. This continuous reading symbolizes the timeless nature of the Guru’s wisdom.
A day before the Gurpurb, Sikhs organize a Nagar Kirtan, a grand religious procession led by the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones). The procession includes singing of hymns (Shabad Kirtan), display of martial arts (Gatka), and beautifully decorated floats carrying the holy scripture. The streets are adorned with banners and lights, and the atmosphere is filled with devotion.
On the main day, devotees visit Gurdwaras, where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a beautifully decorated platform. The day is spent in prayers, hymns, and community service. The Langar (community kitchen), a hallmark of Sikh tradition initiated by Guru Nanak himself, serves free meals to everyone irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. This embodies the spirit of equality and selfless service.
Gurdwaras and homes are illuminated with candles, diyas, and lights, symbolizing the spread of divine light and knowledge. In many places, fireworks and decorative processions mark the evening celebrations.
Cultural and Spiritual Essence
Prakash Gurpurb is not merely a festival; it’s a spiritual experience that binds communities through love, humility, and devotion. It reinforces the timeless relevance of Guru Nanak’s message:
- God is One (Ik Onkar).
- Serve humanity selflessly.
- Reject discrimination and false pride.
- Live honestly and remember the Creator in all actions.
His teachings emphasize that religion should unite, not divide. In a world often torn apart by differences, Prakash Gurpurb serves as a reminder of the power of compassion, truth, and unity.
Global Observance
Today, Prakash Gurpurb is celebrated by Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike across the world. Major celebrations are held in Amritsar (Golden Temple), Nankana Sahib (Pakistan), Delhi, Punjab, and Sikh communities in Canada, the UK, the US, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
The festival has become a symbol of peace and intercultural harmony, with people from all backgrounds participating in processions, prayers, and langars. Governments and organizations often host special events highlighting Guru Nanak’s contributions to humanity.
Modern Relevance
In today’s world of materialism, conflict, and social division, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings hold immense contemporary value. His emphasis on honesty, humility, gender equality, and social justice aligns perfectly with modern human rights ideals.
The concept of Langar has become a model for social welfare, inspiring many humanitarian initiatives worldwide. During crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, Sikh communities across the globe upheld Guru Nanak’s message by serving free meals and offering aid to millions.
Prakash Gurpurb thus serves as a spiritual awakening and moral compass for modern society, urging us to replace greed with generosity and ego with empathy.
Conclusion
Prakash Gurpurb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is more than a religious observance—it is a celebration of universal values. It reminds humanity that the greatest worship lies not in rituals but in truthful living, service to others, and remembrance of the Divine.
On this sacred day, devotees renew their commitment to follow the Guru’s path—spreading light where there is darkness, compassion where there is hatred, and unity where there is division.
As lamps are lit in homes and Gurdwaras on November 5, 2025, they symbolize the eternal flame of wisdom that Guru Nanak Dev Ji ignited over five centuries ago—a light that continues to guide humanity toward peace, equality, and divine love.
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