Entire world is celebrating Guru Nanak’s birthday which is known as Guru Nanak Jayanti also as Gurupurab. This day is also known as Prakash Utsav. Sikh community since early morning morning visit Gurudwaras to offer prayers. Devotees took part in various religious programmes including ‘Kar Seva’ (community service) that include cleaning of Gurudwara premises or preparing langar (community food).
According to the Hindu Calendar, each year it is observed on the day of Kartik Poornima, which is the fifteenth lunar day in the month of Kartik.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the first of ten Gurus and also the founder of path or Sikhism. He was a firm believer of oneness. Nanak travelled across the Asia and spread the message of ‘Ik Omkaar’ meaning ‘one God’. His mantra is “Ik Onkar, Satnam, Karta Purakh, Nirbhau, Nirvair, Akal Murat, Ajuni Sae Bham, Guru Prasad” meaning there is only one god, his name is the only truth, he is the only creator, he is fearless, he is without hate, he is immortal, he is beyond birth and death, and by only his grace one can chant his name.
Five Tenets of Guru Nanak Dev Ji:
- Ik Onkar: Guru Nanak Dev Ji had spread the message of ‘Ik Onkar’ which means one God.
- Kirat Karo: Meaning ‘work honestly’. Guru Nanak Dev Ji has given this message to everyone that all humans need to earn their living through honest means.
- Naam Japo: He always asked people to chant the name of ‘True God’. He asked to gain control over five evils- Kama, Krodh, Lobh, Moh, Ahankar means Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment and Ego.
- Vand Shhanko: Translates to ‘Share and Consume’.
- Sewa- selfless service: Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked people to engage in selfless service and spiritual satisfaction to mankind. He firmly believed that spiritual satisfaction. He asked to keep greed aside.
