Just after Diwali, in the Kartik month, as per the Desi calendar, Guru Jayanti is celebrated with great fervour in the Northern parts of India. The popular Sikh festival is historically rich and is still observed religiously, accompanied by cultural traditions to commemorate the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Guru Nanak Jayanti is the day when devotees sit together for ardaas (prayer) and reflect on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, including the values of selfless service, compassion, and devotion to God. Celebrated with devotion, music, communal prayers, and selfless food sharing (langar), here are the date, time, significance, and traditional dishes for Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024.
Time And Date Of Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is one of the most significant festivals in Sikhism. It celebrates the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus – Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Every year, Guru Nanak Jayanti falls in the Kartik month, usually in November. As of this year, Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 falls on the 15th of November, starting from 6:19 AM on the 15th of November and ending at 2:58 AM on the 16th of November.
Guru Nanak Jayanti: Historic And Religious Significance
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a spiritual leader and poet who preached the message of one God, aka “Ik Onkar”, the importance of good deeds, and the equality of all human beings.
Some of the religious practices observed to celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti include:
Akhand Path: Akhand Path is the 48-hour uninterrupted reading of Guru Granth Sahib. It takes place at both homes of the devotees as well as at Gurudwaras.
Nagar Kirtan: The festive processions conducted by groups of devotees are a vibrant and rich tradition that takes place on Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Parbhat Pheri: Partbhat Pheri translates to morning processions that happen early on the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti. It is followed by a communal langar, which acts as a selfless service.
Langar And Traditional Dishes Prepared For Guru Nanak Jayanti
The Langar is a central feature of Sikh festivals, symbolising Seva (selfless service) and Sarbat Da Bhala (well-being of all). Devotees volunteer to cook, serve, and clean up after the meal, with each act of service considered an offering to God.
In keeping with Guru Nanak’s teachings of equality, the Langar meal is simple and vegetarian, ensuring it’s accessible to all regardless of dietary restrictions. Some of the traditional dishes prepared for Guru Nanak Jayanti are as follows.
Kadha Prashad
Kadha Prashad is the unsaid offering that is always and every day served at all Gurudwaras. Made with whole wheat flour, sugar, and ghee, it is served with a garnish of chopped dry fruits.
Aloo Gobhi
For a traditional langar, aloo gobhi sabzi is one of the most popular choices. It can be simply made by stir-frying potatoes and cauliflowers with a blend of spices. Served by volunteers at a Gurudwara aloo gobhi, it is a staple for any Gurpurab.
Dal
Depending on the time of the day, dal is prepared to be served for langar. Usually, a yellow dal (chana dal or arhar dal) is made for lunch and dal makhani is prepared for dinner. The simple lentil curries made with mild spices give the devotees a comforting and nourishing meal.
Rice And Roti
At most langars for Guru Nanak Jayanti, rice or roti is served with the choice of dry sabzi and dal. Usually, at Gurudwaras, freshly cut salad is also served to emphasise the satvik ingredients.
Kheer
To end a langar on a sweet note, kheer, the slow-simmered rice pudding, is served. It is traditionally flavoured with cardamom, garnished with nuts, and served hot.