Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024: Is Gurpurab a Government Holiday? Check History and Significance

One of the most important Sikh festivals is Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Utsav. This day commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the leader of the ten masters of Sikhism and the founder of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated by Sikhs and followers across the world on Friday, November 15, 2024, with joy and devotion. Now is the time to reflect on the teachings of Guru Nanak and uphold the values ​​he taught.

Is Gurupurab a government holiday?

Many states in India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and West Bengal observe Guru Nanak Jayanti as a public holiday. Banks, government offices, schools and colleges are closed on this day to give people an opportunity to participate in the celebrations while reflecting on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Here is the list of states where banks will close Guru Nanak Jayanti accounts as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines:

City

November 15, 2024

Aizawl

holiday

bellapur

holiday

Bhopal

holiday

bhubaneswar

holiday

Chandigarh

holiday

dehradun

holiday

Hyderabad – Telangana

holiday

itanagar

holiday

jaipur

holiday

jammu

holiday

Kanpur

holiday

Kohima

holiday

Kolkata

holiday

Lucknow

holiday

mumbai

holiday

Nagpur

holiday

New Delhi

holiday

Raipur

holiday

ranchi

holiday

Shimla

holiday

srinagar

holiday

What is the history of Guru Nanak Jayanti?

Guru Nanak Jayanti has been commemorated since the 15th century, when Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a visionary spiritual leader born in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan). From an early age, he challenged the social inequalities and religious traditions prevalent in his community.

After experiencing a spiritual awakening at the age of 30, Guru Nanak Dev Ji began to promote equality, compassion and devotion to the One God.

Encyclopedia Britannica mentions: “Nanak is believed to have had an illuminating experience when he was around 30 years old. According to Janamsakhi texts, he disappeared while bathing in a river and was presumed to have drowned. Sacred records indicate that Nanak was During his disappearance he communicated with the Supreme Being, who gave him amrit, which gave him knowledge of the divine name. It is believed that this mystical experience gave him an epiphany of transcendent reality.”

Throughout his life he traveled throughout India, Tibet and parts of the Middle East, spreading his teachings and promoting a simpler, more inclusive approach to spirituality.

Sikhism is based on the teachings and ideas of Guru Nanak Devji.

He advocated a life dedicated to truth, integrity and selfless service, as well as the elimination of social divisions and the unity of God. Sikhism’s holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, contains a compilation of his teachings that were formalized and expanded upon by subsequent gurus.

What is the significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti?

Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti, commemorates the birth and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This festival holds great significance for Sikhs and those who embrace Guru Nanak’s teachings of equality, compassion and harmony.

His philosophy and principles cut across religious lines to promote the idea of ​​a world filled with love, peace and justice.

In Guru Nanak Jayanti, Sikhs have the opportunity to consider his teachings and work to uphold the values ​​he created, including:

  • Live Honestly (Kirat Karo): Work to the best of your ability and avoid unethical or exploitative methods.
  • Chanting the Name of God (Naam Japo): Reflect on the Name of God and maintain a spiritual mindset in your daily life.
  • Vand Chhakko (Share with Others): Foster a sense of community by providing and lending resources to those in need.
  • Blessings for All (Sarbat da Bhala): Guru Nanak Devi Ji taught the value of universal welfare and urged everyone to pray for prosperity and peace for all, irrespective of their gender, caste or religion.

Devotees and followers are reminded to follow these teachings and aim for an ethical and compassionate life.

In conclusion, Guru Nanak Jayanti is more than just a festival, it is an opportunity to celebrate the values ​​of equality, service, compassion and spirituality that Guru Nanak dedicated his life to teaching. In 2024, as Sikhs and others around the world come together to commemorate his legacy, Guru Nanak’s message of unity and peace remains as powerful and inspiring as ever.

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