Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab or Prakash Parv, is a significant occasion for the Sikh community all over the world. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji – founder of Sikhism. The esteemed Sikh guru was born on the full moon day of the Kartik month in the Nanakshahi calendar. The day aligns with November, according to the Gregorian calendar. This year, Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on November 27, Monday.
Gurpurab is celebrated with zeal and pomp across India especially in Punjab and Haryana. The day is also widely marked abroad in countries such as Canada, United States, United Kingdom And Australia.
Guru Nanak Jayanti Rituals
Gurudwaras are decorated with lights, devotees come together to sing sacred hymns and participate in langar. The festivities also include processions, or nagars kirtan, where devotees carry the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs, through the streets.
- Akhand PathA 48-hour non-stop recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Prabhat PheriAn early morning procession of devotees singing hymns and carrying the Nishan Sahib.
- KathaAn exposition of the Guru Granth Sahib.
- KirtanThe singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib.
- LangarA special community lunch open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
- ArdasA closing prayer.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2023: Traditional Recipes
On the special occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, here are some traditional recipes that you can make for your festive feast:
- Kada PrasadIf you visit any Gurudwara, you will be served Jada Prasad. This halwa is the most crucial sweet dish that is made out of wheat flour, sugar and a generous amount of desi ghee. A Gurpurab is incomplete with Kada Prasad.
- Aloo GobhiThis classic Indian dish is common in every household. It is prepared by frying the potatoes and cauliflowers and eventually mixing them with Indian spices. Aloo Gobhi ki sabzi goes best with roti or paratha.
- Kaali DalMade with Urad (Black gram) and Chana (Bengal gram) dal, this dish is a delicious one. You simply need to soak the lentils overnight and pressure cook them. Finally, add a tadka with onion, ginger, garlic and tomatoes. Kaali Dal goes great with both roti and rice. Don’t forget to add a spoonful of desi ghee to your bowl of dal.
- KheerNo occasion ends without savouring a sweet dish and what can be more tasty than an authentic bowl of kheer. The dish is prepared by boiling milk, rice, sugar and some jaggery together. You can also choose to add nuts and raisins to make it even more flavourful.
- LassiLassi is a sweet Punjabi beverage that is loved by one and all. A creamy glass of lassi is made out of curd, sugar and ice. You can also add almonds and cashews for garnishing.
