Guru Nanak Jayanti 2017: Know significance, how first Sikh Guru's birthday is celebrated across India

Guru Nanak Jayanti which is also known as Guru Nanak Gurpurab and Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav marks the birth anniversary of Sikh's first Guru, Guru Nanak. The auspicious festival celebrates on the full moon day of Hindu month of Kartik.

Apart from Sikh, people from all other religions also celebrated Guru Nanak Jayanti. 

The birthday of Guru Nanak is celebrated by people in a three-day significance. On the first two days, people reiterates verses of Guru Granth Sahib- a holy book of Sikhs.

On the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, the celebration begins with Prabhat Pheris in the early morning, it starts from a Gurudwaras. The morning part also includes singing hymns, a Katha session and ends with a Kirtan. 

People chants prayer and hymn singing throughout the day. After that langar is organized. The celebration ends at 2 am with singing Gurbani.

The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Northern India, especially in Chandigarh, Haryana, and Punjab. The festival is also widely celebrated in the UK and Canada.

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Early life of Guru Nanak

From an early age, Guru Nanak had a spiritual quest. Even, he refused to wear the sacred thread which is usually worn by the upper caste Hindus. He did not believe in artificial aspects of religion.

His life changed when at the age of 28 he disappeared for three days and after returning from that place revealed that there is no Hindu and no Muslim, there is only one God who is formless and could be worshipped by any name.

His teachings stood in contrast with the religious practices of his time and became part of Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs.Giru Nanak Gurupurab is celebrated to remember the Guru and his teachings and overcome the five vices - lust, greed, attachment, anger, and pride and devote one's life to the selfless service of God.