India is known for its many hued fairs and festivals that form an integral part of the attraction of India. Each state, race and culture comes up with different fairs and festivals that are different from each other, each with different origin and each has a different way of celebration. The Indian calendar gives you a long list of fairs and festivals- in all corners of the country. Some festivals are famous celebrated by all over India while others are nondescript affairs.
Fairs and festivals in Punjab are celebrated with enthusiasm and much gaiety. They have one common objective and that is to bring together all the people of Punjab together. The sense of unity as well as religious bearing is very strong amongst the Punjabis.
Anniversaries associated with the lives of Sikh Gurus are known as Gurupurbs in Punjab. The Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib is one of the most important occasions for the Punjabis who swear by his teachings. Guru Nanak is considered to be the founder of Sikh Faith. He was born in a village in Punjab which now falls under Pakistan.
Guru Nanak Jayanti falls in the month of October- November. The three day festival starts with Akhand Path during which the Granth Sahib is read continuously and the conclusion of the reading coincides with the day of the festival.
Time for Celebrating Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib :
Guru Nanak Jayanti falls in the month of October- November. The three day festival starts with Akhand Path during which the Granth Sahib is read continuously and the conclusion of the reading coincides with the day of the festival.
Description of Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib:
Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib starts with the early morning religious procession that goes around the localities singing shabads or hymns. The onlookers offer tea and sweets to the members of the procession as a gesture of good will.
The Granth Sahib or the holy book of the Sikhs is carried carefully. The book is placed in a van which is strewn with flowers. Local bands are hired for playing religious songs. Five armed guards follow the procession. Sikh visit Gurudwaras to pray and distribute sweets. Langar or community lunches are also arranged for the benefit of all the people.
