Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2013

(CHAKRA) Guru Gobind Singh Ji Jayanti is a special day in Sikhism and is celebrated by Sikhs around the globe. Guru Gobind Singh Ji jayanti falls on January 5th, 2013. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is the birthday of Sikhism’s 10th and last guru and this day witnesses’ large processions and special prayer gatherings at all Gurudwaras which are Sikh temples.

Gobind Singh was born in Patna, Bihar in India, he was also a warrior, poet and philosopher. He succeeded his father Guru Tegh Bahadur as the leader of Sikhs at a young age of nine. He contributed much to Sikhism; most notable was his formalisation of the faith which the first Sikh guru Nanak Dev had founded almost three centuries ago. He transformed Sikhs into Khalsa (pure) in 1699.

In addition to his spiritual and military leadership, Guru Gobind Singh was a gifted intellectual and had many poets in his court. He was inspired to write many powerful spiritual compositions that infused a martial spirit in the people. This included the Jaap Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh’s writings have been collected in the Dasam Granth. When he passed away he instructed his Sikhs to regard the Guru Granth Sahib as their teacher.

The Chakra team wishes all Sikhs and followers of Guruji a happy and blessed Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti!

Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti or Gurpurab is also referred as Guru Nanak DevJi’s Prakash Utsav, marks the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. This is one of the most sacred festivals for followers of the Sikh faith. Nanakpanthi Hindus and many North Indian Hindus also celebrate this Sikh festival.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the 1st Guru and the founder of Sikhism. He was born in in Nankana Saheb during 1469 in present day Pakistan before India and Pakistan were separated. The birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji falls on Kartik Poornima (full moon day) in the month of Kartik. In the Gregorian Calendar, the birthday of Guru Nanak usually falls in the month of November and in 2012 it is on November 28th.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti is marked by prabhat pheris, known as early morning processions that begins from the Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and then moves to different localities singing hymns or shabads. The celebration lasts for 3 days in heavy celebrated areas. In the evening, the Gurdwaras are filled with lights and many Sikhs attend. People also light their homes with candles and lamps.

The Chakra team wishes all Sikhs a Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti and Gurpurab.