This year has Guru Nanak Jayanti has special significance for the Sikh followers as it is the 550th Birth anniversary of the Nanak Ji and after so many years Kartarpur corridor has been opened for Indian Sikh followers on November 9. Kartarpur Sahib is a sacred pilgrimage site for Sikhs and the abode of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It was here where he took his last breath. This place is about 3 to 4 kilometers from the border of India in Pakistan. This corridor has been built from Dera Baba Nanak which is in Gurdaspur to the Pakistan border. Now Indians are allowed to visit the Kartarpur Gurudwara.

Life History and teachings of Guru Nanak Ji

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born at a place named Rai Bhoi’s Talwandi (Rai Bhoi di Talwandi), which is now in Nankana Sahib, Punjab province of Pakistan. In his whole life, he worked for the poor and downtrodden people. He believes in one god and preached that women are equal to men. Nanak Ji devoted his life to fighting against the superstitions.

Gurunanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Talwandi, 65 Km in the west of Lahore. During his life, he travelled wide and long, preaching and teaching the morals and spreading the message of one God that exists in every being.

The day is a symbol of Spirit, fraternity, goodness, virtue and love, that all human beings shall share among each other.

The celebrations are hugely and nicely done at various Gurudwaras all over the world. Two days prior to Gurupurab, 48 hours non-stop (Akhand Path) is organised. And, one day before from the big day of Sikh community, Nagar Kirtan is led by Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved ones), where Sikh Volunteers, infact kids show various stunts and amaze everyone. The main day begins at 4am (Amrit Vela) singing hymns, chanting scriptures from Sikh’s holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, in which 974 poetic verses as said by Gurunanak Dev ji, are enshrined.

A huge langar prasad is served to everyone 24 hours, on Gurupurav day, with the idea to devour each being irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and community.

“Waheguru Ji Da Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Di Fateh.”

Happy Gurupurab to all!