Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

In news: Guru Nanak Jayanti

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Guru Nanak and his teachings

Mains level: NA

guru nanak

Central Idea

  • Guru Nanak Jayanti commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and the first of its ten Gurus.
  • It is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Kartik Poornima, the full-moon day in the month of Katak (October–November).

Five Key Aspects of Guru Nanak’s Life

[1] Early Life and Philosophical Inclination:

  • Born on April 15, 1469, in a Hindu family in Nankana Sahib (now in Pakistan).
  • Displayed an early interest in philosophical and spiritual questions.
  • Worked as an accountant before embarking on a spiritual journey with a Muslim minstrel, Mardana.

[2] Mystical Experience at Age 30:

  • Had a transformative spiritual experience during an early morning ablution by a river.
  • Received a divine mission to spread a message of unity and devotion.
  • Emerged after three days with the profound declaration, “There is no Hindu, there is no Mussalman.”

[3] Extensive Travels and Interfaith Dialogue:

  • Traveled widely, including to Sri Lanka, Baghdad, and Mecca, on journeys called ‘udaasis’.
  • Engaged with various religious figures, including Hindu pandits and Sufi saints.
  • Advocated for the oneness of God and universal brotherhood.

[4] Preaching the Oneness of God:

  • Emphasized the unity of humanity and the presence of one God in all.
  • Challenged religious orthodoxy and rituals, promoting a direct connection with the divine.
  • His teachings laid the foundation for Sikhism, attracting followers from diverse backgrounds.
  • His teachings and hymns are compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
  • He wrote in Punjabi, using a script known as Gurmukhi.

[5] Succession and Legacy:

  • Spent his final years in Kartarpur, establishing a community with daily prayers and hymns.
  • Introduced the practice of ‘langar’, a communal kitchen serving free meals.
  • Chose Lehna (later Guru Angad) as his successor, bypassing his own sons.
  • Passed away on September 22, 1539, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual and social reform.

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