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The Sikh community, across India and other countries, celebrates Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, an auspicious festival. This day is commemorated as the birth anniversary of the 10th and last Guru of the Sikh community, Guru Gobind Singh.
Do you want to know why Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s birthday is celebrated? Don’t worry—in this blog, you will learn about his legacy, bravery, and the significance of this day.
Who is Guru Gobind Singh?
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born on December 22, 1666, in Patna, Bihar. He was the son of the 9th Guru of the Sikh community, Guru Tegh Bahadur. His mother’s name was Mata Gujri. After his father's martyrdom, Guru Gobind Singh formally became the tenth Guru of the Sikhs at the age of nine.
He is revered for his significant contributions to Sikhism, including the establishment of the Khalsa, a warrior community, and his role in organising the final edition of the Guru Grant Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism (and 11th Guru of Sikhs).
Significance of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is not just a celebration of Guru Gobind Singh's birthday but a remembrance of his teachings and contributions to Sikhism. His life was a testament to courage, sacrifice, and the fight against oppression. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti's significance lies in its promotion of the values he encouraged, like equality, justice, and the willingness to stand up against tyranny.
Celebration and Rituals
Various religious and cultural activities mark the celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti. Gurudwaras, the holy places of worship for Sikhs, are beautifully decorated, and special prayer meetings are organised. The traditional celebrations are like:
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Akhand Path
On this day, people commonly observe a nonstop reading of the holy book of Sikhs - Guru Granth Sahib, known as Akhand Path. This nonstop recitation takes about 48 hours and is conducted to seek the Guru’s blessings.
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Kirtan and Bhajans
Devotional songs, or kirtans, are sung in praise of Guru Gobind Singh and his teachings. These sessions are accompanied by bhajans and hymns that symbolise the Guru’s philosophy and principles.
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Nagar Kirtan
A procession known as Nagar Kirtan is carried out through the streets. The holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, is placed on a decorated float. Led by the Panj Pyare, the five beloved ones, the procession unfolds with devotees singing hymns and performing martial arts.
The Legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Guru Gobind Singh’s legacy is really vast and deeply established in the Sikh faith. His establishment of the Khalsa in 1699 was a significant event that transformed the Sikh community. The Khalsa, which is a collective body of initiated Sikhs, was created to uphold righteousness and protect the oppressed. Sikhs all over the world continue to uphold Khalsa's tenets, such as the Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan).
Guru Gobind Singh’s compilation of the Dasam Granth, a sacred scripture, and his contribution to the Guru Granth Sahib, which he declared as the eternal Guru, are fundamental to Sikh religious practices. His poetry and philosophies continue to inspire Sikhs to live a life of virtue and courage.
When is Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Celebrated?
The date of Guru Gobind Singh’s birthday varies each year according to the Nanakshahi calendar, a solar calendar used in Sikhism. It usually falls in December and January. In 2025, Guru Gobind Sigh Jayanti will fall on January 6, 2025.
Is Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti a Holiday?
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is observed as a public holiday in several states of India, particularly in regions with a significant Sikh population. Schools, offices, and businesses remain closed on this day, allowing the devotees to participate in the festivities and pay homage to the Guru.
Whether Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is a holiday nationwide depends on the local government’s decision. However, it is observed as a holiday in:
| Festival Name | Observed as a Holiday in | Bank Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti | Haryana, Punjab | Yes |
| Festival Name | Observed as a Holiday in | Bank Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti | Haryana, Punjab | Yes |
Paying Tribute to Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is a day of reverence and celebration, reflecting the enduring impact of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s teachings on Sikhism. His life is marked by sacrifice and bravery, and his relentless pursuit of justice continues to inspire millions.
Hence, it is time to honour the legacy of a great leader who dedicated his life to the betterment of humanity.
FAQ’s
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is the celebration of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s birthday. It is a very significant occasion for Sikhs worldwide, marking the birth anniversary of the tenth Guru. The day is celebrated with religious ceremonies like kirtan and processions.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti's significance lies in celebrating the life and morals of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This day honours his contribution to Sikhism, the establishment of Khalsa, and his fight for justice and equality.
The date of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti varies each year, which is based on the Nanakshahi calendar. In 2025, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s birthday will be celebrated on January 6. To know when Guru Gobind Singh's Jayanti or Guru Gobind Singh’s birthday is each year, you must refer to the Sikh calendar.
Yes, it is observed as a public holiday in several states of India, especially in regions with a large Sikh population like Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. Most of the schools, offices, and businesses are typically closed on this day to allow people to participate in the celebrations and pay homage to Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
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