Guru Nanak Jayanti or Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurupurab is the festival where Sikhs celebrate the birth of their first guru — Guru Nanak. The literal meaning of the word Gurupurab is 'the day of Guru'. According to the Hindu calendar, Puranmashi of Kartik month in 1469 is the birthdate of the guru who is the founder of Sikhism.
This year, the date falls on November 30 and it is the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. He was born in the Talwindi region. His birthplace is now called Nankanan Sahib.
In Gurudwaras, Akhand Path -- a forty-eight-hour continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib -- is also held two days before the festival.
On Guru Nanak Jayanti, the celebrations start with Amrit Vela at around 4 am in the morning. Starting the day with the morning hymns called Asaa-ki-Vaar, devotees then move on to the reading of the scripture called Katha. The devotees then sing hymns in the praise of Guru Nanak.
Below are quotes by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism:
"Even Kings and emperors with heaps of wealth and vast dominion cannot compare with an ant filled with the love of God."
"Let no man in the world live in delusion. Without a Guru none can cross over to the other shore."
"I am neither a child, a young man, nor an ancient; nor am I of any caste."
"Whatever kind of seed is sown in a field, prepared in due season, a plant of that same kind, marked with the peculiar qualities of the seed, springs up in it."
"Alone let him constantly meditate in solitude on that which is salutary for his soul, for he who meditates in solitude attains supreme bliss."
"One cannot comprehend Him through reason, even if one reasoned for ages."
"I bow at His Feet constantly, and pray to Him, the Guru, the True Guru, has shown me the Way."
"Through shallow intellect, the mind becomes shallow, and one eats the fly, along with the sweets."
"Whatever be the qualities of the man with whom a woman is united according to the law, such qualities even she assumes, like a river, united with the ocean."
"Owing to ignorance of the rope the rope appears to be a snake; owing to ignorance of the Self the transient state arises of the individualized, limited, phenomenal aspect of the Self."
Below are some messages and greetings on Guru Nanak Jayanti:
Satguru Nanak Pargateya
Mitti Dund Jag Chanan Hoya,
Aap ji nu Sri Guru Nanak Devji
De Gurpurab dian Lakh-Lakh Vadaiyan
HAPPY GURPURABNanak Naam Jahaaz Hai
Jo Chadhe So Uttre Paar!
Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti!On the auspicious occasion of Gurupurab I wish that you are showered with Guru Ji's divine blessings today and forever. Happy Gurupurab
Waheguru Ji Da Khalsa.......
Waheguru Ji Di Fateh.......
A Happy GURPURAB to you allJyo kar suraj nikleya..
Tare chupe haner ploa..
Miti dhund jag chanan hoa..
Kaal taarn guru nanak aiya..
Gurpurb Dee Lakh Lakh Wadai..!!Raj karega khalsa, aakee rehae naa koe,
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Happy Gurpurab....!Nanak Naam chardi Kala
Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhala"
On Guru Nanak Devji's Birthday
wishing Babajis blessings be with youNanak Nich kahe vichaar,
Waria na jaava ek waar,
Jo tud bhave sai bhali kaar,
Tu sada salamat nirankaar
Gurpurb Dee Lakh Lakh WadaiKissi Ne Pucha Tera Karobaar Kitna Hai
Kssi Ne Pucha Tera Parivaar Kitna Hai
Koi Virla Hi Puch Da Hai
Tera Guru Naal Pyaar Kitna Hai
May Guru Ji inspire you to achieve all your goals
May His blessings be with you in whatever you do!
Happy Gurpurab"Sabhna jiya ka ek daataa
so mai visar na jaaee"
May Guru Nanak Birthday
Enlighten your heart & mind
with knowledge & sanctity
Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti!
