The word Gurupurab means the festival of the gurus. The word is made from two words “Guru” meaning the teacher and “Purab” meaning festival. The Sikhs have ten gurus or ten teachers of their Khalsa Panth and have ten Gurupurab signifying the birthdays of each of the Gurus. All the Gurupurabs are considered sacred and special importance is given to the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru Guru Nanak, in Kartik month.
It is believed that Guru Nanak brought the light of knowledge in the earth and because of this reason the festival is also known as the festival of light. For two days and nights before the start of the festival the holy book of the Sikh the Guru Granth Sahib is continuously read.This is known as the Akhanda Path. Every morning for nearly three weeks preceding any Gurupurab, processions are held through the steets of Prabhat Pheris. Gurupurab marks the end of this.
Importance
The festival is of high importance for the Sikh religion as it marks the birthdays of their ten Gurus. Guru Nanak was the founder of the religion but at the same time he was a philosopher, humanist and above all an excellent teacher. He emphasized that one need not sacrifice Grihasta life to satisfy God. According to his teachings God resides in every living creature and devotion to humanity with a pure mind was sufficient to please God. He highly criticized on the discrimination made by humans among themselves and advised to treat every human equally.
Celebrations
The Akhand Path or reading of the sacred scripture starts three days before and it is read non stop till the festival day. After that the holy book is taken into procession, beautifully decorated with flowers. The holy procession involves the playing of religious hymns with local bands, and children marching with the tune. The procession is headed by the panj Pyares or five armed men with the Nishan Saheb or the holy Sikh flag.
Later in the day Langar is organized in every Gurudwara. Langar is the lunch offered to every devotee and every one eats the same food irrespective of his caste. Devotees offer their help by cleaning or by cooking food for the langar.
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