Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, the 10th guru of the Sikhs. He was born in Patna, and through his life set an example for others by always standing up for righteousness and equality. This year would mark as the 354th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh and this celebration is also called as Guru Gobind Singh Parkash Utsav or Prakash Parv.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti history
According to the Gregorian calendar, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born on December 22, 1666. However, Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is calculated according to the lunar calendar. Therefore, it is be celebrated on January 20. He was just nine years old when his father, ninth Guru of the Sikhs Guru Tegh Bahadur was killed by Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam.
After the death of his father, Guru Gobind Singh took over the reins and became the tenth leader of Sikhs. Throughout his life, he stood up against the injustice and fought against the Mughals. He formed the warrior community named Khalsa and inspired others to stand against the Mughals ad injustice. He was both a military as well as a spiritual leader. According to Sikh mythology, he was the last among ten Sikh Gurus.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti significance
It is considered that the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh have a major impact on the Sikh community. It is also believed that it was under his guidance that the Khalsa followed a strict moral and spiritual code. His leadership and teachings inspired people to take a step against the oppressive rule by the kings. His teachings are still remembered among the Sikh people which act as an inspiration to the people.
Guru Gobind Singh was also a poet and philosopher. His works are still read and continue to encourage millions of people around the world.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Date
There are many different dates for the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, the last of ten Sikh Gurus was born on December 22, 1666, but there is a lot of confusion with regards to Julian calendar with regards to the date. But when converted in the Gregorian calendar, it is January 1.
So this year, Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti would be observed according to the Hindu calendar date Saptami, Shukla Paksha, 1723 Vikram Samvat, so this year Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2021 will be celebrated on January 20.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Parkash Utsav Celebrations
On the day of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, people visit Gurudwaras and pray for peace and prosperity of everyone. On this holy day, people also recite his poems, attend satsangs of his teachings and offer special prayers. A lot of Sikh families also take part in charity events like giving food to the needy. Gurudwaras also hold lectures on his teachings and poetry recitals. Special prasad is prepared for this day. At some places, large processions are also held where people participate with singing devotional songs.
Guru Gobind Singh institutionalised the Khalsa or the warrior community after choosing five men who volunteered to sacrifice their head. The five men, who were willing to give away their lives are referred to as the Panj Pyare or the first five Khalsa. He blessed the five men with Amrit (water mixed with sugar) and gave them the Singh (lion) title. Subsequently, he asked them to make him a Khalsa. The Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur, in the Indian state of Punjab, is said to be the place where the event took place. Sikhs gather here annually to celebrate the Hola Mohalla, a three-day festival during Holi.
Besides institutionalising the Khalsa, the tenth Guru composed the Dasam Granth. And he sanctified the Guru Granth Sahib as the fundamental scripture of the Sikh religion. The Guru added his wisdom to the holy book at the Damdama Sahib near Bhatinda in Punjab and subsequently consecrated it as the eleventh and the last Sikh Guru.
And last but not least, the five features or the five Ks of the Sikh faith (the Panj Kakar) are attributed to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Hence, Kesh (uncut hair), Kanga (comb), Kada (iron bracelet), Kaccha (underpants) and Kirpan ( a small sword) are integral parts of a Sikh’s life.
The Guru spent the last few years of his life in Nanded, Maharashtra. The Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, a pilgrimage site, was built here in the memory of Guru, the place where he breathed his last.
