Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

Held on : 9th January

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is a North Indian Festival is observed by the Sikhs to celebrate the birthday of their tenth Guru - Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Gobind Singh is one the most renowned Gurus of Sikhs. It is because of his larger than life Persona. Guru Gobind Singh symbolises the Spirit of Righteousness, Bravery and Justice. He stood up against those who oppressed others. He is also remembered for the ultimate sacrifice which no living being can imagine. For this sacrifice, he is often known as 'Sarbans Dani' which means Supreme Sacrificer as his whole family including his father, mother and all four sons attained Martyrdom in the religious war against emperor Aurangzeb. This war was being waged by emperor Aurangzeb.Aurangzeb demanded that all Sikhs should be convetered to Islam or they will be killed. At the battle of Chamkaur in December 1705, the two elder sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh demised while batteling. Guru's younger sons Zorawar Singh (aged nine) and Fateh Singh (aged seven) along with Mata Gujari were captured by Wazir Khan, the governor of Sirhind. The Trio were told to convert to Islam or face death but they remained steadfast in their convictions. And on 11th, December, 1705 the two sons were ordered to be bricked up alive in a wall, but, since the masonry crumbled before it covered their heads, they were executed the following day. Mata Gujari ji were imprisoned on top of a tower which was opened from all sides without any warm clothes in very cold month of December. She continued the tradition of Sikhism and without complaints give her body singing guru ki bani. Mata Gujari ji attained martyrdom the same day as her grandsons.

History

Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708 C.E.), the tenth Nanak (Sikh Guru), was born at  Guru Gobind Singh was born in Patna, Bihar in India on December 22, 1666, (Poh Sudi Saptmi). His birthday generally falls in December or January or sometimes twice within a year as it is calculated according to Hindu Bikrami Calendar, which is based on the lunar calendar. According to the Nanakshahi Calendar, the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib falls annually on January 5.Guru Gobind Singh became a Guru on 11 November 1675, at the age of nine years, succeeding his father Guru Tegh Bahadur. His father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, had sacrificed his life to protect the freedom of worship by Hindus, who were being threatened with conversion or death by zealous Muslim rulers. Abduction of women and pillage of goods were rampant, but the people were too timid and terrorized to resist. In the midst of this political situation, Guru Gobind Singh stood up for the oppressed. He became both a Saint and Soldier. He became a leader of firm spiritual principles and intense devotion to God, and at the same time, fearless dedication to protecting all people from oppression and injustice through the practice of Kshatradharma.

In 1699, He dramatically initiated five men from the lower castes as His Five Beloveds, blessing them with great courage as well as nearness to God. They became models for the Khalsa, the 'Order of the Pure', which Guru Gobind Singh created to stand on the front line against injustice. The Khalsa were held to a very strict moral and spiritual discipline and under Guru Gobind Singh's courageous inspiration, helped to turn the tide against Mughal oppression in India. He fought twenty defensive battles with the Mughals and their alliances, such as Rajas of Shivalik Hills. He was multifaceted personality - A leader of the Sikh faith, a Warrior, a Poet, and a Philosopher. Guru Gobind Singh’s life and teachings have had a lasting impression on Sikh ideology as well as in their daily life. Guru Gobind Singh was the last human Sikh Guru; and declared the Guru Granth Sahib in 7th October 1708, the holy scripture of Sikhism, as the next permanent Sikh Guru.

Events - People of Sikh community goes to Gurdwara and sing devotional songs and offer pray for their prosperity. On this day large procession goes through the market with devotional songs and people join this procession and sing devotional songs and along with distribute sweet and sacred sharbat (cold drink) among the children with full of enthusiasm.

Details of the Events:

• The birth-day celebrations & Gurpurabs of Guru Sahibs usually last for three days. Generally before the birthday-date Akhand Path is held in the Gurdwara.

• A large procession (Nagarkirtan) is organised one day before the birthday. This is led by the Panj Piyaras (Five beloved ones) and the Palki (Palanquin) of Shri Guru Granth Sahib and followed by groups of kirtani Jatha, Various School bands and students, eminent Citizens, Gatka Parties (displaying mock-battle with the traditional weapons), and devotees singing hymns from Guru Granth Sahib in chorus. The passage of the nagar kirtan is decorated with flags, flowers, religious posters decorated gates and banners depicting various aspects of Sikhism.

• On the Gurpurab day, the Divan begins early in morning at about 4 or 5 a.m. with the singing of Asa-di-var and hymns from Guru Granth Sahib. Sometimes it is followed by katha (discourse), religious and Sikh Historical lectures and recitation of poems in praise of the Guru. Kirtan-Darbars and Amrit Sanchar ceremonies are also held in the Gurdwara hall.  After Ardas and distribution of Karah Parshad (sweet pudding) the Langar (food) is served to one and all and there is kirtan till late in the night, the distribution of langar continues to the end of the programme. In the southern states, puligore-a sour tamarind rice dish, bobbatlu, holige- sweet stuffed bread and Ugadi Pachadi made of jagerry, raw mango pieces, neem flowers and tamarind is prepared. In Maharastra, shrikhand -a fragrant yogurt dessert, with poori-a fried puffy bread is prepared.

Alternate Names - Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab Prakash Parab, Gurpurab.

Holiday Status - It is a Public Holiday, mostly in Northern States.