Guru Nanak Jayanti, popularly known as Gurpurab, is being commemorated with deep reverence today in India and worldwide to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism.

The day resonates with spiritual purity and the timeless message of unity, truth, and equality that Guru Nanak spread throughout his life.

As more documented history confirms, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-di-Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahib, in modern-day Pakistan. Preaching belief in one Supreme God through his divine wisdom and an appeal for a universal philosophy, he asked people to discard the social inequalities based on castes. This eternal message is summarized in Ik Onkar: there is one Creator for all.

Guru Nanak made extensive spiritual journeys, known as Udasis, through India, Tibet, Persia, and Arabia to deliver a message of peace, humility, and selfless service. Some of the key teachings, inscribed in the Guru Granth Sahib, are Naam Japna (god’s meditation ), Kirat Karni (honest earning), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others). They thus formed the building blocks of Sikh philosophy.

Gurpurab celebrations started today at dawn with Prabhat Pheris — early morning street hymns — followed by soulful Shabad Kirtan in gurdwaras. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Delhi’s Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, and Sikh shrines worldwide saw thousands of devotees offering prayers and participating in Langar, the community service tradition started by Guru Nanak to uphold equality.

Gurdwaras have been tastefully illuminated and decorated, and Nagar Kirtans (processions), led by the Panj Pyare or Five Beloved Ones, have begun crossing streets with devotees singing Gurbani amidst performing Gatka, the traditional Sikh martial skill.

Spiritual leaders have asked the people to practice compassion, tolerance, and unity, which are what Guru Nanak taught. Many also emphasized that his philosophy is relevant today in these times when the world is beset by division and unrest.

Counseling, community kitchens, food distribution drives, and seva activities are being organized globally, reinforcing the belief that serving humanity is serving God-a principle Guru Nanak lived by.While the prayers reverberate and hymns are sung in the air, Guru Nanak Jayanti sends out a reminder that the real path to devotion does not stop at worship but instead encompasses humility, righteousness, and mercy toward all living beings.

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh. May the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji continue to inspire truth, unity, and peace across the world.