Guru Ram Das Jayanti 2024 - Wednesday, Oct 09

Guru Ram Das Jayanti is celebrated as a tribute to Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of Ten Gurus of Sikhism. Born as Bhai Jetha, the Chauthi Patshahi succeeded his father-in-law Guru Amar Das and preceded Guru Arjun. Though not much is evident about his childhood, he is credited as the founder of Ramdasspur, later known as Amritsar city and had been the guru for 7 years.

Guru Ram Das Jayanti is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm by the Sikh community worldwide. The celebrations involve a variety of religious and community activities that honor the life and teachings of Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru.

Life of Guru Ram Das

Sri Guru Ram Das was born in Bikram Samvat on 24 September 1534 to Har Das and Daya Vati in Lahore belonging to the Sodhi Khatri family of Mohalla Chuna Mandi. Considered as a legend in propagating Sikhism on the international platform, Guru Ram Das is known for composing 688 hymns, which were included in the sacred Adi Granth by his son Guru Arjan Dev. Traditional marriage ceremonies held in the Sikh community known as Anand Karaj are based on a sacred hymn of four stanzas composed by Guru Ram Das. Throughout his remarkable life, he dedicated time towards preaching love, commitment, service and fidelity.

Celebration of Guru Ram Das Jayanti

Entire Sikh community across the world observes Guru Ram Das Jayanti every year with pomp and fervor. People actively ensure their participation with the noble objective of spreading love and peace among one and all. The process of organizing the festival begins 11 days before with the observation of Shabad composed of hymns by Sangat, an official group of people performing the ceremony. Gurudwaras are adorned with colorful lights to mark the birth celebrations of the renowned exuberantly. Numerous religious activities are conducted during the 11 days reflecting a festive atmosphere all over.

After the devotees perform Nagar Kirtan, the chief religious dignitary invites guests to tell the story of Guru Ram Das during which the important events of the guru’s life are recollected. Delicious food varieties are offered after the storytelling ceremony. This ritual continues for 11 days till the birthday of Guru Ram Das. Maximum number of people are expected to visit the Gurudwaras during this period. Devotees recite hymns from Guru Granth Sahib remembering the guru and the way he spread love, fraternity, devotion, honesty, service and charity. Guru Ram Das has been successful in delivering the message in the most simplest of terms due to which every Sikh fondly associates with the event.

Celebratory Activities:

1. Kirtan (Singing of Hymns):

   • Devotees gather in Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) to sing hymns (kirtan) composed by Guru Ram Das.
   • Special emphasis is placed on hymns that convey the spiritual teachings and messages of Guru Ram Das.

2. Akhand Path:

   • A continuous, non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, is performed over 48 hours.
   • This reading is conducted by a series of readers, ensuring that the recitation remains uninterrupted.

3. Langar (Community Kitchen):

   • Community kitchens serve free meals to all attendees, regardless of their social or economic status.
   • This tradition embodies the Sikh principles of equality, selfless service, and community.

4. Prayers and Sermons:

   • Special prayers and sermons are held to reflect on the life, teachings, and contributions of Guru Ram Das.
   • Religious leaders and scholars may give discourses on the significance of his teachings in contemporary times.

5. Processions (Nagar Kirtans):

   • Processions, known as Nagar Kirtans, may be organized in some regions.
   • These processions feature singing, music, and displays of Sikh martial arts, spreading the message of Guru Ram Das through the community.

6. Decorations:

   • Gurdwaras and homes are often decorated with lights, flowers, and banners to mark the festive occasion.
   • The Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar is especially beautifully lit and decorated.

7. Community Service:

   • Acts of community service (seva) are encouraged, reflecting Guru Ram Das's teachings on selfless service.
   • Initiatives might include organizing blood donation camps, medical camps, or distributing food and essentials to the needy.

8. Recitation of Gurbani:

   • Devotees engage in the recitation of Gurbani (the holy hymns) to seek spiritual guidance and blessings.
   • Personal and collective prayers are offered for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

Numerous sewadars and Sikh volunteers are known to participate during the 11-day birth celebrations to facilitate the devotees. Eco Amritsar monitors all the activities with distribution of leaflets about "Five Steps of Green Langar" or community kitchen and so on. A large number of devotees visit The Golden Temple in Amritsar, also known as Guru Ki Nagri, to offer their sacred prayers. Thus, Guru Ram Das Jayanti culminates by honoring one of the greatest gurus of Sikhism with fond reverence.

Guru Ram Das Jayanti is not just a day of celebration but also a day of reflection and recommitment to the values and teachings of Guru Ram Das. His teachings on humility, service, and devotion are particularly emphasized during the celebrations. Sikhs are encouraged to embody these values in their daily lives, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth.

श्री गुरु राम दास जी के प्रकाशोत्सव और जीवन के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ें, क्लिक करें