Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Nanak (Sikh Guru), was born at Patna Sahib 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 the Hindu Bikrami Calendar, which is based on the lunar calendar.
Significance:
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti holds deep significance for Sikhs for several reasons:
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Birth of Guru Gobind Singh: It commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, who was born on December 22, 1666, in Patna, Bihar, India.
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Spiritual Leadership: Guru Gobind Singh is revered for his role as the tenth Sikh Guru, following in the footsteps of Guru Nanak Dev and shaping Sikh philosophy and practice.
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Creation of Khalsa: He established the Khalsa Panth (the community of initiated Sikhs) in 1699, symbolizing the commitment to the Sikh faith, principles of equality, bravery, and devotion.
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Defender of Rights: Guru Gobind Singh stood against oppression and fought for the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of their religion or background.
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Literary Contributions: He contributed significantly to Sikh literature, composing texts that continue to inspire and guide Sikhs today.
About Guru Gobind Singh
In addition to his spiritual and military leadership, Guru Gobind Singh was a gifted intellectual and had many poets in his court. He was inspired to write many powerful spiritual compositions that infused a martial spirit in the people.
This included the Jaap Sahib, but He did not include them in the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. His writings have instead been collected in a separate volume, called the Dasam Granth. He instructed the Sikhs to regard the Guru Granth Sahib as their teacher. The Guru Granth Sahib is the perpetual guru of the Sikhs today.
Legends
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Formation of the Khalsa: One of the most significant legends is the formation of the Khalsa in 1699. Guru Gobind Singh asked for volunteers willing to sacrifice their lives for righteousness. He then initiated the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) who were willing to give their heads (symbolically) for the Guru. This event established the Khalsa Panth and reinforced the principles of courage, equality, and devotion in Sikhism.
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Bachittar Natak: Guru Gobind Singh's autobiography, Bachittar Natak, narrates his early life, spiritual experiences, and the reasons for his battles against tyranny. It's considered a sacred text in Sikhism, offering insights into his divine mission and the principles he upheld.
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The Battle of Chamkaur: During this battle in 1704, Guru Gobind Singh and his small army defended themselves against a much larger Mughal force. Despite being vastly outnumbered, they fought bravely, and the Guru's sons displayed extraordinary courage. This event underscores Guru Gobind Singh's valor and determination in the face of adversity.
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Spiritual Teachings: Guru Gobind Singh emphasized the importance of spiritual discipline, moral courage, and social justice. His writings and teachings, compiled in the Dasam Granth, continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide, encouraging them to live with integrity and serve humanity.
Celebration :
The celebration of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, also known as Prakash Utsav, varies among Sikh communities but generally includes several key observances:
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Nagar Kirtan: This is a procession involving the Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh community members singing hymns and prayers. It usually takes place a day before Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti and moves through the streets of the town or city where Sikhs reside.
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Akhand Path: This is a continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, which begins a few days before Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti and concludes on the day of the celebration. It involves devout Sikhs taking turns to read the scripture non-stop.
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Kirtan and Katha: Special hymns (kirtan) are sung in praise of Guru Gobind Singh, and sermons (katha) are delivered recounting his life, teachings, and contributions.
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Langar: Community kitchens (langar) are set up where volunteers prepare and serve free meals to all visitors, regardless of their background, reflecting the Sikh principles of equality and service.
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Fireworks and Processions: In some places, especially in India, fireworks are set off to mark the occasion. Processions may also include martial arts displays (gatka) and other cultural performances.
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Prayers and Ardas: Special prayers are offered to seek the Guru's blessings, followed by the ardas (a formal Sikh prayer of supplication) which concludes most Sikh ceremonies.
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Seva (Service): Sikhs emphasize performing acts of selfless service (seva) during this time, such as helping with the langar, cleaning the Gurdwara premises, or assisting with organizing the events.