Sikh Festivals

Sikhism is the youngest religion in India and has become the fifth largest religion in the world. Sikh festivals are associated with some event in life of Sikh Gurus. Teachings of 10 Sikh Gurus are contained in the holy book of Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib. Apart from these festivals, there are many Sikh festivals related to harvest and season. These harvest festivals include Baisakhi, Lohri, Holla Mohalla and others. All the Sikh festivals are celebrated with lots of spirit and enthusiasm. Sikh festivals are known for community celebrations.

Gurupurab :

Birthdays of Ten Sikh Gurus are celebrated as Gurupurabs. Guru Purab is the holiest festival for Sikhs. Reading of Guru Granth Sahib is concluded on the day of Guru Purab. Community lunch is served at Gurudwaras. Many cultural programmes are also arranged on this day. In Gurudwaras, excerpts from Guru Granth Sahib are sung. Prabhat Pheris which are procession lead by devotees are held at least three weeks before the Guru Purab. Devotees walk into the streets in groups, in the early morning. People sing devotional songs in respect of guru with music.

Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday:

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth guru of Sikh, was known for many important contributions for Sikhism. He built many gurudwaras and centers of learning. This festival celebrates this great Guru’s birthday.

Guru Purnima: In Sikh religion, Guru is treated like God; he is revered like God. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the sage Vyasa. He was regarded as the Guru of Gurus. It is observed on the full moon day in month of Ashad. This is regarded as the auspicious time to start spiritual lessons. Guru Nanak Jayanti: Guru Nanak founded Sikh religion. This day is celebrated as the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev. People celebrate this festival with great devotion. On this day, processions are taken on the streets amidst the chanting of hymns. Holy books are read and community food is prepared and served. Guru Nanak Dev’s preaching are told in Gurudwaras