Explanation: Guru Nanak Gurpurab is a significant festival in Sikhism, commemorating the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day (Poornima) of the month of Kartika in the Indian lunar calendar. The Indian calendar, also known as the Hindu calendar, is a lunisolar calendar that is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun. It consists of 12 months, each named after a specific lunar month.
Kartika is the eighth month of the Indian lunar calendar and is considered a holy month in Hinduism and Sikhism. The full moon day of Kartika is particularly significant as it marks the birth of Guru Nanak, who was born in 1469 in the village of Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. Guru Nanak is revered for his teachings of equality, love, and devotion, which form the core principles of Sikhism.
The celebration of Guru Nanak Gurpurab involves various rituals and practices. Sikhs gather in gurdwaras (Sikh temples) to recite hymns, sing kirtans (devotional songs), and listen to sermons on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak. Langar, a community kitchen where food is served free to all, is an essential part of the celebration, reflecting the Sikh values of selfless service and equality.
It is important to note that the Indian lunar calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar used in most of the world. The dates of Guru Nanak Gurpurab can vary each year in the Gregorian calendar due to the differences between the lunar and solar cycles. However, the festival always falls on the full moon day of Kartika in the Indian lunar calendar.
Understanding the significance of Guru Nanak Gurpurab and the month of Kartika is crucial for students of Indian culture and history, as it provides insight into the religious and cultural practices of the Sikh community. This knowledge is often tested in various competitive examinations, including the UPSC, SSC, and state PSC exams, where questions on Indian festivals and calendars are common.