Guru Nanak Gurpurab is also called as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav Jayanti. People celebrate the birthday of First Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This is the most precious festival in Sikhism. Not only Sikhs can celebrate this festival Hindus and other followers can celebrate this festival. Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism, was born on 15th april, 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-Talwandi in the present Shekhpura District of Pakistan, now called as Nankana Sahib. The celebration is almost same for all Gurpurabs; the celebration usually started with Prabhat Pheries. Generally two days before the birthday, an Akhand Path is held in Gurduwaras. On the day of the Gurpurab, the celebration begins early in the morning at about 4 to 5 am. The day begins with the singing of Asa-di-Var. This is followed by any combination of Katha and Kirtan in the praise of Guru. Following that is the Langar, a special lunch, which is arranged at Gurduwaras by volunteers. Night prayer sessions are held in some Gurdwaras till late night. Mostly celebrations of this festival are at Punjab, Chandigarh and Haryana.
