Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2024: A Complete Guide on the 10th Sikh Guru
As one of the most important Sikh holidays, Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2024 is celebrated with the utmost excitement and fervor across the nation.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2024 commemorates the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final Sikh guru. He was a legendary warrior, a wonderful poet-writer, and one of the holiest Sikh intellectuals.
He had 52 poets and writers in his court and was called the patron of scholars. In addition, he bravely campaigned for justice and equality and propagated the message of peace, simplicity, and fraternity throughout the world. Guru Gobind Singh possessed a luscious, melodic voice. Using it, he motivated tens of thousands of Sikhs to combat injustice and bring peace to the nation.
In addition, he was the person responsible for the founding of the Khalsa Panth. On January 17 of this year, the 357th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s birth will occur.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2024: Date and Timings
Event | Date & Day |
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti | 17 January 2024 |
Who was Guru Gobind Singh ji?
Guru Gobind Singh ji was one of the holiest, most influential, and most knowledgeable gurus. In addition, it is said that he was a warrior who defended Sikhism by repelling others. Guru Gobind Singh was a spiritual leader and divine philosopher. He inspired faith and contributed significantly to the formation of Khalsa, the precursor to Sikhism. At the age of nine, Guru Gobind Singh succeeded his martyred father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, who died defending religious liberty. He was a member of the revered lineage of Sikh Gurus. Having no surviving successors, he was the final Sikh leader. Each of Guru Gobind Singh’s four sons attained martyrdom.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2024: A path to his Youth
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh, the ninth Sikh leader, and Gujj Devi. His birth date according to the Gregorian calendar is December 22, 1666. According to the lunar and Sikh calendars for 2024, however, his Jayanti will occur on January 17, 2024.
Born in Patna, Bihar, he spent the first four years of his life there. In 1670, his family relocated to Anandpur Sahib (formerly known as Chakk Nanaki) in Punjab. Chakk Nanaki in the Shivalik slopes of the Himalayas is where he received his education. There, he trained to be a strong fighter and mastered Sanskrit and Persian.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was only nine years old when the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb issued instructions compelling the Kashmiri Pandits to convert to Islam and abandon their religion. The nine-year-old Guru Gobind Singh persuaded his father to fight for the religious freedom and rights of the Kashmiri Pandits. Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh, a famous leader, dedicated his life to fighting against forced conversion and rescuing the Hindu religion from the Mughals. Guru Gobind Singh was declared the tenth Guru of the Sikhs on March 29, 1676, following the death of his father.
How did Guru Gobind Singh form Khalsa Panth?
On the day of Baisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji formed the Khalsa Panth. The Khalsa Panth was a warrior saint family. Their responsibilities were to combat all injustice and defend the innocent.
Guru Gobind Singh emerged from a tent during the Baishakhi holding a sword in front of lakhs of Sikhs gathering in Anandpur Sahib. He issued a challenge to any Sikh willing to give his life to join the Khalsa Panth. A volunteer consented and entered the tent with the leader. Guru Gobind Singh Ji eventually returned with the sword drenched in blood. He then challenged a second volunteer and a total of five fighters.
The majority of those present became apprehensive about what was occurring. They then observed the five men’s return to the tent. The men were thereafter known as the Beloved Five or the Panj Pyare.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji then invented a method for baptism by combining water and sugar in an iron dish and plunging a two-edged sword into it. Then he christened the water Amrut (or Holy Water). In addition, he christened the Panj Pyare. Consequently, he accepted them into the Khalsa by renaming them Singh, which means Lion.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was then recognized as the sixth Khalsa member. Guru Gobind Rai was rechristened as Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He then established the significance of the five “K’s” for Khalsa members: Kesh (hair), Kangha (Comp), Kada (Steel Bracelet), Kirpan (Dagger), and Kuchera (A pair of shorts).
The man urged them to always bring along these five items. Therefore, everyone in the Sikh community adheres to Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s teachings. Everyone is required to carry these five items at all times.
Announcing the Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Gobind Singh Ji established a cordial relationship with Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar following the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. He assisted him in becoming the next Emperor. This connection posed a threat to Nawab Wajid Khan. Consequently, he sent two of his soldiers after Guru Gobind Singh Ji in an attempt to murder him. On October 7, 1708, these two individuals attacked the great leader with lies, which resulted in his death. Guru Gobind Singh Ji declared the Guru Granth Sahib to be the Holy Scripture of the Sikhs in his final days. He instructed his disciples to bend before the Bible.
Guru Gobind Singh’s memorable lectures include:
• Bachan Karkai Palana: Always keep your word.
• Kisiki ninda, chugli, ateyy irkha nai Karna: Never speak ill of, snitch on, or be jealous of others.
• Kaam karan wich daridaar nahi karna: Never be lazy about work
• Gurbani Kanth karni: Memorise Gurbani.
• Daswand Dena: Give away 10% of your income to charity.
What should be remembered about him during the Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2024?
Guru Gobind Singh Ji led the Sikh people not only down the road of life. Using literary works, he also protested against crimes and atrocities around the world. Here is a collection of his most distinguished works as a poet and author.
• Jaap Sahib
• Akaal Utsatat
• Bachitra Natak
• Chandi Charitra
• Zafar Naama
• Khalsa Mahima
Why do individuals Celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2024?
Guru Gobind Singh fought for justice and opposed the Mughals throughout his life. In 1699, he baptized five individuals from lower social classes. He declared that all five of these men were his beloveds. In addition, he imbued them with courage, intelligence, and a profound commitment to God. In addition, he taught them the strength of bravery and devotion to the God who defends all oppressed people. In addition, he founded the Khalsa, a renowned military force comprised of saintly soldiers.
Under the supervision, inspiration, and direction of Guru Gobind Singh, Khalsa firmly adhered to a spiritual discipline and moral code. Due to the boldness he inspired, people battled boldly against the oppression of Mughal rulers. In addition, Guru Gobind Singh was an accomplished poet and writer. He had written voluminous literary and academic works. Prior to his death in 1708, he proclaimed Guru Granth Sahib to be the permanent Sikh Guru. It is a sacred text in Sikhism.
How does Sikh Celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2024?
Sikhs enthusiastically observe Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti. They light diyas, lamps, and fireworks, and they visit Gurudwara. On the evening preceding the festival, worshippers organize special prayers and processions. In many regions of India, this day is also well-known as Prakash Utsav or Prakash Parv. As a Seva, individuals in Gurudwaras cook huge quantities of food. Langar is offered to all guests, irrespective of their faith, caste, or creed.
The recital of the Guru Granth Sahib is one of the most important ceremonies performed on the day of this spiritual event.
As the priest (Granthi) begins reading the treasured Guru Granth Sahib two days before the Jayanti, the three-day celebration is extended. In addition, an Akhand Path is performed in all Gurdwaras.
A day before the event, Panj Pyares, musicians, and dancers plan a procession. During this time, worshippers sing religious hymns and distribute sharbat, or cool beverages and sweets, to the audience. People recite poems and provide historical lectures as part of their worship and adoration. Many also perform Asa di Var (dawn hymns) in the wee hours of the morning, followed by the reading of the Guru Granth Sahib.