Gurpurbs

Gurpurbs are festivals that are associated with the lives of the Gurus. They are happy occasions which are celebrated most enthusiastically by Sikhs.

The most important Gurpurbs are:

The birthday of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism (April or November)
The birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, founder of the Khalsa (January)
The martyrdom of Guru Arjan (June)
The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (November/December)

Complete reading of GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI
Sikhs celebrate Gurpurbs with an akhand path. This is a complete and continuous reading of Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib ji,
The reading is done around the clock 24hr finishing on the day of celebration. preists from the temple or any member of the community can take part in reciting the Guru Granth Sahib ji,each personal will usually recite for 2 - 3 hrs each at a time (raul / reol- is the sikh name for time slot allocated to each reader. Members of community do this raul as part of their seva

The Akhand Path originated in India in the mid 18th century, when there were few copies of the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs were at war and hid in the jungles. They gathered round to hear readings from the sacred text before the text was moved on to be read to other groups of Sikhs.

Gurdwaras are decorated with flowers, flags and lights, and people dress up in smart clothes and join together for special services. Bani (Hymns) quoted from the Guru Granth Sahib, shabads are recited in praise of the Gurus and there are lectures on Sikhism.

Panj Piaras, ( the five beloved ones )represent the first initiated Sikhs,
 there is processions where the Sikh Scripture is paraded around. Five people representing the first five members of the Khalsa (the Panj Piaras) head the procession carrying the Sikh flag. Musicians, singers and sikh martial artists follow. Langer ( blessed food & sweets) is offered to everyone regardless of their faith.

Gurpurb calendar