Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

Guru Gobind Singh was the Tenth Sikh Master, son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, grandson of Guru Hargobind, great-grandson of Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru.

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti  is a Sikh festival that commemorates the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. It is a religious celebration in which prayers for prosperity are offered. 

It is common for large processions to go through markets in India on Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti. People sing devotional songs during the procession and share sweets and a cold drink or a sharbat among the adults and children. There are also special prayer gatherings that are held at places of worship known as Gurudwaras.

Historical lectures are conducted and poems recited as part of praising the Guru on his birthday. Special dishes that are unique to this occasion are prepared and served during the festivities. 

Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th Sikh Guru of Nanak. He was born at Patna, Bihar, India, on December 22, 1666. His birthday sometimes falls either in December or January or even both months in the Gregorian calendar. The annual celebration of the Guru’s birthday is based on the Nanakshahi calendar.

Guru Gobind Singh was the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who gave his life to protect religious freedom. He succeeded his father when he became a Guru at nine years of age. Guru Gobind Singh’s teachings have a big impact on Sikhs. In his lifetime, he stood against the Mughal Rulers and fought against injustice. In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh took five men from the lower caste of society and baptized them as His Five Beloveds, endowing them with great courage and a devotion to God. It was his dedication to God, his fearlessness and his desire to protect the people from being oppressed that led Guru Gobind Singh to establish the Khalsa, a military force of saint-soldiers which he baptized.

Under Guru Gobind Singh’s guidance and inspiration, the Khalsa followed a strict moral code and spiritual discipline. It was through his courage that the people rose against the oppression of the Mughal ruler in India at the time. Aside from being a spiritual and a military leader Guru Gobind Singh was also a gifted writer who penned a large body of literary work. Before his death in 1708, he declared the Guru Granth Sahib, which is Sikhism’s Holy Scripture to be the permanent Sikh Guru.

If we consider the work which (Guru) Gobind (Singh) accomplished, both in reforming his religion and instituting a new code of law for his followers, his personal bravery under all circumstances; his persevering endurance amidst difficulties, which would have disheartened others and overwhelmed them in inextricable distress, and lastly his final victory over his powerful enemies by the very men who had previously forsaken him, we need not be surprised that the Sikhs venerate his memory. He was undoubtedly a great man." (W, L. McGregor)

Extracts from Guru Gobind Singh's writings;

"God has no marks, no colour, no caste, and no ancestors, No form, no complexion, no outline, no costume and is indescribable.
He is fearless, luminous and measureless in might. He is the king of kings, the Lord of the prophets.
He is the sovereign of the universe, gods, men and demons. The woods and dales sing the indescribable.
O Lord, none can tell Thy names. The wise count your blessings to coin your names."  (JAAP SAHIB)

Guru's Bani

Main article:  Bani of Guru Gobing Singh

"Without the support of the One Name, Consider all religious ceremonies superstitions." 

"Karta (The Creator) and Karim (The beneficient) are the names of the same God. 
Razak (The provider) and Rahim (The merciful) are also the names given to Him. 
Let no man in his error wrangle over differences in names. 
Worship the One God who is the Lord of all. Know that his form is one and He is the One light diffused in all." 

"The Khalsa is my own image. I shall always manifest myself in the Khalsa. 
The Khalsa is my body and soul; The Khalsa is the life of my life. 
The Khalsa is my perfect leader. The Khalsa is my brave friend. 
I say nothing untrue and to this; Guru Nanak, united with God, is my witness." 

"Why impress false religion on the world? It will be of no service to it. 
Why run about for the sake of wealth? You cannot escape from death. 
Son, Wife, friends, disciples, companions none of those will bear witness for thee. 
Think, O think, you thoughtless fool, you shall have in the end to depart alone." (Swayya 32)

The processions held for Guru Gobind Singh in India are decorated with religious posters, banners, flags, flowers and other things that portray the different aspects of Sikhism. Generally, a procession carries a picture of Guru Gobind Singh along with symbol of Sikh – Ek-Onkar. 

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is a restricted holiday so government institutions and offices remain open as well as businesses, banks, and public transportation services. These openings depend on where one lives and the services’ proximity to the festivities. Some schools remain open, depending on their religious observance.