The major Sikh festival, Gurupurab signifies the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. History indicates that the present day Sikkism is based on the teaching of Nanak ji. He was a messenger of God on the earth, who has explain the meaning of service to mankind. Every year on 2nd November, Sikhs devote the day to worshiping Guru Nanak and celebrating his birthday with great respect.

Soul Connecting Legend of Guru Nanak
Respected as a great reformer, preacher and a saint, Shri Guru Nanakji is was born in 1469 at Talwandi, situated 45 kms from Lahore. It is said that at his age of 30, he disappeared for 3 days. And when he reappeared he devoted his life to harmonize Hindu and Muslim society and disseminate spiritual feeling realization among mankind. He has never supported the practice of cast-distinction and instead taught people about the relation of brotherhood, love and belief.

Ancient record says that Nanak Dev was born according to Vikram Samvat calendar( a Hindu calendar based on lunar cycle and astrological influence). But, interestingly historians were unable to find as whether the Saint birth took place on the lunar or solar katik(mid- November)

Sikh celebrate Nank's birthday with reading Akhand Path, scripted in the holy Guru Granth Sahib. Both men and women read the divine saying for 2-3 hours over 48 hours. The session begins two days before and end in the early morning of the birthday. Devotees also believe to read the scared scripture Japji Sahib for the occasion.


Guru Nanak Birthday Attraction and Celebrations
On the day processions are held and devotees make the day remarkable with singing devotional songs. Gurudwaras are decorated with flowers, glittering threads, colorful light bulbs and posters, expressing the various sayings of Sikkim. The celebration begins early in the morning, around 4 or 5 am and continues till 1 or 2 pm. Devotees sing chorus, pray together, make prasad and have meal in traditional style (Langar).

Preparation of Karah Parasaad is must in the festival. It is a sweet-tasting food, made from semolina or wheat flour, sugar and clarified butter(ghee). Other dishes like Hawla, Khir, Puri, Sweet rice are also cooked. Children also make the aura warm with firing crackers. The festival, further, extends in the evening. Prayers and hymns are continued till night, while some continue the ceremony till the next morning.

Gurupurab is highly celebrated at Amritsar in Punjab. Religious minded individual, irrespective of caste or creed visit the Gurudwaras of the place and pay homage to the Sikh Gurus. On the very day, they are offered festival meal (langar) by the shrine administration.

Place of Staying in Punjab
Guru Nanak's Birthday can be best celebrated with staying at hotels in Amritsar, like MK Hotel, Ista Hotel, Hotel Grand Legacy, Ranjit's Savaasa(heritage hotel) and C J International Hotel. They can also arrange accommodation in Hotel Mountview and Taj Chandigarh in Chandigarh; Hotel Majestic Park Plaza and Classic Retreat in Ludhiana; Radisson Windsor Hotel and Hotel Kamal Palace in Jalandhar.

Reaching Punjab
By Air:
The International Airport in Amritsar operates air services like Jet Airways, Air India, Air Sahara and connects major Indian cities with Punjab. Besides, Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Pathankot, also have their own domestic airport.

By Rail:
Rail heads in Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Ferozepur and other cities in Punjab aid travelers to enjoy safe travel from different parts of India.

By Road:
Regular private coaches are serviced to Punjab from various North Indian cities. State owned bus and taxis on hire can also be opted by the travelers.