Guru Nanak Jayanti Activity: Celebrate the First Sikh Guru's Birth!

Guru Nanak Jayanti is a special day for Sikhs and others because it celebrates the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was the first Sikh Guru. This year, we will celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 27, 2023.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a great teacher and leader. He taught people to love God and everyone. He traveled to different places and did amazing things that showed how powerful and kind he was. Guru Nanak Dev Ji believed in one God and that everyone is equal. He also encouraged people to meditate, work hard, and share with others.

For Sikhs and many others, Guru Nanak Jayanti is a very important and holy festival. It is celebrated with a lot of devotion and joy. People go to gurudwaras (Sikh places of worship) in the morning to pray and sing songs. The gurudwaras are decorated with lights and flowers, and there are special programs and langars (free community meals).

If you want to be part of the celebration and learn more about Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his teachings, here are some Guru Nanak Jayanti Activity you can do:

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1. Stories of Guru Nanak Dev Ji:

Guru Nanak Dev Ji's life is full of amazing stories that teach us important things. Let's look at these interesting tales:

• Miraculous Birth: When Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born, there was a bright light, and he had a special mark on his forehead.
• Smart Kid: In his childhood, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was so smart that he surprised his teachers with his wisdom.
• Three-Day Disappearance: Once, he disappeared in a river for three days and had a special meeting with God.
• Challenging Traditions: Guru Nanak Dev Ji questioned the practice of throwing water to the sun to reach ancestors, showing he wasn't afraid to challenge old ways.
• Selfless Acts: He showed selflessness by using money meant for a business to feed hungry people.
• Journey to Mecca: Guru Nanak Dev Ji went to Mecca and even changed the direction of the Kaaba, a significant place for Muslims.
• Saving a Village: He saved a whole village from a snake by lifting a rock with his hand.
• Songs of God: Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his friend Mardana, who was Muslim, sang beautiful songs praising God together.
   

2. Make and Share Guru Nanak Jayanti Cards:

Express your creativity and share the spirit of Guru Nanak Jayanti by creating heartfelt cards:

• Use paper, colors, stickers, and glitter to craft visually appealing cards.
• Incorporate images of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Khanda, Ik Onkar, and the Nishan Sahib.
• Write thoughtful wishes such as, "May Guru Nanak Dev Ji bless you with peace and happiness."
• If you're feeling especially creative, consider making a Poster on Guru Nanak Jayanti as part of your card-making process.
• Share these cards with friends, family, and community members, fostering a sense of love and generosity. Additionally, consider donating some cards to a gurudwara or a charity organization as a symbol of gratitude.
   

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3. Make and Eat Guru Nanak Jayanti Food:

Food is very important in Sikh culture, and during Guru Nanak Jayanti, it's a great time to enjoy some tasty traditional dishes:

• Kada Prasad: This is a sweet dish made with wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and water. People often give it as a blessing in gurudwaras (Sikh places of worship) and to those who need it.
• Halwa: Another sweet dish made from semolina, ghee, sugar, and dry fruits. People enjoy it as a dessert or snack.
• Karah Parshad: This is a special and holy halwa made with equal parts of wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and water. It's made with a lot of care and love.
• Whether you make these dishes at home or join the langar (community meal) at a gurudwara, sharing these meals highlights the values of equality and service. It's a way of showing kindness and togetherness.
   

4. Do some Guru Nanak Jayanti crafts

Let's do some fun crafts to celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti, especially if you're celebrating it in school:

• Make a Khanda: Get some cardboard, scissors, glue, and colors. Use them to create the Sikh symbol called Khanda. After making it, decorate your room, cards, or gifts with this special symbol. This is a cool activity, and you can even do it at school with your friends. It's a way to learn and have fun together, making the Guru Nanak Jayanti celebration in school even more special.
• Make a Nishan Sahib: For this, you'll need cloth, a stick, a needle, and thread. Make the Sikh flag, known as Nishan Sahib. You can put it in your garden, balcony, or use it as decoration during school events. It makes things look festive, and it helps everyone know how important the Nishan Sahib is, especially during Guru Nanak Jayanti celebration in school.
• Make a Guru Nanak Dev Ji Portrait: Let's craft a picture of Guru Nanak Dev Ji using paper, colors, and a frame. It's a way of showing respect to the founder of Sikhism. Tell your friends at school to make their own portraits as part of celebrating Guru Nanak Jayanti.
   

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5. Sing and Listen to Guru Nanak Jayanti Songs:

Music is a big part of celebrating Guru Nanak Jayanti, just like it is for other Sikh events. If you want to make the celebration even more special, you can include a speech about Guru Nanak Jayanti in Hindi or English.

• Shabad: These are songs or verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs. People sing these to praise God and Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Some popular shabads include Japji Sahib, Tumri kirpa te sukh ghanere, and Dhan Guru Nanak.
• Kirtan: These are devotional songs played with musical instruments like harmonium, tabla, and rabab. These songs add a spiritual feeling to the celebration.
   

As we celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti, the stories of miracles and kindness warm our hearts. Making cards and enjoying special dishes like Kada Prasad are ways to share love and kindness. Doing fun crafts in school and listening to soul-soothing tunes add joy to the celebration.

Think of Guru Nanak Jayanti—a day filled with wisdom, love, and unity. For any questions, reach out to the Contact Guide of Life. Let's keep these simple yet meaningful activities alive, carrying forward Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings and creating a celebration full of heart and harmony.