One of the major religions in India is Sikhism. It is often associated with progression and philosophy. Sikhism is a way of life. Sikhism is also the youngest of all the world's four great monotheistic religions. Founded in the 15th Century by Guru Nanak Dev, its origin comes from the word Sikh. This word refers to a Punjabi word that means ‘disciple’. Indian state of Punjab houses the maximum number of Sikhs. According to one estimate, there are total 18-20 million Sikhs in the world. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak who was quite critical of blinds rituals followed by Hindus and Muslims. He focussed on understanding and love. There were nine more successive Gurus after him and the last Guru was Guru Gobind Singh.
There is a school of thought that believes in close relation of Sikhism with Bhakti movement and Sufism within Hinduism and Islam. Later on, as the followers increased and religion acquired new wings, various independent beliefs and practices were added. One interpretation says, Sikhism is a modified version of Hinduism whereas other says there was a direct connection with God. The holy book of Sikhism is Guru Granth Sahib that has all the teachings of all the 10 Gurus. There are several basic teachings of Sikhism that include, equality of mankind, truthful living, close relationship with God, devotion and remembrance of God at all times and denouncement of blind rituals and superstitions.
Guru Nanak Jayanti refers to celebration of Guru Nanak Dev’s birthday which falls in the month of Kartik (October/November). Born in 1469 A.D. at Tolevandi, the anniversaries of Sikh Guru's are known as Gurpurabs (festivals). The celebration include three-day Akhand path, during which the holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib is read continuously, from beginning to end without a break. Several community services and charity works are performed on this occasion. Free sweets and langars are held at Sikh temples and lunch is offered to everyone irrespective of his religious faith. Bhajans and Kirtans are also organized.
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