Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 10

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

Guru Gobind Singh Ji 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 the age of nine. The teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji have a great impact on the Sikhs. During his lifetime, he opposed the Mughal rulers and fought against injustice.

In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji took five men from the lower caste of society and baptized them as his five beloved ones, endowing them with great courage and devotion to God. It was his devotion to God, his fearlessness and his desire to protect the people from oppression that led Guru Gobind Singh Ji to establish the Khalsa, a military force of holy soldiers that he named.

Under the guidance and inspiration of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Khalsa followed a strict moral code and spiritual discipline. It was due to his courage that the people rose up against the oppression of the Mughal ruler in India at the time. Apart from being a spiritual and military leader, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was also a gifted writer who wrote a large number of literary works. Before his death in 1708, he declared the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the holy scripture of Sikhism, to be the permanent Sikh Guru.

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

Historical lectures are held and poems are recited in praise of the Guru on his birthday. Special dishes unique to this occasion are prepared and served during the festivities.