Guru Amar Das Jayanti: Date, Celebration, Significance, Cards, Quotes

Guru Amar Das Jayanti: Guru Amar Das was the third Sikh Guru in the series of ten Sikh Gurus. Amar Das was given the title of Sikh Guru on 26th March, 1552. Guru Amar Das was popularly known as a crusader who advocated in favor of giving equal rights to women in all fields. He was among those who abolished the practice of Sati among Sikh women. The Sikh guru was born in the city of Amritsar (Now in Punjab State) on 5th May, 1479.

Guru Amar Das Jayanti: Date

Guru Amar Das also advocated the practice of starting the Langar ceremony in which devotees are offered free food whenever they visit any Gurdwara. The practice of Langar has thereafter become popular among Sikhs and they follow the tradition with full religious faith. Each year Guru Amar Das Jayanti is celebrated with religious devotion and Sikhs make special preparations for the day.

Guru Amardas Jayanti:

Sikhs celebrate Guru Amar Das Jayanti in a grand way. Special preparations are made for the day and Sikhs visit Gurdwara on this holy day. Special parsad is distributed among the devotees present in the gurdwara as a mark of respect to the Guru. Devotees take this parsad with devotion and pay respect to Guru Granth Sahib, a holy book which is placed in all the Gurdwara. Guru Granth Sahib is considered to be the holiest of the Sikh books and devotees consider it auspicious to bow in front of the holy book on this day.

Special Kar Seva is offered by the devotees on the occasion and take pride in cleaning the Gurdwara premises on the occasion. Some devotees prefer to help it out in the community kitchen on the occasion and help the kitchen staff in preparing various dishes for the devotees.

Devotees irrespective of their religious faith can contribute towards the Langar seva in the Gurdwara on the day. Some people prefer to donate flour, pulses and rice to the Gurdwara coffers. Sharbat or sweetened water too is distributed among the devotees on this day. Special chabeels or sweet water corners distribute sweetened water to devotees throughout the city.

The holiest city among the Sikhs, Amritsar is specially decorated on the occasion of Guru Amar das Jayanti. Devotees clean the path leading to the Golden temple, the main shrine related to Sikh culture in the country. Bathing in the Golden temple pool is considered auspicious on the day and devotees from all parts of the region ensure that they become a part of the celebration.

Special Nagar Kirtan is organized to mark the celebrations and devotees take part in the same with full religious fervour. Gurdwaras across the country celebrate the event with enthusiasm and special decoration arrangements are made to make Guru Amar Das Jayanti a delightful moment for everyone.

Sikhs across the world are known for their genuineness, religious tolerance and honesty. They are known to display their religious sentiments in true earnest and a reflection of the same can be seen on Guru Amar Das Jayanti.

Significance:

The significance of Guru Amar Das Jayanti lies in honoring the life and teachings of Guru Amar Das Ji, who made several enduring contributions to Sikhism:

• Formalizing Sikh Ceremonies: Guru Amar Das Ji standardized and formalized many Sikh ceremonies and practices, such as the Anand Karaj (Sikh wedding ceremony) and the Langar (community kitchen).
• Promoting Social Equality: He emphasized the principle of equality among all human beings, regardless of caste, creed, or gender. He actively promoted the rights of women and encouraged their participation in religious and social activities.
• Establishing Sikh Centers: Guru Amar Das Ji established several preaching centers (manjis) and the city of Amritsar, which later became the spiritual and administrative center of Sikhism.
• Spiritual Teachings: He emphasized the importance of meditation, devotion to God (Naam Simran), and living a virtuous life.
• Contributions to Sikh Scriptures: Guru Amar Das Ji compiled hymns and writings, many of which are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.

Celebrations:

Celebrations of Guru Amar Das Jayanti typically involve various religious and community activities among Sikhs. Here are some common ways in which the occasion is celebrated:

• Gurdwara Programs: Sikhs gather at gurdwaras (Sikh temples) for special prayers, hymn recitals (kirtan), and readings from the Guru Granth Sahib. The Granthi (religious leader) may deliver sermons focusing on the life, teachings, and contributions of Guru Amar Das Ji.
• Nagar Kirtan: A Nagar Kirtan, which is a religious procession involving singing of hymns and carrying the Sikh holy scripture, may be organized. This procession typically moves through the streets, symbolizing the spreading of Guru’s teachings and inviting community participation.
• Langar Seva: Langar, the community kitchen, plays a central role in Sikh celebrations. On Guru Amar Das Jayanti, volunteers prepare and serve free meals (langar) to all attendees at gurdwaras and sometimes in public places. This practice exemplifies the Sikh principles of service, equality, and community.
• Katha and Katha Darbar: Katha refers to discourses or lectures on Sikh scripture and teachings. Katha Darbars, special congregations dedicated to such discourses, may be held where scholars and spiritual leaders discuss the life and teachings of Guru Amar Das Ji.
• Community Service: Many Sikhs use Guru Amar Das Jayanti as an opportunity to engage in seva (selfless service) activities, such as cleaning and decorating gurdwaras, participating in blood donation drives, or organizing charitable initiatives for the less fortunate.
• Special Programs: Cultural performances, poetry recitals, and exhibitions highlighting the life and contributions of Guru Amar Das Ji may also be organized, particularly in larger Sikh communities.

Greeting Cards:

Guru Amar Das contributed a total of 907 revelatory hymns, that are incorporated in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Famous Quotes / Sayings of Guru Amar Das Ji:

On the occasion of his birth anniversary, here are best quotes by him: