Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Part of: Prelims and Mains GS-1

The auspicious occasion of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is also known as the Prakash Parv of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh and falls every year in December or January.

• Born as Gobind Rai, was the tenth Sikh Guru, a spiritual leader, warrior, poet and philosopher. 
• He formally became the leader and protector of the Sikhs at the age of nine after his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, was killed by Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam.
• Guru Gobind Ji led the Sikh community through his teachings and philosophy and soon gained historical importance.
• He was responsible for institutionalising the Khalsa, who played a significant role in protecting the Sikhs after his death. 
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji declared Guru Granth Sahib as Sikhism’s holy scripture in 1708, before his death.
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a great warrior. He was known for his inclination towards poetry and the philosophies and writings he stood by. He refused to answer the Mughal invaders and fought alongside the Khalsa to protect his people. Under his guidance, his followers adhered to a strict code. His philosophies, writings, and poetry inspire people to this day.
• To celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, Sikhs around the world visit Gurudwaras, where prayer meetings take place in honour of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. 
• People participate in processions organised by the Gurudwaras, hold kirtans and also do Seva, a significant part of the Sikh religion, for the community.