Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak, and present day Sikhism is still based on his teachings and those of the nine Sikh Gurus who followed him.

Gurpurbs are Sikh festivals which celebrate the lives of these Gurus. Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in what is now Pakistan. At the age of 30 he mysteriously disappeared for 3 days. When he reappeared, he began to preach the Sikh faith and spent the rest of his life teaching, writing and travelling around the world to discuss religion with Muslims and Hindus.

Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak’s Birthday and the other Gurpurbs with an Akhand Path, a reading of the Sikh holy scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib, continuously from beginning to end. This is done by a team of Sikh men and women, each reading for 2-3 hours over 48 hours, beginning two days before and ending early on the morning of the birthday.

On the day before the birthday, processions are held in India and in some parts of England. These are led by five people representing the original Panj Piare (Five Beloved Ones) and followed by singers, musicians and even teams of people demonstrating martial arts.

The Gurdwaras (places where Sikhs go to pray) are decorated with flowers, flags and posters depicting various aspects of Sikhism. They may also be illuminated. Sikhs join together to sing, pray and eat together. On the morning of the anniversary celebrations begin early, at around 4 or 5am, with keertan (musical recitation of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib) and katha (lectures on Sikhism). These celebrations go on until around 1 or 2pm.

After this, Karah Parasaad will be served. This is a sweet-tasting food which has been blessed. It is made from semolina or wheat flour, sugar and ghee (clarified butter) and is served warm. The congregation will then share a langar (meal) from the free kitchen. Celebrations may also include fireworks.

Sometimes the festival extends into the evening, with prayers and hymns continuing long into the night. Sikhs who are unable to visit the Gurdwara during the festival will hold a similar ceremony in their own homes.

How many Gurpurbs are there each year?
Sikhs celebrate the lives of ten Gurus. The most important are the birthday of Guru Nanak, the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev and the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur.

Is Guru Nanak a God?
No, like the other Gurus he was a human being and is never worshipped as a God, but he is held in great respect.

What other Sikh festivals are celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated by both Hindus and Sikhs. Sikhs give the festival a special meaning by celebrating the release of Guru Har Gobind from imprisonment at Gwalior Fort.

Baisakhi is the Sikh New Year and the main Sikh festival. It is celebrated on 14th April each year.

Suggested Activities (based on the QCA Schemes of Work)

RE at Key Stages 1 and 2 (Year 1)
Unit 1D: Beliefs and practice - Generic, Section 1: What is a holy day?
If possible, invite a representative of the local Sikh community to talk to students about Sikh customs and festivals. Students could create a class book to explain the events of Gurpurbs.

RE at Key Stages 1 and 2 (Year 6)
Unit 6C: Why are sacred texts important? - Generic, Section 1: What are sacred texts?
Explore the meaning of the word 'sacred' with students and discuss the significance of different sacred texts, perhaps using the card matching activity. Ask students to write an acrostic poem using the letters of the work SACRED.

Explain how the Guru Granth Sahib is treated and the role it plays during Gurpurbs. Help students to write a mini-book or an explanation of the events of a Gurpurb suitable for younger students. If possible, present these to a younger class studying the topic. The worksheets on the Punjabi language and Guru Nanak's birthday can be used as part of this activity.

RE at Key Stage 3 (Year 8)
Unit 8D: How do the beliefs of Sikhs affect their actions? Section 5: How are Sikh beliefs shown in festivals? Explore the key events of a Gurpurb and the life of Guru Nanak. Discuss why Sikhs celebrate Gurpurbs and establish the key teachings or beliefs inherent in them. Then ask them to imagine they are a reporter writing an article on the celebration of Guru Nanak’s birthday. The Guru Nanak worksheet and newspaper article writing frame can be used to support this activity.

Full details of all QCA schemes of work can be found online at:
http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/schemes3/subjects/
Please note that the BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.

BBC Religion and Ethics – Sikhism
A brief overview of Gurpurbs when Sikhs celebrate the lives of their gurus, including that of Guru Nanak.

CBBC Newsround: Press Pack Report
Salisa tells us how she celebrates the birthday of Guru Nanak.

BBC Hampshire: Guru Nanak
Govinda Rajpal gives some background to the ceremony of Guru Nanak.

Radio 1’s One Life Guide to Sikhism
History, holidays, festivals and real life interviews about life and faith.