IndiaFolks

The tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh was born on December 22nd,1666 at Patna Sahib. His birthday happens to fall twice in a year sometime in December or January based upon the Hindu Bikrami Calender, the basis of which is lunar calendar. Based on Nanakshahi Calendar, the birthday of the guru falls on January 5th every year.

History of Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708)
Guru Gobind Singh lived during dangerous times. His father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh sacrificed his life in order to ensure that Hindus enjoyed the freedom to profess their religion. There under threat from Muslim kings who were either trying to forcibly convert them. During his times women were abducted and goods were being pillaged. People were terrified to oppose the political situation prevalent. Guru Gobind Singh gained recognition as a saint as well as a soldier. He was man of spiritual principles and was highly devoted to God. He was also against oppression of the people by the regime and fought against injustice by practicing Kshtradharma. He was the model for Khalsa ( the Order of the Pure) which Guru Gobind Singh created to fight against the oppression by the Mughal Kings.

Guru Gobind Singh apart from being a warrior, was also a poet. His write-ups were spiritual in nature that instilled martial spirit among the people. Before his death he instructed the Sikhs to follow the Guru Granth Sahib as the sacred text of the Sikhs as their teacher. He proclaimed himself as being the last Guru. Guru Nanak was the first Guru.

Celebrations of Guru Granth Sahib
Carnivals and fairs are held. People intermingle with each other at such get-togethers. Large processions are held and special prayers are offered at the Gurudwara. The celebration is know as Gurpub. This lasts for three days. The procession is led by 5 men, who represent the Panj para. Devotees sing hymns, which normally occurs a day before the actual event. The Akhand path is held, which involves the reading of Guru Granth Sahib, and takes place over 48 hours.

Guru Gobind Singh is an icon to remember world over. He fought the Mughal’s oppressive rule and condemned the forcible conversion of Hindus in Muslims and suffered personal loses by doing so.