Guru Gobind Singh was the last and the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. This tenth Nanak or Sikh Guru was born at Patna Sahib on 22nd December, 1666, on Poh Sudi Saptmi. His birthday falls in the month of December or January or sometimes twice a year as it is calculated according to Hindu Bikrami Calendar, which is based on the lunar calendar. According to the Nanakshahi Calendar, the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib falls annually on January 5.
- In the year 1699 Gobind Ji initiated five men from the lower castes as His Five Beloveds, blessing them with great courage as well as nearness to God. They became examples for the Khalsa which meant the Order of the Pure. Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa to stand on the front line against injustice. The Khalsa were held to a very strict moral and spiritual discipline and under Guru Gobind Singh's courageous inspiration it helped the people to rise against the Mughal oppression in India at that period under the particular Mughal ruler.
- On the day of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti large processions go through the market playing devotional songs and performing paths. People join this procession and sing along while distributing sweets and sacred sharbat i.e. cold drink among the children and other people with enthusiasm and joy.
- The procession of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is also known as ‘nagarkirtan’ which is decorated with flags, flowers, religious posters decorated gates and banners depicting various aspects of Sikhism and Guru Gobind Singh.
- On this day the Divan begins early at morning at 4-5 am with the singing of Asa-di-var and hymns from Guru Granth Sahib. Then it is followed by katha, religious and Sikh historical lectures and recitation of poems to praise the Guru. Kirtan darbars and Amrit Sanchar ceremonies are also held in the Gurdwara hall.
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