Prelims: Currents events of National importance | Indian Culture
Why in News?
March 22, 2026, marks the Jyoti-Jyot Diwas of the Guru Angad Dev Ji, according to many traditional calendars.
- Jyoti-Jyot Diwas - It refers to the death anniversary of Sikh Gurus, symbolizing union with the divine.
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Aspect
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Details
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Position
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2nd Sikh Guru
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Birth Name
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Lehna
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Successor of
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Guru Nanak Dev Ji
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Successor
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Guru Amar Das
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Associated Place
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Khadur Sahib
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Period
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1504–1552
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Key Contributions
- Standardization of Gurmukhi Script – Standardized and promoted Gurmukhi script.
- Gurmukhi Means “from the mouth of the Guru” is the holy text in which Sikh teachings are written including the Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism.
- Compilation of Guru Nanak’s Teachings - He collected the hymns (Banis) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and wrote the first biography of the founder, known as the Bhai Bala Janamsakhi. This formed the nucleus of the future Guru Granth Sahib.
- Strengthening the Institution of Langar - Along with his wife, Mata Khivi, he expanded the community kitchen (Langar).
- Mata Khivi is particularly remembered in the Guru Granth Sahib for her selfless service in supervising the Langar, ensuring that all visitors, regardless of caste or creed, sat together to eat.
- Promotion of Physical Fitness (Mall Akhara) - Established wrestling arenas.
- Promoted discipline and physical fitness.
- Promotion of Sangat – Strengthened collective worship and community bonding.
- Promotion of Education – Encouraged basic education using Gurmukhi script.
- Social & Institutional Reforms - Emphasized Equality, Brotherhood, and Seva (selfless service).
- Played key role in institutionalizing Sikh practices.
- Succession principle – Chosen by Guru Nanak based on merit and devotion, not heredity.
Quick Facts
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Sikh Terminologies
- Langar → Community kitchen, introduced by Guru Nanak Dev Ji; strengthened by Guru Angad Dev Ji.
- Sangat → Congregation
- Seva → Selfless service
- Khalsa – It is the community of initiated Sikhs founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
- Panj Pyare – These are the 5 initiated Sikhs who formed the first Khalsa.
- Five Ks – The Five Ks are five articles of faith worn by Khalsa Sikhs:
- Kesh (uncut hair)
- Kangha (comb)
- Kara (bracelet)
- Kirpan (sword)
- Kachera (shorts)
- Gurdwara – It is the place where Sikhs gather for worship and community service.
- Gurmukhi – Holy Script
- Guru Nanak Dev Ji – Wrote the earliest major writings - hymns (Bani) in Gurmukhi.
- Guru Angad Dev Ji – Standardized and popularized.
- Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled them into the Adi Grant.
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Reference
PIB | Jyoti Jyot Diwas
