Joti Jot Purab of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji: the last years at Kiratpur Sahib

The Joti Jot Purab of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji remembers the day in 1644 when the sixth Sikh Guru completed his life on earth at Kiratpur Sahib, on the banks of the Sutlej. His Guruship of about thirty-eight years was the longest of the ten Gurus. The SGPC's Nanakshahi calendar keeps the anniversary on a fixed solar date.

A Guruship of Miri and Piri

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji became Guru as a boy after the shaheedi of his father, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, and changed the course of Sikh history. He wore two swords for Miri and Piri, built Sri Akal Takht Sahib, raised a body of armed Sikhs and fought four battles of defence against Mughal forces. Imprisoned at Gwalior, he secured the release of fifty-two kings along with his own, which Sikhs remember at Bandi Chhor Divas. He also travelled to preach, as far as Kashmir and Pilibhit.

Kiratpur Sahib

In his last decade he settled at Kiratpur Sahib, a town founded on land given by the Raja of Kahlur, and lived there in relative peace. His eldest son, Baba Gurditta Ji, passed away before him, and the Guru chose Baba Gurditta's younger son, Har Rai Ji, as his successor, recognising his gentleness and devotion. Before his passing he asked his followers to accept the boy as Guru.

How the day is observed

Gurdwara Patalpuri Sahib at Kiratpur, where his last rites took place on the bank of the Sutlej, is visited by many on the day; it is also where many Sikh families bring the ashes of their loved ones. Sangats hold kirtan and Ardas there and in gurdwaras everywhere.