📅 December 27, 2025 – Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti & Mandala Pooja

Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025
Tithi: Pausha, Shukla Saptami
Occasions: Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti & Mandala Pooja

🔹 Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2025 – Birth Anniversary of the Tenth Sikh Guru

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and last human Sikh Guru. Born in 1666 in Patna Sahib (Bihar), he was not only a spiritual leader but also a warrior, philosopher, and poet who laid the foundation of Khalsa Panth in 1699.

🕉️ Significance:

• Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught the values of equality, courage, selflessness, and righteousness.
• He introduced the Five K’s (Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kachera, and Kirpan), which symbolize the identity and discipline of Sikhs.
• His leadership united Sikhs as a powerful spiritual and military community, standing firm against injustice.

🪔 Rituals and Celebrations:

1. Akhand Path: Continuous 48-hour reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji is organized in Gurdwaras.
2. Prabhat Pheris: Early morning religious processions with hymns and chants.
3. Kirtans & Langars: Devotional singing and free community meals (langars) are held.
4. Reflection: Devotees remember Guru Ji’s sacrifices and principles of bravery and compassion.

📜 Inspirational Message:

Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s life inspires all to fight for truth, protect the weak, and live with honor. His teachings remain timeless — reminding humanity to lead a life guided by faith and justice.

🔹 Mandala Pooja 2025 – The Sacred Culmination of 41-Day Austerity

Mandala Pooja marks the end of the 41-day Sabarimala pilgrimage season, which begins in mid-November. Devotees of Lord Ayyappa observe strict vratham (austerity) and celibacy during this period before visiting the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala.

🕉️ Significance:

• Mandala Pooja celebrates spiritual purification, self-discipline, and devotion.
• It symbolizes the conclusion of the pilgrims’ spiritual journey towards Lord Ayyappa’s divine abode at Sabarimala.
• The rituals promote inner peace, faith, and self-control.

🪔 Rituals:

1. Early Morning Bath: Devotees wake up before sunrise, take a holy bath, and wear traditional black or blue clothes.
2. Temple Offerings: Ghee-filled coconuts and garlands are offered to Lord Ayyappa.
3. Ayyappa Bhajans: Devotees sing hymns in praise of Lord Ayyappa and light lamps (deepams).
4. Breaking the Vratham: The 41-day fast concludes after the Mandala Pooja with prayers and distribution of prasadam.

📍 Major Celebrations:

• The Sabarimala Temple witnesses millions of pilgrims, especially during this day.
• The Makara Vilakku festival follows after two weeks, marking the continuation of the Ayyappa season.

🌕 Spiritual Meaning

Both festivals — Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti and Mandala Pooja — represent the triumph of faith, self-discipline, and service to humanity. One emphasizes courage and righteousness, the other devotion and inner purity — together forming a powerful message of divine harmony.