Guru Nanak Jayanti Description
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also called Gurpurab, celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (born 1469), the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. In 2026, it falls on approximately November 24th (provisional date — the full moon day of the month of Kartika). It is a gazetted holiday in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and several other states with significant Sikh populations. The celebrations center on the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, Punjab, the holiest shrine of Sikhism, which is illuminated with thousands of lights and draws pilgrims from around the world. Akhand Path (continuous 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib) begins two days before. On the day itself, Nagar Kirtan (religious processions) are held, led by the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones) carrying the Sikh flag (Nishan Sahib), with devotees singing hymns and performing martial arts displays (Gatka). The Sikh principle of seva (selfless service) is demonstrated through massive langars (community kitchens) serving free meals to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or background. Government offices, banks, and schools close in the observing states. Gurdwaras across India and globally are especially busy, with special prayer sessions (kirtan) and lectures (katha) about Guru Nanak's teachings of equality, honest living, and devotion to God.
