Guru Nanak’s Birthday, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab, is one of the most significant festivals for Sikhs worldwide. It celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Guru Nanak’s teachings emphasised the oneness of God, equality, humility, and service to humanity, and his message of peace and unity continues to inspire people across the globe. The festival is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm, with prayers, hymns, processions, and community service marking the occasion.
Guru Nanak’s Birthday Dates for 2024, 2025, and 2026
Here are the dates for Guru Nanak’s Birthday in the upcoming years:
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 15/11/2024 | Friday |
| 2025 | 05/11/2025 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | 24/10/2026 | Saturday |
The Significance of Guru Nanak’s Birthday
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in the village of Talwandi (now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan). From an early age, he displayed a deep spiritual inclination and a quest for truth. His teachings challenged the rigid social structures and religious practices of his time, advocating for a simpler path of devotion to one God, without the need for rituals and idol worship. Guru Nanak preached the message of equality, compassion, and humility, rejecting the caste system and promoting the idea that all people, regardless of their background, are equal in the eyes of God.
Guru Nanak’s Birthday, or Gurpurab, is a time for Sikhs to reflect on the Guru’s teachings and recommit themselves to living a life of service (seva), devotion (simran), and humility. It is a day of celebration, spiritual reflection, and community service, as Sikhs honour the legacy of their founder.
How Guru Nanak’s Birthday is Celebrated
The celebrations for Guru Nanak’s Birthday typically last for three days, with the main festivities taking place on the day of the Guru’s birth. The celebrations include religious and cultural events that bring the Sikh community together in prayer and service.
- Akhand Path (Continuous Reading of the Guru Granth Sahib): The celebrations begin with an Akhand Path, a continuous, non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism) that lasts for 48 hours. This is conducted in gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and is a way of paying homage to the Guru’s teachings.
- Prabhat Pheris (Early Morning Processions): In the days leading up to the festival, Sikhs participate in early morning processions, known as Prabhat Pheris, which involve singing hymns and visiting homes in the community to spread the message of the Guru. These processions create a sense of unity and devotion within the community.
- Kirtan and Katha (Devotional Singing and Discourses): On the day of the festival, devotees gather in gurdwaras to sing kirtan (devotional hymns) and listen to katha (discourses) that recount the life and teachings of Guru Nanak. The hymns focus on the oneness of God and the importance of living a righteous life.
- Langar (Community Meal): One of the most important aspects of the celebrations is the langar, a community meal served to everyone, regardless of their background or social status. Langar embodies Guru Nanak’s teachings of equality and selfless service, as the food is prepared and served by volunteers.
- Nagar Kirtan (Processions): Nagar Kirtan is a religious procession that takes place on the day of Guru Nanak’s Birthday. The procession is led by the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones), who are dressed in ceremonial attire. The Guru Granth Sahib is carried in a decorated palanquin, and the procession moves through the streets with devotees singing hymns, reciting prayers, and spreading the Guru’s message.
Guru Nanak’s Birthday in Different Parts of India
Guru Nanak’s Birthday is celebrated with immense devotion in Sikh-majority regions and other parts of India. The celebrations vary slightly depending on local traditions but remain rooted in the core values of Sikhism.
- Punjab: Punjab, the heartland of Sikhism, witnesses large-scale celebrations during Guru Nanak Jayanti. Gurdwaras are decorated, and thousands of devotees participate in prayers, kirtan, and langar. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, the most sacred gurdwara for Sikhs, becomes the focal point of the celebrations, with devotees from around the world visiting to offer prayers.
- Delhi: In Delhi, gurdwaras such as Bangla Sahib and Sis Ganj Sahib become centres of the festivities. Nagar Kirtans and langar are organised, and devotees gather in large numbers to celebrate the Guru’s birth.
- Maharashtra: In cities like Mumbai and Pune, Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak’s Birthday with Nagar Kirtans, kirtan recitals, and langar. The Sikh community actively participates in acts of charity, reflecting the values of the Guru.
- Haryana and Uttar Pradesh: In states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, where there are significant Sikh populations, Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with prayers, processions, and community service. The celebrations are marked by a sense of devotion and unity.
Guru Nanak’s Birthday – A Festival of Faith, Equality, and Service
Guru Nanak’s Birthday is not only a time to celebrate the birth of the founder of Sikhism but also a time to reflect on the core values that he imparted to his followers. His message of equality, compassion, and devotion to God continues to resonate with people across the world. Through prayer, kirtan, langar, and acts of service, Sikhs come together to honour their Guru and spread his teachings.
Guru Nanak Jayanti serves as a reminder to all to live a life of humility, service to others, and devotion to the divine. It is a festival that embodies the spirit of Sikhism and inspires people to work towards a more just, equal, and compassionate world.
Popular FAQs about Guru Nanak’s Birthday
- Is Guru Nanak’s Birthday a public holiday in India? Yes, Guru Nanak’s Birthday is a gazetted public holiday in India, particularly in states with significant Sikh populations, such as Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. Schools, government offices, and businesses may close to observe the festival.
- Why is Guru Nanak’s Birthday important to Sikhs? Guru Nanak’s Birthday is important to Sikhs because it marks the birth of the founder of Sikhism. Guru Nanak’s teachings of equality, compassion, and devotion to God form the foundation of Sikhism, and the festival celebrates his life and legacy.
- How do Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak’s Birthday? Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak’s Birthday with prayers, hymns (kirtan), processions (Nagar Kirtan), and community meals (langar). Devotees visit gurdwaras, participate in religious discourses, and engage in acts of charity and service.
- What is the significance of langar during Guru Nanak’s Birthday celebrations? Langar, the community meal served to all, regardless of background, reflects Guru Nanak’s teachings of equality and selfless service. It is an important part of the celebrations, symbolising unity and the breaking down of social barriers.