Guru Nanak Jayanti, also called Guru Nanak Prakash Purab or Gurpurab, marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. It is one of the most important festivals for Sikhs and is observed on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Kartik month.
This article is based on religious traditions. Democratic Bharat Live does not claim to verify them.
About Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 at Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib in present day Pakistan. He travelled widely across South Asia and beyond on long journeys called udasis, spreading a message of one God, equality and service. He spent his final years at Kartarpur, where a corridor now allows Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.
Key teachings
His teachings are often summed up in three principles:
- Naam Japo: remember God through meditation.
- Kirat Karo: earn an honest living.
- Vand Chhako: share what you have with others.
He rejected discrimination based on caste and gender and stressed that everyone is equal before God. His hymns are part of the Guru Granth Sahib, beginning with the Japji Sahib.
Traditions of Gurpurab
- Akhand Path: A continuous 48 hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, ending on the day of the Gurpurab.
- Prabhat Pheri: Early morning processions singing hymns, held in the days before the festival.
- Nagar Kirtan: A procession led by the Panj Pyare carrying the Nishan Sahib, with the Guru Granth Sahib in a decorated palki. Gatka performances are common.
- Langar: Free community kitchens serve meals to everyone, regardless of religion or background.
- Illumination: Gurdwaras are lit with lamps and lights in the evening.
Also Read: Kartik Month Significance: Deepdaan, Holy Dips and the Festivals That Fall in This Sacred Month | Karwa Chauth 2026 Moonrise Time
Where it is celebrated
Celebrations are grand at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, and at gurdwaras across India and the world. Many Sikh pilgrims also travel to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan for the occasion.
Date
Gurpurab falls on Kartik Purnima, and the date varies each year in the Gregorian calendar. Check the official announcement of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee or the central government holiday list for the date.
Bottom line
Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrates a message of equality, honest work and sharing. The langar, in which everyone sits together to eat, is a living reminder of those teachings.
Source / स्रोत: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Ministry of Culture
