Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a profoundly significant festival in Sikhism, celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith. This auspicious occasion is observed with deep reverence and fervor by Sikhs around the world. Guru Nanak Jayanti, which falls on the full moon day of the Kartik month according to the Hindu lunar calendar, serves as a time for reflection, prayer, and community service, underscoring the core tenets of Sikhism such as equality, selfless service, and devotion to God.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025
In 2025, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be observed on Friday, November 15th. The date of this festival varies each year based on the lunar cycle, but it consistently holds immense spiritual significance for the Sikh community. The celebrations extend over several days and include various rituals and events that honor the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. From Akhand Path readings and Prabhat Pheris to Langar and Nagar Kirtan, each activity embodies the principles of Sikhism and reinforces the values imparted by the Guru.
Guru Nanak Jayanti Dates
| Occasion |
Day & Date |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti |
Friday, November 15, 2025 |
Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebrations
| Celebration |
Description |
| Akhand Path |
Continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib over 48 hours |
| Prabhat Pheris |
Early morning processions with hymns and community visits |
| Kirtan and Katha |
Special assemblies with devotional songs and discourses |
| Langar |
Community kitchen serving free meals to all |
| Nagar Kirtan |
Grand procession with hymns, Gatka performances, and refreshments |
Regional Observances
| Region |
Description |
| Punjab |
Major celebrations with large-scale processions and gatherings |
| Haryana |
Festivities including community service and prayers |
| Rajasthan |
Observances with local Gurdwara events |
| Delhi |
Cultural programs and community meals |
| Uttar Pradesh |
Local Gurdwaras hosting special prayers and Langar |
| Gujarat |
Community events and prayers |
| Maharashtra |
Celebrations in Gurdwaras with cultural programs |
Rituals and Events
| Ritual/Event |
Description |
| Akhand Path |
48-hour uninterrupted reading of Guru Granth Sahib |
| Prabhat Pheris |
Morning processions spreading Guru Nanak’s message |
| Kirtan |
Singing of hymns and devotional songs |
| Katha |
Discourses on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak |
| Langar |
Serving of free meals to all visitors |
| Nagar Kirtan |
Procession with hymns, martial arts, and communal joy |
Historical Significance
| Aspect |
Description |
| Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji |
Born in 1469 in Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi (now Pakistan) |
| Founder of Sikhism |
Established the Sikh faith and its core teachings |
| Teachings |
Emphasized equality, love, and selfless service |
Core Teachings
| Teaching |
Description |
| Ek Onkar |
Belief in one eternal God |
| Equality |
All humans are equal regardless of caste, creed, or gender |
| Seva and Simran |
Importance of selfless service and remembrance of God |
| Honest Living |
Earning a livelihood through honest means and sharing with others |
Observance Practices
| Practice |
Description |
| Langar |
Community kitchen providing free meals |
| Gurdwara Visits |
Attending services and participating in community activities |
| Community Service |
Engaging in acts of charity and social work |
Global Observances
| Country |
Description |
| India |
Major celebrations with public holidays and large-scale events |
| United Kingdom |
Gurdwara events and community meals |
| United States |
Observances in Gurdwaras with cultural programs |
| Canada |
Festivities and community service events |
Impact on Sikh Community
| Impact |
Description |
| Strengthening Faith |
Reinforcing Sikh beliefs and practices |
| Promoting Unity |
Encouraging community cohesion and support |
| Emphasizing Values |
Highlighting the principles of equality and service |
Guru Nanak Jayanti Langar Tradition
| Guru Nanak Jayanti |
Description |
| Origin |
Derived from Guru Nanak’s practice of feeding the needy |
| Modern Practice |
Community kitchens run by volunteers offering free meals |
Community Participation
| Participation |
Description |
| Volunteering |
Assisting in preparation and serving of Langar |
| Organizing Events |
Coordinating processions and prayer services |
| Donating |
Contributing resources and funds for celebrations |
Cultural Activities
| Activity |
Description |
| Music and Dance |
Performances during Nagar Kirtan |
| Artistic Displays |
Exhibitions related to Sikh heritage and teachings |
| Educational Programs |
Workshops and lectures on Sikh history and philosophy |
Societal Influence
| Influence |
Description |
| Promoting Harmony |
Encouraging interfaith and intercultural dialogue |
| Supporting Charity |
Inspiring acts of kindness and service to others |
| Enhancing Community Bond |
Strengthening bonds within the Sikh community |
Observance Across India
| State |
Description |
| Punjab |
Celebrations with grand processions and community gatherings |
| Delhi |
Events at major Gurdwaras with extensive participation |
| Gujarat |
Local festivities and community meals |
| Maharashtra |
Gurdwara events and cultural performances |
Educational Aspects
| Guru Nanak Jayanti |
Description |
| Teaching Philosophy |
Understanding Guru Nanak’s messages and values |
| Learning about Sikhism |
Educational programs on Sikh history and traditions |
Guru Nanak Jayanti Summary
Guru Nanak Jayanti, celebrated on November 15, 2025, marks the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. This festival is observed with a rich array of traditions including Akhand Path, Prabhat Pheris, Kirtan, Langar, and Nagar Kirtan, reflecting the core values of Sikhism. The celebration extends to a broad spectrum of practices that honor Guru Nanak’s teachings of equality, selfless service, and devotion. Across India and globally, the Sikh community engages in these observances to reaffirm their faith and promote communal harmony. The festival not only highlights Sikh spiritual practices but also serves as an opportunity for all to embrace and reflect on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s enduring messages.
