Guru Nanak Jayanti, also called Gurpurab or Prakash Purab, celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. It is observed on Kartik Purnima, the full moon of Kartik, usually in November, and is one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar.
Who was Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. He travelled thousands of miles across South Asia and beyond, teaching that there is one God, that all people are equal regardless of caste, religion or gender, and that one should live honestly (kirat karo), remember God (naam japo) and share with others (vand chhako). His hymns are part of the Guru Granth Sahib.
How Gurpurab is celebrated
Akhand Path
Two days before the Gurpurab, an Akhand Path — a continuous, 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib from beginning to end — begins in gurdwaras, finishing on the morning of the festival.
Prabhat Pheri
In the weeks before, early-morning processions called Prabhat Pheris move through neighbourhoods singing hymns.
Nagar Kirtan
The day before Gurpurab, a Nagar Kirtan procession carries the Guru Granth Sahib through the streets in a decorated palki, led by the Panj Pyare (the five beloved ones), with kirtan, gatka (Sikh martial art) displays and people offering water and sweets along the route.
Langar and lights
On the day itself, gurdwaras hold kirtan from early morning, and langar — the free community kitchen where everyone sits together and eats the same meal — serves thousands. In the evening, gurdwaras and homes are lit with lamps and lights.
What to wear to the gurdwara
- Cover your head: everyone covers their head inside a gurdwara — a dupatta for women, a turban, patka or scarf for men.
- Modest and comfortable: you will sit on the floor for kirtan and langar, so a kurta with a salwar or straight pants is ideal.
- Colours: white, cream and soft pastels are common; saffron (kesari) and deep blue are also traditional colours.
- Footwear and socks: shoes are removed before entering, so keep them easy to slip on and off.
Our collections include cotton kurta sets with matching dupattas that suit a gurdwara visit.
When is Guru Nanak Jayanti?
It falls on Kartik Purnima, the full moon about two weeks after Diwali, usually in November.
Gurpurab di lakh lakh vadhaiyan.
