Celebrating Guru Nanak Gurpurab
- Written byStudent Communications
- Published date 03 November 2025
On Wednesday 5 November, Sikhs around the world will celebrate Guru Nanak Gurpurab, otherwise known as Guru Nanak Jayanti or simply Gurpurab. Warmest wishes to all those who will be celebrating!
What is Guru Nanak Gurpurab?
Guru Nanak Gurpurab is the celebration of the birth of Guru Nanak - the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru. This year marks his 556th anniversary.
Although Guru Nanak was born in April 1469, his birth anniversary is generally celebrated on the full moon day of the Indian lunar month of Kartik.
How do Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak Gurpurab?
Guru Nanak Gurpurab is one of the most sacred days in Sikhism and is a time for Sikhs to celebrate their history and remember the religion’s key beliefs and values.
It is a 3 day celebration and often people celebrate with fireworks and processions through the streets. The Akand Path is the central event of celebration and the reading takes about 48 hours. In Gurdwaras (Sikh temples), the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, is read aloud in full.
People may light candles in their homes and in public places like offices and shops. Children are given new clothes to mark the day and many Sikhs may have a holiday from work and school so they can celebrate fully.