Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025: Date, History, Importance of Gurpurab Observed by Sikhs Worldwide

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025, also revered as Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav, falls on Wednesday, November 5, commemorating the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and its first Guru. This sacred festival, observed globally by Sikhs and devotees alike, honors the spiritual luminary born on April 15, 1469 (according to the Gregorian calendar) in Rai Bhoi di Talwandi—now Nankana Sahib in present-day Pakistan—to parents Mehta Kalu Chand and Mata Tripta Devi.

From a young age, Guru Nanak displayed profound wisdom, rejecting caste divisions and ritualistic practices, and embarking on spiritual journeys (Udasis) across South Asia and the Middle East to spread messages of unity and devotion. His teachings, encapsulated in the Mool Mantar—"Ik Onkar Satnam" (One God, whose name is Truth)—form the bedrock of Sikh philosophy, emphasizing ethical living over mere religious observance.

The date aligns with Kartik Purnima, the full moon in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, a timing that symbolizes enlightenment and divine light, much like Diwali in Hindu traditions. Preparations commence two days prior with the Akhand Path, a continuous 48-hour recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib—the eternal Sikh scripture—in Gurudwaras, fostering communal reflection and devotion.

On the eve of Gurpurab, vibrant Nagar Kirtan processions illuminate streets, led by the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) carrying the holy text in a palanquin, accompanied by hymn singing (kirtan), traditional martial arts displays (Gatka), and the hoisting of Nishan Sahib flags. These events draw thousands, blending spirituality with cultural expression, and underscore Guru Nanak's vision of a casteless, egalitarian society where service transcends barriers.

At its core, Gurpurab embodies Guru Nanak's timeless principles of honesty (kirat karna), selfless service (seva), and sharing (vand chakna), promoting interfaith harmony and social justice in an era marked by religious strife. His travels, documented in janamsakhis (biographical narratives), included miraculous interventions like quelling communal riots and advocating for women's rights, inspiring reforms that challenged orthodoxy. The festival's significance extends beyond Sikhism, resonating with universal values of compassion and truth, as echoed in his famous dictum: "Truth is high, but higher still is truthful living." In 2025, amid global uncertainties, Gurpurab serves as a beacon for unity, with celebrations adapting to virtual formats in diaspora communities while traditional fervor persists in Punjab's Golden Temple and beyond.

Also Read: India’s Women’s World Cup Win Sends Players’ Brand Values Soaring, Jemimah Rodrigues Leads Surge

Celebrations culminate on November 5 with early morning Prabhat Pheris—devotional processions from Gurudwaras featuring Asa di Var hymns—and all-day kirtans, ardas prayers, and spiritual discourses. Gurudwaras, adorned with lights, flowers, and rangolis, host langar—free community kitchens serving simple vegetarian meals to all, symbolizing equality as devotees sit together on the floor. Evening rituals include candlelight processions and fireworks, evoking the "festival of lights" ethos.

In India, states like Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi declare public holidays, with schools and offices closed; globally, from Canada's gurdwaras to the UK's Trafalgar Square events, the day fosters philanthropy through blood drives and tree-planting, amplifying Guru Nanak's call for environmental stewardship and humanitarian aid.

Also Read: US Courts Block Deportation of Indian-Origin Man Wrongfully Jailed for 43 Years