Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, the full-moon day (Kartik Purnima) of the Hindu month of Kartik. Also called Guru Nanak Gurpurab or Prakash Purab, it marks the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. In 2026, Sikhs around the world will mark his 557th birth anniversary. Here is the date, how Gurpurab is celebrated, Guru Nanak’s key teachings and ways to join in.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 Date
| Date | Tuesday, 24 November 2026 |
| Occasion | 557th Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (born 1469) |
| Lunar date | Kartik Purnima (full moon) |
| Also known as | Guru Nanak Gurpurab, Prakash Utsav, Guru Purab |
| Same day | Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali in Varanasi |
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a gazetted public holiday in India, and many Indian states close offices, schools and banks.
Who Was Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Rai Bhoi Ki Talvandi, now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. From a young age he questioned empty rituals and caste divisions. After a profound spiritual experience in the Kali Bein river, he began teaching that there is one God who lives in every person, and that devotion is shown through honest living and service. He travelled thousands of miles on journeys known as the Udasis, through India, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Arabia and beyond, and founded the town of Kartarpur, where he spent his final years. His hymns form an important part of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture.
Guru Nanak’s Core Teachings
- Ik Onkar – there is one Creator, present in all.
- Naam Japna – remember and meditate on God’s name.
- Kirat Karni – earn an honest living through hard work.
- Vand Chhakna – share what you have with others, especially those in need.
- Equality – all people are equal regardless of caste, gender, religion or wealth.
- Seva – selfless service to humanity.
How Guru Nanak Jayanti Is Celebrated
Akhand Path
Two days before Gurpurab, gurdwaras begin an Akhand Path – an unbroken 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib from beginning to end, finishing on the morning of Gurpurab.
Prabhat Pheris
In the days leading up to the festival, early-morning processions called prabhat pheris move through neighbourhoods, singing hymns.
Nagar Kirtan
The day before Gurpurab, a grand procession led by the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones) carries the Guru Granth Sahib in a decorated palanquin, with kirtan, gatka (Sikh martial arts) displays and bands.
On Gurpurab day
- Early-morning Asa di Var kirtan and prayers at the gurdwara.
- Katha (talks) on Guru Nanak’s life and teachings.
- Langar – a free community meal served to everyone, regardless of background.
- Gurdwaras and homes lit with lamps and lights at night.
Famous Gurdwaras to Visit on Gurpurab
- Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar – lit up spectacularly.
- Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib, Pakistan – Guru Nanak’s birthplace; pilgrims travel from India and worldwide.
- Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur – reachable from India via the Kartarpur Corridor when it is open.
- Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi and Gurdwara Ber Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi.
Ways to Join the Celebration
- Visit your local gurdwara – everyone is welcome; cover your head and remove your shoes.
- Volunteer to cook, serve or clean at langar.
- Read or listen to Japji Sahib, Guru Nanak’s morning prayer.
- Practise Vand Chhakna – donate food or time to a local charity.
- Send Gurpurab greetings to Sikh friends and colleagues.
Other Festivals Around Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026
| Festival | Date |
|---|---|
| Diwali / Bandi Chhor Divas | Sunday, 8 November |
| Chhath Puja (main) | Sunday, 15 November |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | Tuesday, 24 November |
Read our Diwali 2026 and Chhath Puja 2026 guides. For inspiring words to share, see our motivational quotes in Hindi.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 FAQ
When is Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2026?
Tuesday, 24 November 2026.
Which Gurpurab is it in 2026?
The 557th birth anniversary (Prakash Purab) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Why is Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated on Kartik Purnima?
Sikh tradition celebrates Guru Nanak’s birth on the full moon of Kartik, so the date changes each year on the Gregorian calendar.
What is langar?
A free community kitchen at every gurdwara where all people eat together, sitting side by side, as equals.
Learn more about Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Wikipedia.
