Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday is a time of deep spiritual reflection and cultural significance for many Indians. Marked annually with fervour and devotion, this day celebrates not only his teachings but also the enduring influence he had on society.
Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti is a moment of unity and understanding, honouring a man whose wisdom transcended boundaries. But what makes this day so impactful?
Read on to learn more about the origins, significance, and way his birthday is celebrated.
Guru Nanak Jayanti Date
In 2025, it will be observed on Wednesday, 5 November 2025. The celebration falls on the full moon (Purnima) day of the lunar month of Kartik in the Hindu/Sikh calendar.
| Festival | Date | Day |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | 5 Nov | Wednesday |
Guru Nanak Jayanti Holiday
Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed as a public / gazetted holiday in several Indian states (particularly those with significant Sikh populations) and is also included in many banks’ regional holiday lists (bank-closures depend on the RBI banking centre). In other states it may appear as a restricted/optional holiday (available to choose from the restricted list).
| Item | Details (2025) |
| Date | 5 November 2025 |
| Occasion | Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti |
| State Holiday In | Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh |
| Holiday Type | State public / gazetted holiday in Karnataka |
| Bank Holiday | Banks in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh can be closed |
| Other States | Some States have restricted holidays |
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Understanding the Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday, known as Gurpurab, is one of the most significant occasions in Sikhism.
It is celebrated on the full moon day of Kartik, which typically falls in October or November. It also depends on the lunar calendar. This day marks the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and a profound spiritual leader whose teachings emphasised the oneness of humanity and the belief in a singular God.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in the village of Talwandi (present-day Nankana Sahib, Pakistan).
His birth signified the beginning of a movement that would reshape the spiritual landscape of South Asia. It also influenced millions globally. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday serves as a reminder of his life’s work, where he challenged societal norms, advocated for equality, and promoted devotion to a universal God. His teachings of Ik Onkar (One God) continue to resonate today.
The Spiritual Legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message was radical for his time. He rejected ritualistic practices and the rigid caste system that plagued the society of his era. His teachings called for an egalitarian approach to spirituality, where all human beings, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender, could connect directly with the Divine. Guru Nanak’s insistence on the simplicity of faith, emphasising Naam Japna (remembrance of God’s name), Kirat Karni (honest living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others), reshaped the way people perceived spirituality, making it accessible to everyone.
On Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday, Sikhs and people from various walks of life come together to celebrate these core values, reiterating the importance of selfless service, equality, and devotion.
Also Read: Punjab Holidays
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti History
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life journey is filled with remarkable events that transformed him from a simple villager to a spiritual trailblazer. Born to Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta, Guru Nanak’s early life hinted at his exceptional qualities. He showed signs of spiritual inclinations even as a young child, questioning traditional religious practices and demonstrating a profound understanding of the nature of God and existence.
The Early Signs of Enlightenment
At the age of seven, Guru Nanak Dev Ji began showing an inclination toward spiritual questions that most children of his age would have never considered.
His questioning nature led to an early divergence from conventional religious practices. At a young age, Guru Nanak famously refused to wear the sacred thread, a practice observed by Hindus. This act signified his disapproval of outward symbols of spirituality and his belief that true spirituality comes from the heart and one’s connection with God.
The Enlightening Experience
The most pivotal moment in Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life came when he was around 30 years old. It is said that after disappearing for three days, he emerged with a revelation that changed his life and the lives of millions.
During this period of spiritual reflection, Guru Nanak Dev Ji realised that there is only one God, transcendent and eternal. This divine realisation formed the cornerstone of his teachings.
From then on, Guru Nanak embarked on numerous journeys across India and beyond, spreading his teachings of equality, peace, and devotion to God. His travels are often referred to as his Udasis, and during these journeys, Guru Nanak challenged the prevailing religious dogmas, teaching that God could be worshipped by anyone, anywhere, at any time, without the need for intermediaries.
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Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday Celebrations
On Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday, Sikhs around the world observe several traditions to honour his life and teachings. The celebration begins with Prabhat Pheris—early morning processions that take place around Gurdwaras (Sikh temples). These processions are accompanied by hymns (Shabads) and prayers, celebrating the core message of Guru Nanak’s teachings.
The Role of the Gurdwara
The Gurdwara plays a central role in the celebrations. Sikhs gather in Gurdwaras to participate in Kirtan (devotional singing) and Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism). These activities not only celebrate Guru Nanak’s birth but also provide an opportunity for Sikhs to reflect on his teachings and reinforce their commitment to the values of equality, service, and spiritual devotion.
The Langar Tradition
One of the most profound aspects of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday celebration is the Langar (community kitchen). Established by Guru Nanak and institutionalised by his successors, Langar serves free meals to everyone, regardless of their background, social status, or faith.
On his birthday, the Langar becomes a symbol of Guru Nanak’s teachings of Seva (selfless service) and Vand Chakna (sharing). It’s a powerful reminder of his message that no one should go hungry, and everyone is equal before God.
Global Celebrations
Though Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday is primarily celebrated in India and Pakistan, it is also observed by Sikhs and people of all faiths across the globe. Cities like London, New York, and Toronto see large processions, community prayers, and celebrations in Gurdwaras.
In countries where the Sikh diaspora is significant, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday has become a day to foster community cohesion, peace, and understanding.
Also Read: November Holidays
The Lasting Impact of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Teachings
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday is not just a religious holiday but a global reflection on his enduring message. His commitment to inclusivity and equality continues to inspire millions worldwide. In modern times, his teachings have found relevance beyond religion, guiding individuals toward a more just and compassionate world.
His philosophies resonate deeply in today’s rapidly changing society, offering solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time.
His birthday is, therefore, not just a day of commemoration but a time to renew one’s commitment to the values he espoused. From peace to equality, from service to devotion, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday serves as a reminder that his teachings are as relevant today as they were over 500 years ago.
Conclusion
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday is more than a celebration of his birth; it is a commemoration of the timeless values that he instilled in his followers. It is a day to reflect on his teachings of peace, equality, and spiritual devotion. Through the celebrations, the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji continues to inspire, creating unity and compassion among people of all backgrounds. In a world that is often divided by differences, his teachings remain a beacon of hope, reminding us that at our core, we are all one.
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