Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026
The birthday of Sikhism's first Guru, lit up at the Golden Temple.
Countdown to Gurpurab 2026
Dates
When is Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 falls on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. In 2027 it falls on Sunday, 14 November 2027.
Kartik Purnima falls on Tuesday 24 Nov; Nagar Kirtans are usually held on the days before.
Date checked against publicholidays.in
| Year | Dates | Length | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 24 November 2026Tue | 1 day | Confirmed |
| 2027 | 14 November 2027Sun | 1 day | Confirmed |
See every festival by date in the 2026 festival calendar and 2027 festival calendar.
The story
What it is, and why it matters
- Type
- Festival of Lights
- Tradition
- Sikh
- Where
- Amritsar, Punjab
- Crowd
- Celebrated by Sikh communities worldwide; large crowds in Amritsar
- UNESCO
- Not inscribed
On the full moon of Kartik the Golden Temple is reflected twice — once in its pool and once in the lights strung around it. Inside, hymns that Guru Nanak composed five centuries ago are sung through the day.
Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Gurpurab, celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, in 1469. It is observed on the full moon of the month of Kartik. Two days before, gurdwaras begin an Akhand Path, an unbroken 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, which ends on the morning of the festival.
In the days before, early-morning prabhat pheris — singing processions — move through neighbourhoods, and a Nagar Kirtan led by the Panj Pyare carries the Guru Granth Sahib through the streets. On the day itself, the Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated, kirtan continues for hours and langar is served to everyone who comes.
Culture
Traditions, food and music of Gurpurab
Traditions
What actually happens
- Akhand Path — a continuous 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Prabhat pheri — dawn processions singing hymns through the streets.
- Nagar Kirtan — a procession led by the Panj Pyare, with gatka displays and music.
- Illumination — gurdwaras, especially the Golden Temple, are lit with lamps and lights.
Food
The table, widened
- Langar — the free community meal served to all, regardless of faith or background.
- Karah prashad — the sweet offering of wheat flour, ghee and sugar given after prayers.
Music
Sound of the crowd
Kirtan — the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib in classical ragas, accompanied by harmonium and tabla — is at the heart of the day. Many of the hymns sung were composed by Guru Nanak himself.
Religion
Why this date
Guru Nanak taught devotion to one formless God, the equality of all people regardless of caste or gender, honest work and sharing with others. The langar, which he began, puts that teaching into practice: everyone sits together on the floor and eats the same food.
History
How it survived
Guru Nanak was born in Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, and spent much of his life travelling and teaching before settling at Kartarpur. For the 550th anniversary of his birth in 2019, India and Pakistan opened the Kartarpur Corridor, allowing pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur without a visa.
History
How it got here
Guru Nanak was born in Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, and spent much of his life travelling and teaching before settling at Kartarpur. For the 550th anniversary of his birth in 2019, India and Pakistan opened the Kartarpur Corridor, allowing pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur without a visa.
1469
Birth
Guru Nanak is born at Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib.
1539
Kartarpur
Guru Nanak dies at Kartarpur, the town he founded on the Ravi.
1604
Adi Granth
Guru Arjan compiles the scripture, including Guru Nanak's hymns, and installs it at Harmandir Sahib.
2019
Kartarpur Corridor
A visa-free corridor opens for the 550th anniversary of his birth.
Travel & practical
Visiting Amritsar for Gurpurab
Getting there
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) is about 30 minutes from the Golden Temple; Amritsar Junction has trains from Delhi.
Best vantage
The parikrama around the Golden Temple's pool in the evening, when the lights and fireworks are at their brightest.
Practical notes
Cover your head and remove your shoes before entering; scarves and shoe stands are provided free. Expect large crowds.
Plan the trip with free AltFTool tools
FAQ
Guru Nanak Jayanti: common questions
Straight answers to what people ask most about Guru Nanak Jayanti.
When is Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2026 and 2027?
Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on Tuesday 24 November 2026 and Sunday 14 November 2027, the full moon of Kartik in each year.
Why does the date change each year?
It is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, the full moon of the lunar month of Kartik, rather than on a fixed Gregorian date.
Can anyone visit the Golden Temple on Gurpurab?
Yes. The Golden Temple is open to people of all faiths. Cover your head, remove your shoes and wash your feet before entering.
What is a Nagar Kirtan?
A procession through the streets, led by five Sikhs representing the Panj Pyare, with the Guru Granth Sahib carried in a decorated vehicle.
Also in November 2026
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