Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 — How Many Days Until Guru Nanak Jayanti?

About Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Jayanti — also called Gurpurab — celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, born on 15 April 1469 in Rai Bhoi Di Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan). The holiday is observed on the full moon day of Kartik (October/November) in the Nanakshahi calendar, and is the most important day in the Sikh calendar.

Guru Nanak was a spiritual teacher, poet, and social reformer who rejected the caste system, promoted equality regardless of gender, caste, or religion, and taught the oneness of God through the concept of Ik Onkar ("One God"). His teachings, compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture), form the spiritual foundation of Sikhism. He undertook four major journeys (Udasis) covering thousands of kilometres across South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, spreading his message of devotion and equality.

Celebrations begin two days before Gurpurab with the Akhand Path — a continuous, uninterrupted reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib over 48 hours. On the day itself, Prabhat Pheris (early-morning processions with devotional singing) move through neighbourhoods, followed by the main ceremony at the Gurdwara. The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar is illuminated spectacularly and draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.

Guru Nanak was born on 15 April 1469 — Gurpurab is observed on the full moon of Kartik
The Golden Temple in Amritsar is brilliantly illuminated for Gurpurab, attracting hundreds of thousands
Akhand Path — an uninterrupted 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib — begins two days before
There are approximately 25–30 million Sikhs worldwide
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a gazetted national public holiday in India

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Guru Nanak Jayanti?

Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed on the full moon of Kartik in the Nanakshahi calendar — typically in October or November. The exact Gregorian date changes each year.

Is Guru Nanak Jayanti a public holiday in India?

Yes — Guru Nanak Jayanti is a gazetted national holiday in India, observed across all states.

Who was Guru Nanak?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. He taught the oneness of God, equality of all people regardless of caste or religion, and the importance of honest work, prayer, and charitable service.