Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, will be celebrated on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. It marks the 557th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
The festival falls on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Kartik month.
Devotees celebrate by visiting gurdwaras, offering prayers, singing hymns and taking part in religious processions. Community meals, known as langar, are also an important part of the celebrations.
Morning prayers generally begin around 4 am or 5 am, depending on the gurdwara.
When Is Guru Nanak Jayanti In 2026? Date, Tithi And Prayer Timings
Guru Nanak Jayanti will be observed on 24 November 2026, which falls on a Tuesday. It coincides with Kartik Purnima and marks the 557th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
According to Drik Panchang's calculations for New Delhi, the Purnima Tithi will begin at 11:42 pm on 23 November and end at 8:23 pm on 24 November 2026.
Here are the important details:
Festival: Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026
Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2026
Occasion: 557th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Tithi: Kartik Purnima
Purnima Tithi Begins: 11:42 pm, 23 November 2026
Purnima Tithi Ends: 8:23 pm, 24 November 2026
Morning prayers: Generally begin around 4 am to 5 am at gurdwaras
These Tithi timings are based on New Delhi and may vary slightly across locations. Gurdwaras also announce their own schedules for prayers and other celebrations.
Why Is Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebrated?
Guru Nanak Jayanti commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who established the foundations of Sikhism.
Born in 1469, Guru Nanak challenged social divisions and religious discrimination. His teachings emphasised the oneness of God, equality among human beings, honest living and selfless service.
He taught that people should not be divided on the basis of religion, caste, gender or social status. Instead, he encouraged them to live with compassion, humility and respect for others.
His teachings continue to guide Sikh religious and community life. Guru Nanak Jayanti gives devotees an opportunity to remember his message and reflect on the values he shared.
The Story Behind Guru Nanak Jayanti
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in present-day Pakistan, to Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta. The SGPC records his birth date as 15 April 1469, but his birth anniversary is traditionally celebrated on Kartik Purnima.
From an early age, Nanak questioned customs and religious practices that promoted inequality. According to Sikh tradition, after disappearing while bathing in a river, he returned with the message that there is no Hindu or Muslim, emphasising the oneness of humanity beyond religious divisions.
He travelled extensively to share his teachings before settling at Kartarpur, where he established a community based on prayer, honest work and sharing. Langar, where people eat together without caste or social distinctions, became central to this community.
Before his death in 1539, he appointed Bhai Lehna, later known as Guru Angad Dev Ji, as his successor. His birth anniversary is now celebrated as one of Sikhism’s most significant occasions.
Where And How Is Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebrated?
Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated by Sikh communities across India and around the world. Gurdwaras become the main centres of religious activities, with devotees gathering for prayers, hymns and community service.
Some prominent places associated with the celebrations include:
Golden Temple, Amritsar: Sri Harmandir Sahib sees large gatherings of devotees, with prayers, kirtan and langar.
Nankana Sahib, Pakistan: The birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji holds special significance during the celebrations.
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi: Devotees gather for prayers, religious programmes and community meals.
Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Bihar: The historic gurdwara also holds celebrations to mark the occasion.
The celebrations usually begin before the actual festival day.
An Akhand Path, which involves the continuous recitation of Guru Granth Sahib over approximately 48 hours, is organised at gurdwaras.
A day before Gurpurab, devotees may participate in a Nagar Kirtan, a religious procession led by the Panj Pyare, or Five Beloved Ones. The procession includes the Guru Granth Sahib, devotional singing and groups of devotees.
On the main day, gurdwaras organise early morning prayers, kirtan, religious discourses and the distribution of Karah Parshad.
Why Do People Have Langars And What Is Their Significance?
One of the most recognisable traditions associated with Sikhism is langar, a free community meal served at gurdwaras.
The tradition reflects Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings on equality, sharing and selfless service.
At a langar, people from different religions, castes, communities and economic backgrounds sit together and eat the same food. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their social or financial status.
Volunteers prepare, serve and clean up after the meals. This voluntary service is known as Seva, which means selfless service.
Langar is not limited to Guru Nanak Jayanti. It is organised regularly at gurdwaras throughout the year. However, during Gurpurab, community meals and voluntary service form an important part of the celebrations.
The practice sends a simple message: food, dignity and respect should be available to everyone.
Which God Do People Worship On Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Guru Nanak Jayanti is not a festival dedicated to the worship of a Hindu deity.
Sikhism teaches the belief in one formless, timeless and eternal God, known as Waheguru. The concept of Ik Onkar expresses the belief that there is one supreme reality.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasised that God is one and that all human beings are equal before the Creator.
Devotees remember Guru Nanak Dev Ji and offer prayers through the teachings and hymns contained in the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism.
The occasion focuses on remembering the Guru's teachings rather than worshipping him as a god.
When Does The Prayer Take Place?
Religious programmes for Guru Nanak Jayanti generally begin in the early hours of the morning.
According to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the main religious congregation, known as Diwan, usually begins around 4 am or 5 am on Gurpurab.
The programme includes Asa Di Vaar, the singing of hymns from Guru Granth Sahib, religious discourses and kirtan.
An Ardas, or Sikh prayer, is also performed. Karah Parshad is distributed, followed by langar.
Special programmes may continue throughout the day and into the evening. The exact schedule depends on the individual gurdwara.
Unlike festivals that follow a fixed puja muhurat, Sikh worship is organised around the gurdwara's religious programme. Devotees can check with their local gurdwara for specific timings.
What Is The Significance Of Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Guru Nanak Jayanti is significant because it celebrates the life and teachings of the founder of Sikhism.
His message continues to centre on three important principles:
Naam Japna: Remembering and meditating on God's name.
Kirat Karni: Earning an honest living through hard work.
Vand Chakna: Sharing what one earns with others, particularly those in need.
These principles encourage people to lead honest lives, remember God and contribute to society.
The festival also highlights the values of equality, compassion and community service. Through prayers, Nagar Kirtans and langar, devotees remember Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message and put his teachings into practice.
Guru Nanak Jayanti is therefore not just a celebration of a historical figure's birth. It is also an occasion to revisit the principles that shaped Sikhism and continue to influence its followers.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
When is Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2026?
Tuesday, 24 November 2026.
Which birth anniversary will be celebrated?
The 557th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Which Tithi does Guru Nanak Jayanti fall on?
Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik.
What are the Purnima timings in 2026?
The Tithi begins at 11:42 pm on 23 November and ends at 8:23 pm on 24 November, according to New Delhi calculations.
Why is Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated?
It commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru.
Where is Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated?
At gurdwaras across India and around the world, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi and Nankana Sahib in Pakistan.
Why is langar served?
Langar represents equality, sharing and selfless service. It allows people from all backgrounds to eat together without discrimination.
Which God is worshipped on Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Sikhs believe in one formless, timeless God, known as Waheguru.
When do prayers begin?
Gurdwara programmes generally begin around 4 am or 5 am, although timings vary.
What are the three main teachings of Guru Nanak?
Naam Japna (remembering God's name), Kirat Karni (earning an honest living) and Vand Chakna (sharing with others).
