Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 — the 557th Prakash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev Ji — falls on Wednesday, 25 November 2026 (Kartik Purnima). The birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism and one of the most revered saints of the Bhakti movement. Also known as Gurpurab, celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus alike across India and the diaspora.

Quick Answer

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026: Wednesday, 25 November 2026.

Anniversary: 557th Prakash Utsav (birth anniversary).

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Timing: Kartik Purnima — the full moon of Kartik month. Also coincides with Dev Deepavali in Varanasi.

Nagar Kirtan begins: ~5:00 AM at gurdwaras across India (early morning processions).

Who was Guru Nanak Dev Ji?

Guru Nanak was born in 1469 at Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan). Founded Sikhism through the core teachings of:

  • "Ik Onkar" — one universal creator God; the foundational Sikh mantra.
  • Naam Japna — remembrance of God through meditation and prayer.
  • Kirat Karo — honest, ethical work as spiritual practice.
  • Vand Chakko — sharing with others; the origin of the langar tradition.
  • Equality — rejecting caste, gender discrimination, and empty ritual.

Composed 974 shabads (hymns) in the Guru Granth Sahib. His four Udasis (spiritual journeys) took him to Assam, Sri Lanka, Mecca, Baghdad, and Tibet — one of history's most-traveled spiritual teachers.

Gurpurab Celebrations — 3 Days

  • Day 1 (Mon 23 Nov 2026): Akhand Path begins — 48-hour continuous recitation of the entire Guru Granth Sahib at every gurdwara.
  • Day 2 (Tue 24 Nov 2026): Nagar Kirtan — processions with the Guru Granth Sahib on a decorated float, led by Panj Piare (five Sikh volunteers). Sangat (community) follows singing shabads.
  • Day 3 · Prakash Utsav (Wed 25 Nov 2026): Sunrise Asa di Vaar recitation. Katha (spiritual discourse). Langar (free community meal — for ALL, regardless of religion/caste). Karah Prasad distribution. Evening Rehras Sahib + Kirtan Sohila.

Major Gurdwaras — 2026 Prakash Utsav

  • Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar: Illuminated with 100,000+ diyas and lights. Deepmala on the parikrama. Estimated 300,000+ devotees on Nov 25.
  • Sri Nankana Sahib, Pakistan (Guru Nanak's birthplace): Cross-border pilgrimage from Wagah. Indian Sikh Jatha attends.
  • Bangla Sahib, Delhi: 24-hour Nagar Kirtan + langar for lakhs.
  • Sisganj Sahib, Delhi: Historic gurdwara, elaborate celebrations.
  • Patna Sahib, Bihar: Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh; Nagar Kirtan tradition.
  • Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab: Historical significance to the 10th Guru's sons.

Langar — The Universal Free Meal

Langar is Sikhism's most iconic tradition — a free vegetarian meal served to ALL visitors at every gurdwara, regardless of religion, caste, gender, wealth or nationality. On Gurpurab day, some gurdwaras (Golden Temple, Bangla Sahib) serve 100,000+ meals in one day. The tradition began with Guru Nanak's "Sacha Sauda" — his ~20-rupee first business as a young man that he spent entirely feeding hungry sadhus, teaching Kirat Karo + Vand Chakko in a single act.

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How to Observe Gurpurab (for Hindus + Sikhs)

  1. Wake before sunrise; bathe.
  2. Read/listen to Japji Sahib (Guru Nanak's foundational morning prayer).
  3. Visit a gurdwara if accessible; participate in Kirtan.
  4. Serve seva — help in langar preparation or distribution.
  5. Eat only vegetarian food; avoid alcohol and non-veg.
  6. Contemplate Guru Nanak's teachings on unity, equality, service.
  7. Evening Rehras Sahib recitation.
  8. Distribute karah prasad to family.

Guru Nanak Jayanti for NRI Families

Gurdwaras across USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE hold major Gurpurab celebrations. Key hubs:

  • USA: Sikh Gurdwara San Jose (largest US gurdwara); Sikh Center of NY; Gurdwara Sahib Fremont CA; Gurdwara Yuba City; Chicago Sikh Religious Society.
  • UK: Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall (largest outside India); Havelock Road, Southall; Gurdwara Karamsar Ilford; Birmingham Gurdwara Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha.
  • Canada: Gurdwara Nanaksar Toronto; Gurdwara Sahib Brampton; Ontario Sikh community — one of the largest concentrations outside Punjab.
  • Australia: Sikh Gurdwara Perth; Gurdwara Sikh Association of WA; Sydney: multiple gurdwaras in Blacktown, Parklea.
  • Singapore: Central Sikh Temple, Singapore.
  • Malaysia: Wadda Gurdwara Sahib KL; Ipoh Gurdwara.
  • UAE: Gurunanak Darbar Gurdwara Dubai (largest gurdwara in the Gulf).

Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Timeless Teachings

  • "There is one God. Truth is His name. He is the Creator, without fear or hate, timeless, unborn, self-existent."
  • "Whoever serves the Lord, will be served in turn." — from Japji Sahib
  • "Truth is high but higher still is truthful living."
  • "He who has no faith in himself can never have faith in God."
  • "The world is a drama, staged in a dream."

Related: India Celebrates 556th Guru Nanak Jayanti • Complete Guide to Sikhism.