When Guru Nanak Jayanti falls

Dates are computed astronomically against Kashi sunrise.

The significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti

Historical background

Scriptural references

Guru Nanak Jayanti puja vidhi

1. 1In the days before, an Akhand Path is begun so that it concludes on the morning of the Gurpurab.
2. 2On the eve, a Nagar Kirtan procession is taken through the streets, led by the Panj Pyare and the Guru Granth Sahib on a decorated float.
3. 3On the day, the sangat gathers at Amrit Vela for the singing of Asa di Var.
4. 4Shabad kirtan and katha — the hymns and their exposition — continue through the morning.
5. 5Ardas, the congregational prayer, is offered, and Karah Prasad distributed to all.
6. 6Langar is served to everyone present, seated together as equals, embodying the Guru's teaching.
7. 7Seva and the singing of Gurbani continue through the day, often into the evening.

Mantra

Vrat rules

• Sikh tradition does not centre this day on fasting; it is kept through prayer, kirtan and seva (selfless service).
• An Akhand Path — the unbroken, cover-to-cover reading of the Guru Granth Sahib — is completed over the two days before, ending on the morning of the Gurpurab.
• The sangat gathers in the early hours (Amrit Vela) for Asa di Var and shabad kirtan.
• Langar, the free community kitchen, is served to all without distinction of faith or standing.
• Kar seva — voluntary service in the gurdwara and community — is offered through the day.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Calling it only a 'jayanti' — Sikhs know it as Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav, the festival of the Guru's light.
• Entering a gurudwara without covering the head or removing shoes, or stepping in after alcohol or tobacco.
• Treating the langar casually — it is sacred, eaten seated together as equals; food is not wasted.
• Reducing the day to ritual alone, missing its teaching of honest work, sharing and remembrance.

The vrat katha of Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Jayanti timeline

1. Two days before — Akhand Path

   A continuous 48-hour reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib is begun, concluding on the Gurpurab morning.

2. Eve — Prabhat Pheris & Nagar Kirtan

   Early-morning hymn processions through the days before, and a grand Nagar Kirtan led by the Panj Pyare and the Palki of the Guru Granth Sahib.

3. Gurpurab day

   Kirtan, katha and the singing of Guru Nanak's hymns from dawn; langar is served to all without distinction.

4. Evening — Deepmala

   The gurudwaras are lit with lamps, and in some places fireworks and candlelight mark the night of his birth.

Famous places & temples

Interesting facts

• ◆It is called Prakash Utsav — the 'festival of light' — marking the coming of Guru Nanak's light into the world in 1469.
• ◆It falls on Kartik Purnima, the full moon, so the celebration and the lamps sit under the brightest night of Kartika.
• ◆Guru Nanak's three pillars — Naam Japo (remember God), Kirat Karo (earn honestly), Vand Chhako (share) — are the heart of Sikh life.
• ◆The langar he began is served free to every visitor regardless of faith, caste or status, a radical equality for its age.

Common questions