The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, will be celebrated on November 5, 2025, with prayers, processions, and messages of peace across the world.
As the world prepares to commemorate Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025, there has been some confusion regarding the exact date of the festival — whether it falls on November 5 or November 6. However, according to both the Hindu Panchang and the Sikh Nanakshahi calendar, this sacred occasion will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
This day marks the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru and the founder of Sikhism, whose teachings continue to illuminate lives across continents. Known for his message of oneness, equality, and compassion, Guru Nanak Dev Ji inspired a spiritual revolution that transcended religion, caste, and gender.
Significance and Timing of Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is observed every year on the full moon day (Kartik Purnima) in the month of Kartik, as per the traditional lunar calendar. The festival usually falls in October or November, aligning closely with Diwali celebrations.
In 2025, Kartik Purnima occurs on November 5, marking a day of immense spiritual significance for millions of devotees across India, the UK, the United States, Canada, and other countries with vibrant Sikh communities.
Who Was Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Talwandi, a small village now known as Nankana Sahib, located in modern-day Pakistan. From an early age, he showed deep compassion, wisdom, and curiosity about divine truths. He rejected blind rituals and emphasized living a life guided by truth, love, and service.
Guru Nanak’s life mission was to spread the belief in One God (Ik Onkar) — a divine presence that resides in every being. His spiritual insights, poetic hymns, and acts of compassion laid the foundation of Sikhism, a faith rooted in equality, humility, and selfless service.
Today, Nankana Sahib remains one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Sikhs worldwide, where thousands gather every year to pay homage on Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Rituals and Celebrations of Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025
Celebrations for Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 will begin two days before the main day, starting with the Akhand Path — a continuous 48-hour recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. The recitation concludes on the morning of Gurpurab.
1. Nagar Kirtan (Religious Procession)
On the day before Guru Nanak Jayanti, devotees organize a Nagar Kirtan, a vibrant religious procession led by the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones). The streets come alive with devotional music, hymn chanting, and colorful decorations. Traditional martial arts known as Gatka are performed by Sikh youth, displaying courage and discipline — virtues deeply embedded in Sikh teachings.
2. Early Morning Prayers and Kirtan
On November 5, 2025, devotees will visit Gurdwaras early in the morning to participate in Asa di Var (morning prayers) and Kirtan Darbars (devotional singing). The hymns, drawn from Guru Nanak’s own writings, reflect themes of peace, equality, and divine truth.
3. Langar — The Community Kitchen
A key highlight of Guru Nanak Jayanti is the Langar, a free community meal organized in every Gurdwara. Volunteers prepare and serve simple vegetarian food to everyone — regardless of faith, caste, or background. The Langar represents the heart of Sikh philosophy: “Sarbat da Bhala” — the welfare of all.
4. Global Observance
From Amritsar’s Golden Temple to Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Southall (London) and Gurdwara Sahib Fremont (California), the festival is celebrated with the same devotion across the globe. In the UK and US, Sikh communities host interfaith events, lighting ceremonies, and charity drives to honor the Guru’s message of unity.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Teachings: A Universal Message
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s words are timeless — promoting peace, integrity, and humility in a world often divided by materialism and ego. His philosophy can be summarized through three guiding principles, known as the Three Pillars of Sikhism:
- Naam Japna — Constant remembrance of God through meditation and mindfulness.
- Kirat Karni — Earning an honest livelihood through hard work and ethical conduct.
- Vand Chakna — Sharing one’s earnings and blessings with others, especially the needy.
Beyond these core teachings, Guru Nanak also encouraged a life free from ego (haumai), greed (lobh), anger (krodh), and attachment (moh). His famous verses remind humanity of compassion and righteousness:
“There is but One God; His Name is Truth.
He is the Creator, Fearless, Without Hatred,
Timeless, and Self-Existent.”
These simple yet profound ideas continue to guide millions of followers — not only Sikhs but people from all faiths — who seek a life of balance and inner peace.
Historical and Cultural Importance
While Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth is primarily a religious celebration, Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 carries deep social and cultural resonance. The festival transcends faith boundaries, promoting universal values of human equality, community service, and coexistence.
In India, the festival is marked by public holidays in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and parts of Delhi. Major cities such as Amritsar, Patiala, and Ludhiana witness beautifully lit Gurdwaras and illuminated streets. Similarly, in Pakistan, Nankana Sahib welcomes thousands of Sikh pilgrims under special arrangements by the government.
In Western countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, Gurdwaras organize open-house events to educate non-Sikhs about Guru Nanak’s philosophy and encourage interfaith dialogue — reflecting his inclusive spirit.
Global Relevance of Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025
As the world faces growing social divides and cultural conflicts, Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 arrives as a gentle reminder of compassion, peace, and equality. His teachings remain relevant in addressing modern issues — from social justice and gender equality to sustainable living.
International organizations and universities now include Guru Nanak’s philosophy in peace studies and intercultural education. His message — that God resides in every being and that humanity is one family — resonates across generations and borders.
Even in the digital age, millions share Guru Nanak Jayanti greetings, quotes, and reflections on social media, helping spread his message globally. Hashtags like #GuruNanakJayanti2025, #Gurpurab2025, and #IkOnkar trend across platforms, uniting followers in virtual celebration.
Life Lessons from Guru Nanak Dev Ji
The life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji teaches that spirituality and social responsibility are inseparable. Here are five life lessons inspired by his teachings:
- Embrace Humility: True greatness lies in serving others without expectation.
- Live Truthfully: A life guided by honesty and moral courage brings lasting peace.
- See God in All: Every person deserves respect and compassion.
- Empower Others: Share knowledge, love, and resources to uplift the community.
- Practice Equality: Gender, race, or religion should never define one’s worth.
These teachings form the moral foundation of Sikhism and continue to inspire leadership and service across the world.
Also read: National Unity Day: Honoring the Spirit of Oneness and Integrity in India
Conclusion: The Eternal Light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 is not just a religious occasion — it is a celebration of humanity, humility, and harmony. It invites people everywhere to reflect on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s timeless wisdom and apply it in their daily lives.
As millions gather in Gurdwaras, share meals in Langars, and chant hymns of love and devotion, the spirit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji continues to shine as a beacon of peace in an often divided world.
On November 5, 2025, when devotees across continents join hands in prayer, the message remains the same:
“There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim — only the oneness of humanity.”
May Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 bring light, unity, and compassion to every heart.
