When is Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026?

Guru Nanak Jayanti is on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. also called as Parkash Purab/ Gurpurab.

This is the 557th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru.

This date changes every year because it follows the full moon in the month of Kartik.

How do we celebrate Gurpurab?

• Prabhat Pheri: People walk in the early morning in the streets starting from gurdwaras and sing shabads with full devotion and spread positive energy in the environment.
• Akhand Path: The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is read for 48 hours without stopping. It starts two days before Gurpurab.
• Sahaj Path: The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is read without any time boundation. Usually Sahaj path can be finished in 5-7 days as suitable.
• Nagar Kirtan: A religious street procession where a community walks thtough a town or neighborhood singing holy hymns together under the presence of Panj Pyaare( the five beloved ones).
• Kirtan and Katha: On the day of Gurpurab, Ragi Jathas sing shabads and narrate stories and sakhis of Guru Ji at the gurdwaras. Kirtan Samagams are organised in each and every local and historical Gurdwaras.
• Langar: Free food for everyone. All people sit together and eat as equals. langar is also distributed in loacal streets mohallas or at any place along with Gurdwaras.

10 Little-Known Facts About Guru Nanak Dev Ji

1. Two Birthdays : Historical Records and some Traditional Janamsakhis point to April 15, 1469, in the month of Vaisakh. However, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of Hindu/Punjabi month of Kartik ( usually falling in November).
2. The True Bargain ( Sacha Sauda) : His Father Gave him 20 rupees to start a business. Guru Ji uses this money to feed hungry holy men. And this practice is seen as the first Langar tradition in Sikhism.
3. “Tera, Tera”:Guruji worked at a shop in Sultanpur Lodhi, while weighing grain, he reached the number 13 which is ” Tera” in Punjabi, meaning ” Yours”. They then preached the word “Tera, Tera” thinking that everything belongs to God.
4. Three Days in the River: Guruji went to the Bein River and not returned for Three days. When he came back, he said, ” There is no Hindu and no Muslim”. He meant all people are one.
5. Bebe Nanaki: The elder sister of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. she was the first person to recognise her brother’s divine and spiritual nature.
6. Decide Successor Wisely: Guruji had two sons, Baba Sri Chand and Baba Lakhmi Das. But he Chose Bhai Lehna Ji, who became Guru Angad Dev ji. He chose him for his goodness.
7. Bhai Mardana and the Rabab:Bhai Mardana Ji travelled with Guru ji and played the rabab, a musical instrument, while Guruji Sang the devotional shabads.
8. Panja Sahib: In Hsan Abdal, a proud man named Wall Kandhari rolled a big rock down a hill at Guruji. Guruji stopped it with his hand. This story is very famous and Gurdwara Panja Sahib is located at that place.
9. Bani in Guru Granth Sahib Ji: There are 974 shabads written by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. They are written in 19 different Raags( musical styles).
10. Farmer at the end: In his last 18 years, Guru Ji lived in Krtarpur and farmed the land himself. He Taught three pillars of sikhism: Kirat karo( work honestly), Naam Japo( remember God) and Vand Chhako ( share with others).

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Gurpurab 2026?

Tuesday, 24 November 2026 corresponds to 9 Maghar 558 in the Nanakshahi Calender.

Why does the date change every year?

Because it follows the full moon( puranmashi), not the regular calender.

What should I do at Gurdwara?

Cover your Head, take off your shoes, Wash the Hands and feet, Respect Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Keep silent and Listen Gurbani And Join the Langar.

When and Where was Guru Nanak Dev Ji Born?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was Born in 1469 at Rai- Bhoi- Di Talwandi now in Nankana Sahib in Punjab, Pakistan.

What are the Core Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji?

Naam Japo( PRAY), Kirat Karo( WORK), Vand Chhako( SHARE).

what is the contribution of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Guru Granth Sahib JI?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji contributed 974 hymns( shabads and sloks) to the Guru Granth Sahib JI recorded under the signature Mehla 1 ( the first Master).