What it celebrates
Guru Nanak Gurpurab, also called Prakash Purab or Guru Nanak Jayanti, celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539), the founder of the Sikh faith and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Born in Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib, he taught devotion to one God (Ik Onkar), the equality of all people regardless of caste, creed or gender, honest work (kirat karni), remembrance of God (naam japna) and sharing with others (vand chhakna).
His message of equality and service speaks to people of every faith, and the day is celebrated with gurdwaras open to all.
How it is observed
- Akhand Path: a continuous, 48-hour reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, concluding on the morning of the gurpurab.
- Prabhat Pheris: early-morning processions singing hymns in the days before.
- Nagar Kirtan: a procession led by the Panj Pyare, with Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji carried in a decorated palki, kirtan and gatka.
- Kirtan and katha in gurdwaras through the day.
- Langar: the free community kitchen, where everyone sits together as equals.
- Lights and illumination of gurdwaras and homes in the evening.
How the date is set
By long tradition, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s gurpurab is celebrated on Katak Puranmashi, the full moon of the month of Katak, usually in November. It’s a lunar date, so its Gregorian date moves from year to year. Both the original 2003 Nanakshahi calendar and the SGPC method keep this gurpurab on the lunar date. See Nanakshahi calendar history.
How OIOA helps
- The Sikh/Punjabi Home screen shows the Nanakshahi calendar in the version you follow.
- Reminders for the start of the Akhand Path, Prabhat Pheris and Nagar Kirtan.
- Cards to share good wishes, and holidays to see whether it makes a long weekend.
Wishing someone
“Gurpurab di lakh lakh vadhaiyan”, or “Happy Gurpurab”.