Guru Nanak Jayanti

Sacred Celebrations of Faith, Devotion and Harmony

Guru Nanak Jayanti – Celebrating the Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji with Devotion and Light

Guru Nanak Jayanti also known as Gurupurab is a very auspicious festival for Sikh community. This festival is celebrated on the occasion of birth anniversary of first guru Sh. Guru Nanak Dev Ji of Sikh community. In some places it is also known as Prakash Utsav. Few days before occasion Prabhat Pheris start. On the day prior to Gurupurab, Nagarkirtan is also organized. On this day people visit Gurudwara worship there and take blessing. You can see Langar in every street and sector of Chandigarh. By the end of the day people light their houses with beautiful lights and diyas and burn crackers to make this occasion unforgettable.

About Guru Nanak Jayanti

The Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurupurab or Prakash Utsav, is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism, celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru and founder of the Sikh faith. Born in 1469 in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan), Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached the message of unity, equality, and devotion to one God. His teachings, enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, continue to inspire millions worldwide. The festival holds deep spiritual significance as it marks the dawn of Sikhism and the spreading of universal values like compassion, humility, and service to humanity.

The celebrations of Guru Nanak Jayanti in Chandigarh begin days before the main event with Prabhat Pheris—early morning processions where devotees sing hymns and spread the message of peace. On the day before Gurupurab, Nagarkirtans are organized, featuring beautifully decorated floats, traditional music, and devotees chanting Gurbani. The entire city resonates with the spiritual energy of these processions, reflecting the deep devotion and cultural unity of the Sikh community.

On the day of Gurupurab, people visit Gurudwaras across Chandigarh to offer prayers and listen to Kirtan (devotional songs). The sacred text, Guru Granth Sahib, is recited continuously in a 48-hour reading known as Akhand Path. Community kitchens or Langars are organized, where free meals are served to everyone, regardless of religion, caste, or status—symbolizing the Sikh principle of equality and selfless service.

As the evening approaches, the city of Chandigarh transforms into a spectacle of light and devotion. Homes and Gurudwaras are adorned with beautiful lamps, candles, and diyas, while fireworks brighten the sky. Families come together to celebrate, exchange sweets, and reflect on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s eternal teachings of truth, love, and humanity. Guru Nanak Jayanti is not just a religious occasion but a reminder of living a life rooted in faith, kindness, and service to others.

Festivals

Guru Nanak Jayanti Dates for Upcoming Years 2026-2030

No. Year Date Day
1. 2026 Tuesday, November 24, 2026 Tuesday
2. 2027 Sunday, November 14, 2027 Sunday
3. 2028 Thursday, November 2, 2028 Thursday
4. 2029 Monday, November 19, 2029 Monday
5. 2030 Saturday, November 9, 2030 Saturday
Summary: Guru Nanak Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, will be observed between November 2, 2028, and November 24, 2026, during the years 2026–2030, varying each year according to the lunar calendar.

Spiritual Preparations

Days before Guru Nanak Jayanti, the atmosphere in Chandigarh becomes filled with devotion and anticipation. Early morning Prabhat Pheris take place in neighborhoods, where devotees sing hymns and spread messages of peace and unity. The city streets echo with spiritual chants, creating an aura of positivity and reverence. People clean and decorate their homes and nearby Gurudwaras, preparing to welcome the auspicious day with open hearts and pure devotion.

Devotional Celebrations

On the day of Gurupurab, devotees visit Gurudwaras across the city to offer prayers and participate in Kirtan and Akhand Path. The continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib fills the atmosphere with divine energy. The Langar, or community kitchen, serves free meals to everyone, regardless of caste or religion, symbolizing equality and selfless service—core teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The spirit of togetherness and compassion defines this sacred celebration.

Evening Festivities

As night falls, Chandigarh lights up beautifully to mark the end of Guru Nanak Jayanti. Houses, Gurudwaras, and streets glow with candles, diyas, and colorful lights. Families gather to share sweets, offer prayers, and watch fireworks that illuminate the sky. The festival concludes with heartfelt joy, reminding everyone of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s timeless message—living with truth, love, and humility while serving humanity with compassion.

Top Attractions & Activities

Top Attractions

Activities to Engage With

How Chandigarh Celebrates Guru Nanak Jayanti

Chandigarh celebrates Guru Nanak Jayanti with grandeur and devotion. Major Gurudwaras like Nada Sahib, Sector 34, and Sector 46 are beautifully decorated with lights and flowers. Langars are organized across sectors, and devotees participate in Kirtan, Seva, and Nagar Kirtan with great enthusiasm. The whole city glows with unity, reflecting the spiritual essence of Sikhism.

Visitor Tips

No. Tip Details
1 Dress Modestly Cover your head and wear decent clothing when visiting Gurudwaras during Gurupurab celebrations.
2 Participate in Langar Join the community kitchen experience — it’s open to all and a key part of Sikh culture.
3 Avoid Firecrackers Opt for eco-friendly celebrations to honor the spiritual essence of the festival.
4 Plan Early Gurudwaras and roads are busy on this day — reach early for a peaceful visit.
Follow these visitor tips to enjoy Guru Nanak Jayanti respectfully and comfortably while embracing the true spirit of devotion, peace, and togetherness.

Festival Highlights

No. Event Description
1 Prabhat Pheris Early morning devotional processions held in neighborhoods with hymn singing and spiritual chants.
2 Nagarkirtan A grand religious procession on the eve of Gurupurab featuring decorated floats and the Panj Pyare.
3 Akhand Path A 48-hour continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib held in Gurudwaras before the festival day.
4 Langar Free community meal served to everyone as a symbol of equality and compassion.
5 Lighting & Fireworks Homes, Gurudwaras, and streets are illuminated with diyas, candles, and festive lights.
Experience the vibrant spirit of Guru Nanak Jayanti through soulful prayers, illuminated processions, community langars, and the city’s joyous celebration of faith and unity.

FAQ

Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Kartik month, usually falling in October or November each year.
It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, who preached equality, compassion, and devotion to one God.
In Chandigarh, the festival is celebrated with Prabhat Pheris, Nagarkirtans, prayers at Gurudwaras, and community Langars, where free meals are served to all.
The Langar typically includes simple vegetarian meals such as dal, roti, sabzi, and kheer, prepared and served by volunteers as a symbol of equality and service.
Yes, people from all religions and communities are warmly welcomed to join the prayers, Langar, and celebrations, reflecting the inclusive spirit of Sikhism.
Most major Gurudwaras in Chandigarh, like Nada Sahib and those in Sector 34 and Sector 46, remain open from early morning till late night to accommodate devotees and visitors.

Conclusion:

Guru Nanak Jayanti is more than just a festival—it is a day of spiritual reflection, community harmony, and service to humanity. The celebrations in Chandigarh beautifully capture the essence of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings—equality, humility, and devotion. From illuminated Gurudwaras to the aroma of Langar and the echoes of Gurbani, the entire city comes alive in divine energy. Visiting during this time offers a heartwarming glimpse into Sikh culture and the timeless message of peace and unity that continues to inspire people across the world.

Guru Nanak Jayanti At A Glance

Scroll to Top