Guru Nanak Jayanti or as it is also popularly known as Gurupurab, is a major festival of the Sikh community and holds a lot of relevance all around the country. This day commemorates the birth anniversary of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who is believed to be the harbinger of enlightenment in this world.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 Date & Muhurat
Guru Nanak Jayanti Muhurat
Guru Nanak Jayanti Muhurat
Guru Nanak Jayanti - Friday, November 15, 2024
Purnima Tithi Begins - 06:19 AM on Nov 15, 2024
Purnima Tithi Ends - 02:58 AM on Nov 16, 2024
Guru Nanak Jayanti - Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Purnima Tithi Begins - 10:36 PM on Nov 04, 2025
Purnima Tithi Ends - 06:48 PM on Nov 05, 2025
Guru Nanak Jayanti - Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Purnima Tithi Begins - 11:42 PM on Nov 23, 2026
Purnima Tithi Ends - 08:23 PM on Nov 24, 2026
Guru Nanak Jayanti - Sunday, November 14, 2027
Purnima Tithi Begins - 09:55 AM on Nov 13, 2027
Purnima Tithi Ends - 08:55 AM on Nov 14, 2027
Guru Nanak Jayanti - Thursday, November 2, 2028
Purnima Tithi Begins - 01:07 PM on Nov 01, 2028
Purnima Tithi Ends - 02:46 PM on Nov 02, 2028
Guru Nanak Jayanti - Wednesday, November 21, 2029NA
Purnima Tithi Begins - 07:01 AM on Nov 20, 2029
Purnima Tithi Ends - 09:32 AM on Nov 21, 2029
Guru Nanak Jayanti - Sunday, November 10, 2030NA
Purnima Tithi Begins - 07:02 AM on Nov 09, 2030
Purnima Tithi Ends - 08:59 AM on Nov 10, 2030
Guru Nanak Jayanti - Friday, November 28, 2031NA
Purnima Tithi Begins - 03:52 AM on Nov 28, 2031
Purnima Tithi Ends - 04:47 AM on Nov 29, 2031
Guru Nanak Jayanti - Wednesday, November 17, 2032NA
Purnima Tithi Begins - 02:02 PM on Nov 16, 2032
Purnima Tithi Ends - 12:11 PM on Nov 17, 2032
All About the Guru Nanak Jayanti Festival
The Guru Nanak Jayanti dates and time vary each year as they are determined according to the lunar calendar. The month of Kartik, as per the Hindu Panchang, is deemed to be extremely auspicious. It is in this month that the festival of Diwali also occurs and the celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji‘s birthday happen 15 days after it on Kartik Purnima. This year will mark the 555th birth anniversary of the first guru of the Sikhs.
Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings have guided the Sikh community, and his lessons are recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib, offering direction to his followers. The entire religion seeks guidance from this religious text and people take it as the eternal Guru that teaches everyone to believe in the idea of “One” creator. It teaches everyone to walk on the path of selflessness, humanity, service, and social justice. It is for these reasons that the legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is celebrated with fervor, honoring his achievements and teachings on this day.
Rituals associated with Guru Nanak Jayanti Festival
This day is a reminder of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his gift of wisdom to the world. As a result, devotees perform many rituals to commemorate all that he stood for. Here are the prominent rituals of this day-
Two days ahead of the festival, every Gurudwara organizes an Akanth Path of the Guru Granth Sahib. This is a non-stop recitation of the holy book of the Sikhs.
A day prior to the actual festival, Nagarkirtan is organized. Followers of Sikhism make a promise to live their life by the teachings of the first among the ten Sikh gurus. They take an oath to overcome the five evils of anger, lust, greed, pride, and attachment.
On the day of the Nagarkirtan, the Panj Piyares, or the five beloved, carry the Guru Granth Sahib on a palanquin while also carrying the Sikh flag around the neighborhood.
Prabhat Pheris, which are processions taken to the Gurudwaras as well as around the neighborhood, initiate the day’s activities as it starts early in the morning of Kartik Purnima. Devotional songs and hymns are sung during this activity, starting the day on a religious note.
On the day of the festival, devotees remind themselves of the three principles that guide the followers of Sikhism through the journey of their lives. These principles are-
Naam Japna: Remembering the Creator at all times.
Kirtan Karna: Always volunteering to offer service selflessly.
Vand Chhakana: Willing to share all that you have with everyone.
‘Asar ki Vaar’ are morning hymns that are sung with gusto on this day, beginning early in the morning or Amrit Vela. Kirtans and kathas are recited infront of all on this occasion. This is a way to honor Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s legacy and make people aware of his teachings.
Langars are organized in Gurudwaras to encourage the values that bring a community together. Food is offered to each and every individual regardless of their caste, religion, or creed, and the value of being selfless is taught through actions and not just mere words.
Facts About Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Let us now take you through some facts about the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji-
The spiritual leader of the Sikhs made a massive impact everywhere he went. In his travels across Asia, Mecca- Medina to Burma and Ceylon, he spread the message of love, bringing people together.
He advocated for the cause of women’s equality at a time when the women of the country enjoyed very few rights. He is famous for putting forth the idea that, “From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman, he is engaged and married. Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come.”
Due to his travels, he is known by different names in different parts of the world.
In Nepal, he is known as Nanak Rishi.
In Afghanistan, he is known as Nanak Peer.
In Iraq, he is known as Baba Nanak.
He is famous as Nanak Lama in Tibet.
In Sri Lanka, he is known as Nanak Chraya.
The idea of organizing langar or communal kitchen where food will be served to one and all regardless of their religion, social status, or gender was started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji around 500 years ago.
Legend Associated with Guru Nanak Jayanti
A popular story about Guru Nanak Dev Ji narrates how he refused to wear the sacred thread worn by Hindu boys of the upper class. He was aversed to the idea of distinguishing himself from others, saying that one should be distinguished on the basis of his deeds and not some symbolic thread. This was the train of thought of a little boy, aged 11 years. This boy was indeed special and grew up to look for the true meaning behind life and God. He left his home and family in search of the ultimate truth. He began his journey by crusading against intolerance, discrimination, meaningless rituals, and fanaticism. He propounded the idea of there being one God and the fact that every man and woman were born equal in the eyes of this creator. It is on this simple idea that the tenets of Sikhism are based.
His teachings echo the powerful message of being one with humanity and nature, teaching us to shed all our differences and rejoice in the gift of life bestowed upon all of us!
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