Sikhs around the world are preparing to celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti, one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism, which is observed this year on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.
The festival, also known as Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav, commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. The date varies annually as it is based on the lunar Nanakshahi calendar, falling on the full moon day of the month of Kartik.
Festivities begin two days prior with an Akhand Path, a 48-hour, non-stop reading of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. The day before the main event, a Nagarkirtan (holy procession) is organized, led by the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones, an ad hoc quintet of baptized Khalsa Sikhs who serve as spiritual leaders for the wider Sikh community) carrying the Sikh flag.
On Guru Nanak Jayanti itself, celebrations start before dawn with morning hymns. At Gurdwaras (Sikh temples), a special community lunch called Langar is served. This free vegetarian meal is open to everyone, regardless of faith or background, symbolizing the core Sikh principles of selfless service and equality.
