Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024: When is Gurpurab? Know date, timing, history, holiday, and more

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 date & timings: Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, or Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav is one of the most significant festivals in Sikhism and is just around the corner. The auspicious day marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first of the ten Sikh Gurus and the founder of Sikhism. This sacred occasion celebrates Guru Nanak’s teachings of love, peace, equality and selfless service which continue to inspire millions worldwide.

When is Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024?

In 2024, Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on Friday, November 15. The festival observed on the day of Kartik Poornima according to the Hindu lunar calendar, will commemorate Guru Nanak’s 555th birth anniversary. According to the Drik Panchang, Purnima Tithi will begin at 6:19 AM on November 15 and conclude at 2:58 AM on November 16.

Guru Nanak Jayanti History

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469 in Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib, in present-day Pakistan. His parents, Kaluram Mehta ji Khatri, also known as Kaluran Chand Das Bedi and Mata Tripta Devi, raised him with values that shaped his belief in equality, compassion, and truth. Although some sources suggest he was born on April 15, Sikhs celebrate his birth on Kartik Purnima as it’s considered an auspicious day. Guru Nanak Dev ji married Sulakhani Devi, the daughter of Chando Rani and Mul Chand (also called Mula) and had two children, Shri Chand ji and Lakhmi Chand ji.

Guru Nanak Ji became known as a profound spiritual leader in the 15th century. He travelled widely, sharing his message of "Ik Onkar" (One God) and advocating for a society free of discrimination based on religion, caste, or gender. His teachings are preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, which contains 974 hymns or Shlokas. He encouraged people to see the divine in all beings and always stood against social injustices.

How is Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebrated?

Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Guru Purab, is celebrated with immense devotion by Sikhs around the world. The day begins with early morning processions and prayers in Gurudwaras, where devotees gather to honour Guru Nanak’s teachings. Throughout the day, devotees engage in various religious activities, including:

• Path and Kirtan: Sikhs participate in Akhand Path, a 48-hour uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, followed by Nagar Kirtan processions.
• Langar Seva: Langar, a free community kitchen, is organised at Gurudwaras, where volunteers serve meals to all attendees regardless of religion, caste, or class. This practice of shared meals symbolises equality and selfless service.
• Prayers and Lighting of Lamps: People light earthen lamps, share teachings, and recite Gurbani, sacred hymns that praise God and reflect Guru Nanak’s divine messages.
• Many devotees also host prayers and ardas gatherings at home, where they set up a peaceful atmosphere with prayers and recitals to seek Guru Nanak’s blessings.

The Story of Langar: A Tradition of Service and Compassion

The tradition of Langar has its roots in Guru Nanak’s childhood. When he was just 12, his father, a trader, gave him money for a profitable business venture. Instead, Guru Nanak spent the money to feed hungry saints, demonstrating that true wealth lies in service. This act of kindness became known as “Sacha Sauda” (the true bargain), and Langar remains a cherished part of Sikh practices today.

On Guru Nanak Jayanti, Gurudwaras host Langar, where devotees are invited to share a meal in the spirit of unity and compassion.

Celebrations at Nankana Sahib

Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations are particularly grand at Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak’s birthplace in Pakistan. Thousands of devotees gather here each year for special events organised by local committees. Prayers, Kirtan, and Langar serve to create a spiritually uplifting environment, and devotees receive Karah Prasad as a blessing.

Guru Nanak Jayanti: A Global Festival

Beyond India, Guru Nanak Jayanti is widely celebrated across the globe, especially in countries with significant Sikh communities like the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Gurudwaras worldwide host prayers, Kirtans, and Langar to commemorate Guru Nanak’s teachings. These gatherings bring together people from various backgrounds to honour Guru Nanak’s vision of a harmonious world.

Is Guru Nanak Jayanti a Public Holiday?

Guru Nanak Jayanti is a public holiday in several Indian states, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. Schools, colleges, banks, and government offices remain closed, allowing people to participate in the celebrations and reflect on Guru Nanak's teachings.

Wishing You a Blessed Guru Nanak Jayanti

May Guru Nanak’s teachings guide you toward a path of love, peace, and compassion. On this holy occasion, let’s remember his timeless messages and work toward creating a world of unity and equality.

"Satnaam Shri Waheguru

Waheguru Ji da Khalsa Waheguru Ji di Fateh"

Guru Nanak Jayanti Dates in 2024 to 2028

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024: FAQs

Q: What is Guru Nanak Jayanti?

A: Guru Nanak Jayanti is a Sikh festival that celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Guru of Sikhism. It is one of the most important festivals in Sikhism and is celebrated by Sikhs all over the world.?

Q: When is Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated?

A: Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar. In 2024, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on Friday, November 15.

Q: What is the religious significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti?

A: Guru Nanak Jayanti is a time for Sikhs to reflect on the teachings of Guru Nanak and to renew their commitment to living a life of faith and compassion. Guru Nanak was a spiritual leader and reformer who taught the importance of equality, compassion, and service to others. He is considered to be the founder of Sikhism, which is a monotheistic religion that emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God.

Q: What is the cultural significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti?

A: Guru Nanak Jayanti is a time for Sikhs to come together as a community and celebrate their faith. Sikhs gather at gurdwaras, or Sikh temples, to pray, sing hymns, and listen to readings from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. They also participate in community service projects and donate to charity.

Q: Why is Guru Nanak Jayanti a public holiday in India?

A: Guru Nanak Jayanti is a public holiday in India because it is a significant festival for the Sikh community, which is a major minority in India. The Indian government recognizes the importance of this festival to the Sikh community and recognizes it as a public holiday to allow Sikhs to celebrate their faith.

Note: Dates and timings may change; the details provided are based on current information.