Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026
Gurpurab · Kartik Purnima · 2026
Significance
Gurpurab marking the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469) on Kartik Purnima — the most widely celebrated Gurpurab worldwide.
Gurpurabs are the sacred days in the Sikh calendar that commemorate events in the lives of the Ten Gurus. Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurpurab, celebrated on Kartik Purnima, is the most widely observed Gurpurab worldwide — drawing millions to Gurdwaras in India, UK, Canada, USA, Singapore, and beyond. The Sikh calendar (Nanakshahi) places this observance on the full moon of the lunar month Kartik, which in 2026 falls on Sunday, 1 November 2026.
The 29.5-day synodic cycle arises because the Moon must "catch up" with the Sun as Earth advances along its own orbit. On Purnima night, the Moon rises near sunset and sets near sunrise — it is visible above the horizon all night. The IST peak time listed is the astronomically exact moment of 180° solar-lunar elongation as measured from Earth's geometric centre.
How to Celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti
Two days before Gurpurab, Akhand Path (continuous 48-hour reading of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) begins at the local Gurdwara. On Gurpurab morning, join the Prabhat Pheri (pre-dawn procession) with kirtan and lanterns. Attend Amrit Vela kirtan from 3–6 AM. Participate in langar — the Guru's free community kitchen serving all, regardless of caste, creed, or status. Evening: Nagar Kirtan procession with the Panj Piaras leads the sangat through the streets. Donate to the Gurdwara's langar fund and volunteer for seva (selfless service).