Celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti – A Festival of Unity, Service & Enlightenment

 

Every year, millions of people across India and the world observe Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji – the founder of the Sikh faith. 

In today’s post, we’ll explore deeper meaning, date, celebrations, and how you can embrace the spirit of this festival. 

When is Guru Nanak Jayanti? (Date & Time)

The festival falls on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day in the lunar month of Kartik), which usually comes in October or November. 
For example, in 2025 the date is Wednesday, November 5 – marking the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Why is Guru Nanak Jayanti Important?

Spiritual significance

Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught that there is one God, and every human being is equal irrespective of religion, caste or gender. 
His message of “Ik Onkar” (there is only one God) underpins the Sikh scripture and tradition. 

Social relevance

• Equality: He challenged the social norms of his time, advocating that no man is superior due to birth. 

• Service (Seva): The concept of langar (free communal meal) and helping others is central. 

• Unity & Harmony: His teachings bridge divides of faith and community. 

How is the Festival Celebrated?

Common rituals & traditions

• Prabhat Pheri: Early-morning devotional processions through streets singing hymns. 

• Nagar Kirtan: Grand processions led by Panj Pyaras, with music, chanting and community involvement. 

• Akhand Path: Continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy scripture) for 48 hours in Gurdwaras. 

• Langar: Free meal served to all visitors at Gurdwaras symbolizing equality and service. 

• Night Lights & Hymns: Gurdwaras illuminated, special prayers held at dawn and dusk. 

Practical ways you can participate

• Visit a local Gurdwara for kirtan and langar

• Organise or volunteer for a community meal or seva activity

• Share Guru Nanak’s message on social media or in your neighbourhood

• Teach children about equality and service through his life story

Life Lessons from Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Apply Everyday

• Live with honesty and integrity: He emphasised truthful living over ritual. 

• Serve others selflessly: The langar is not just a meal — it’s a message of service.

• See God in everyone: His teachings break down barriers of caste, creed and gender.

• Work with dignity: The principle of Kirat Karo (earn your livelihood with honesty) remains relevant. 

Why Every Indian Should Know About Gurpurab

• Promotes social harmony across communities

• Reinforces values of equality, service and respect — extremely relevant in today’s world

• Great opportunity for family bonding and community involvement

• For the education and real-estate sectors (or your platforms like TyTil), it’s a chance to create themed content around values, community service, and cultural literacy

Conclusion

As the lights glow in Gurdwaras and the sound of hymns fills the air this Guru Nanak Jayanti, let’s remember that the festival is not just about celebration — it’s about action. It’s about living the values of equality, service and unity that Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught.
So whether you mark the day by visiting a Gurdwara, serving a meal, or simply reflecting with your family — you take part in his legacy.