Author: BhaktiParv.com
Introduction
Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the most sacred festivals for Sikhs across the world. It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first among the ten Sikh Gurus. Every year, this festival is celebrated with immense devotion, unity, and service.
In 2025, devotees will once again come together to honour Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s divine wisdom and teachings that continue to inspire humanity even after five centuries.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 Date and Tithi
In 2025, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, this auspicious day falls on the full-moon day (Kartik Purnima) in the month of Kartik.
The date of this celebration changes every year because it follows the lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar.
Who Was Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 CE at Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. From a very young age, he displayed deep spiritual understanding and compassion. He questioned social injustice, inequality, and meaningless rituals that divided people.
Guru Nanak’s teachings focused on oneness of God, equality among all humans, and service to humanity. His simple yet profound message — “Ik Onkar,” meaning “There is One God” — became the foundation of Sikhism.
Core Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
- Naam Japna – Remember and meditate on God’s name.
- Kirat Karo – Earn an honest living through hard work.
- Vand Chhakna – Share your earnings and blessings with others.
These three pillars of Sikhism encourage selfless living, community harmony, and devotion to God.
Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti
Guru Nanak Jayanti is not just a birth celebration — it’s a spiritual reminder to live by the values that Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught.
The day represents:
- Equality and Oneness: All humans are equal, regardless of caste, religion, or gender.
- Selfless Service (Seva): Helping others without expecting anything in return.
- Divine Light: Dispelling darkness through faith, truth, and compassion.
Devotees observe this day to reaffirm these principles and to spread peace and unity within their communities.
How Guru Nanak Jayanti Is Celebrated
1. Akhand Path (Continuous Reading)
The celebration begins two days before the main festival with the Akhand Path — a 48-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhs.
2. Nagar Kirtan (Religious Procession)
A day before the festival, a grand procession known as Nagar Kirtan is carried out. Devotees sing devotional hymns while carrying a beautifully decorated Palki Sahib with the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikh martial artists also perform Gatka, a traditional form of martial art, symbolising courage and discipline.
3. Kirtan and Prayers
On the main day, devotees gather in Gurudwaras early in the morning for Shabad Kirtan (spiritual hymns) and discourses about Guru Nanak’s life and teachings. The air fills with devotion, peace, and the sound of prayers.
4. Langar (Community Kitchen)
Perhaps the most heart-touching part of the celebration is the Langar — a free community meal open to everyone, irrespective of religion, caste, or background. This tradition beautifully represents Guru Nanak’s teaching of equality and togetherness.
5. Lighting and Decorations
On the night of Kartik Purnima, Gurudwaras and homes are decorated with lamps, diyas, and candles. The glowing lights signify enlightenment and hope — the same light Guru Nanak Dev Ji brought into the world.
The Spiritual Message of Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 offers us an opportunity to reflect upon the deeper meaning of his message:
“Before becoming a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, or Christian, become a Human first.”
In today’s fast-moving world, this message is more relevant than ever. Guru Nanak’s teachings urge us to live with compassion, humility, and unity — to look beyond religion, status, and boundaries, and to see divinity in every being.
How to Celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti at Home
Even if you are unable to visit a Gurudwara, you can still celebrate this sacred day with devotion:
- Wake up early and start your day with prayers or meditation.
- Read or listen to the Japji Sahib or other teachings from the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Light a diya or candle to symbolise divine light.
- Prepare food at home and share it with neighbours or those in need.
- Reflect on how you can incorporate Guru Nanak’s principles in your daily life — truthfulness, humility, and compassion.
Why the Date Matters in 2025
The 2025 celebration coincides with Kartik Purnima, a day that holds great significance in both Sikh and Hindu traditions. This alignment makes the 2025 Gurpurab even more spiritually powerful, symbolising complete illumination and the victory of truth over ignorance.
Global Celebrations
Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated not only in India but across the world — in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Malaysia, where Sikh communities host processions, kirtans, and charitable events.
From Amritsar’s Golden Temple to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, millions of devotees gather to pay their respects. These celebrations highlight Guru Nanak’s global message of peace, love, and humanity.
Final Thoughts
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 is a reminder that spiritual growth begins with kindness and humility. As we light diyas and serve langar this year, let’s also ignite compassion in our hearts and share joy with others.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught that true devotion lies not in rituals, but in righteous actions and pure intentions. By living his teachings, we make this world a better place — one filled with light, equality, and harmony.
Let’s celebrate this Gurpurab 2025 with devotion, gratitude, and a promise to walk on the path of truth and service.
FAQs
1.When is Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2025?
In 2025, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on November 5 (Wednesday). The day marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
2.What is the significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrates the divine birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who spread the message of “Ek Onkar” — the oneness of God. It reminds us to live a life of truth, equality, compassion, and selfless service.
3.How is Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated?
Devotees celebrate the day with Akhand Path (continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib), Nagar Kirtan (religious procession), and Langar (community meal) in Gurdwaras. Early morning prayers and hymn singing mark the day with devotion and joy.
4.What was Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s main message?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught three core principles:
Naam Japo (Meditate on God’s name)
Kirat Karo (Earn an honest living)
Vand Chhako (Share what you have with others)
5.What is the spiritual message of Guru Nanak Jayanti?
The festival reminds us that true worship lies not just in rituals but in humanity, truth, and kindness. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings inspire us to build a world based on love, unity, and equality.
Category: Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 | Guru Nanak Dev Ji | Sikh Festivals
