Gurpurab (Punjabi: ਗੁਰਪੁਰਬ) is a term in Sikh tradition denoting the celebration of an anniversary related to a Sikh Guru (birth, death, or guruship day).
Guru Nanak Jayanti (also called Gurpurab / Prakash Utsav) commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Gurus.
It is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar, marked by devotion, communal harmony, and remembrance of the Guru’s teachings.
2. Date & Meaning of Guru Nanak Birthday 2025
| Year | Gregorian Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 November | Wednesday | Kartik Purnima falls 4 Nov night → 5 Nov. Time and Date+5Drik Panchang+5Calendar Labs+5 |
According to the Sikh and Hindu lunar calendar, Guru Nanak Jayanti occurs on Kartik Purnima (full moon of Kartik month).
In 2025, the Purnima tithi starts at 10:36 PM on 4 November and ends at 6:48 PM on 5 November (local timing)
Thus, the main Gurpurab day is celebrated on 5 November 2025.
It is a gazetted public holiday in many Indian states including Punjab and Chandigarh.
Meaning:
“Prakash Utsav” (festival of light) denotes the “illumination” of the world by Guru Nanak’s teachings. His birth is seen as a spiritual dawn.
3. Gurpurab Chart / Sikh Calendar for 2025
Here’s a snapshot of major Gurpurab dates in 2025 (relevant for followers & event planners). Based on Sikh / Nanakshahi / regional calendars.
| Gurpurab / Festival | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guru Nanak Dev Ji Birthday (Gurpurab) | 5 Nov 2025 | Wed | Main birthday celebration |
| Jyoti Jot Guru Nanak Dev Ji | 16 Sep 2025 | Tue | Anniversary of Guru Nanak’s passing (according to some calendars) |
| (Other Gurpurabs) | — | — | (Other Gurpurabs in 2025 listed in Sikh holiday charts) |
(If needed, you can expand this by adding birthdays / martyrdom anniversaries of other Gurus.)
4. How Gurpurab is Celebrated: Traditions & Rituals
The celebration is rich with spiritual practices rooted in Sikh tradition.
Prabhat Pheris & Nagar Kirtan
Prabhat Pheris are early morning processions (pre-dawn), where devotees walk around localities singing Gurbani hymns (morning hymns) starting from Gurdwaras.
A Nagar Kirtan (street procession) is often held a day prior or on the day itself. It is led typically by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones), carrying the Nishan Sahib (flag) and Palki Sahib (palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib.
The procession travels through main roads; participants sing shabads (hymns), there may be Gatka martial displays, banners, and decorated streets.
Akhand Path & Paath
Akhand Path is a continuous, non-stop reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib which typically lasts about 48 hours. It begins prior to the Gurpurab and ends just before or during the main day.
Paath (scriptural recitations) include Japji Sahib, Sidh-Ghosht, Asa di Var, other hymns and kirtan throughout the day.
Kirtan, Katha, Ardas
Kirtan (devotional singing) is central — shabads from Guru Granth Sahib are sung repeatedly in congregations.
Katha (exposition / discourse) explains the life, teachings, and messages of Guru Nanak.
Ardas (prayer) is performed multiple times, especially before and after major recitations.
Langar & Community Service
Langar (free community meal) is served at Gurdwaras, open to all — regardless of religion, caste, or community.
Volunteers (sevadars) cook, serve, and clean as an act of selfless service (seva).
On Gurpurab, langar continues for extended hours to accommodate large crowds.
Night / Early Morning Observances
On the night prior or the main day, Rehras Sahib (evening prayer) is recited, followed by more kirtan.
At the actual time of Guru Nanak’s birth (often believed around 1:20 AM), special hymns and prayers are observed.
Celebrations often extend till 2 AM or early morning in many Gurdwaras.
5. Gurpurab 2025 in Chandigarh / Tricity
In Chandigarh and nearby areas (Mohali, Panchkula), Gurpurab is celebrated with great fervor. While specific timings vary by Gurdwara, below is a typical structure and notable practices.
Major Gurdwaras & Nagar Kirtan Routes
Key gurdwaras in Chandigarh often host Nagar Kirtans that pass through major sectors. Social media posts show processions from Sector 19D to Sector 15, etc.
In recent years, Omaxe New Chandigarh has hosted public gurpurab programs including Nagar Kirtan, Kirtan and Paath
Gurdwaras in sectors such as 8, 17, 22, etc., may also be important local hubs.
Typical Timings & Schedule (Example)
(These are approximate, to guide devotees. Exact times will depend on each Gurdwara’s announcements.)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| ~4:00 AM | Prabhat Pheris begin from local Gurdwaras |
| 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM | Morning prayers, Asa di Var, Kirtan |
| 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Akhand Path readings / Paath continues |
| 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Katha, discourse, Ardas |
| 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Langar served to devotees |
| 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Continued Kirtan, visits, community seva |
| Evening (5:00 PM onwards) | Rehras Sahib, evening prayer, more Kirtan |
| Late night / Midnight | Special hymns at birth time (~1:20 AM), concluding ceremonies |
Note: In many Gurdwaras, the Akhand Path stretches over 48 hours — starting a day before and ending after the principal day.
Community announcements or Gurdwara websites usually publish precise schedules closer to the date.
6. What to Do on Gurpurab: Devotional Guide
If you intend to observe Gurpurab in 2025, here’s a suggested, meaningful guide:
Attend Prabhat Pheris early morning — participate in hymn singing.
Visit your local Gurdwara for Akhand Path sessions — join the reading or listen.
Participate in Kirtan / Katha — listen to the teachings, offer prayers.
Join Nagar Kirtan (if happening in your area) — walk in the procession respectfully.
Serve in Langar / Seva — offer help cooking/serving/cleaning.
Meditation & Self-reflection — read / reflect on Guru Nanak’s teachings (equality, seva, naam).
Give Gurpurab Wishes / Gratitude to family, friends, and community.
Share & Teach — with younger family members or friends, explain the significance, maybe even host a short reading at home.
7. Gurpurab Wishes & Messages
Here are sample wishes you can share via social media, WhatsApp, or greeting cards:
“Wishing you and your family a blessed Gurpurab 2025. May Guru Nanak’s teachings light your path, always.”
“May the divine light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji guide your life toward peace and harmony. Happy Gurpurab!”
“On this auspicious Gurpurab, may you be blessed with love, health, and spiritual strength.”
“Let’s celebrate unity, compassion, and seva. Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025.”
“May Waheguru’s blessings be with you today and always. Happy Gurpurab.”
You may also share short quotes / shabads (in Punjabi / Gurmukhi) followed by English translation for deeper resonance.
8. FAQs
Q1. Why does the date of Gurpurab change every year?
Because it’s based on the lunar / Indian traditional calendar (Kartik Purnima), not fixed to Gregorian dates.
Q2. When does Akhand Path begin and end?
Usually 48 hours before the main Gurpurab day, and it concludes just before or on the day itself.
Q3. What exactly is Nagar Kirtan?
A devotional street procession featuring the Guru Granth Sahib, hymns, community singing, martial arts (Gatka), and Panj Pyaras leading it.
Q4. Is Gurpurab a holiday in Chandigarh / Punjab?
Yes — Guru Nanak Jayanti is a gazetted public holiday in Indian states including Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, etc.
Q5. How to observe Gurpurab at home if unable to visit Gurdwara?
You may:
Recite / listen to Kirtan and Paath at home
Read / reflect on Guru Nanak’s hymns
Join online streaming of services from major Gurdwaras
Prepare or share langar-style home meal with family/neighbors
Share Gurpurab wishes, quotes, and teachings
