Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026: Date, Purnima Timing & Celebrations

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026, also called Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav, falls on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. It marks the 557th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru, who was born in 1469. The day is a gazetted holiday in central government offices, and it coincides with Kartik Purnima, the full moon that also brings Dev Deepawali in Varanasi and the closing day of the Pushkar fair. Below: the Purnima timing, how the celebrations unfold, where the biggest gatherings happen and gurdwara etiquette for first-time visitors.

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Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 date and Purnima timing

Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed on the full moon (Purnima) of the lunar month of Kartik. According to Drik Panchang, the Purnima tithi in 2026 runs as follows (New Delhi timings):

Purnima begins: 11:42 PM on Monday, 23 November 2026
Purnima ends: 8:23 PM on Tuesday, 24 November 2026
Gurpurab observed: Tuesday, 24 November 2026

Incredible India, the Ministry of Tourism’s portal, lists the same date. Guru Nanak’s Birthday also appears on 24 November in the list of gazetted holidays for 2026, so central government offices will be closed; bank closures depend on the state. Because the date follows the lunar calendar, it moves each year; in 2027 Gurpurab is expected on Sunday, 14 November.

Why the same full moon matters to so many

Kartik Purnima is one of the busiest days in the Indian festival year. On 24 November 2026 Sikh devotees will mark Gurpurab while Varanasi lights its ghats for Dev Deepawali on the same evening. If you are planning a trip around this week, our India festival calendar for 2026-27 helps you see what else falls nearby.

Who was Guru Nanak Dev?

Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469 at Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib in present-day Pakistan, and died in 1539. He was the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, and his hymns form a large part of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture. Incredible India notes that he set out on his spiritual journeys at the age of 28. Through those travels he spread the message that there is one God, formless and accessible to everyone, regardless of caste, creed or gender.

The three core teachings

Sikh tradition sums up Guru Nanak’s message in three principles that shape everyday life:

Naam Japna: remembering and meditating on the name of God.
Kirat Karni: earning a living honestly through one’s own work.
Vand Chakna: sharing what you have with others, especially those in need.

The community kitchen, or langar, where everyone sits together on the floor and eats the same meal, is the most visible expression of these ideas. On Gurpurab, langar halls stay busy from morning to night.

How Gurpurab is celebrated

In most gurdwaras the observances build up over two to three days.

Akhand Path: the 48-hour reading

Gurdwaras hold an Akhand Path, a continuous 48-hour reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib, usually timed to conclude on the festival morning. Readers take turns so the recitation never stops.

Nagar Kirtan processions

Cities and towns hold Nagar Kirtan processions, usually led by the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones) carrying the Nishan Sahib, the triangular Sikh flag. The Guru Granth Sahib is carried on a decorated palanquin, with hymn singing along the route and volunteers handing out water and snacks.

The festival day

On the day itself, celebrations begin before dawn with Asa di Var (morning hymns), followed by kirtan, katha (talks on the Guru’s life) and ardas (prayer). Langar runs through the day. In many gurdwaras the programme continues late into the night: Incredible India notes that Guru Nanak is traditionally believed to have been born at about 1:20 AM, so congregations sing Gurbani around that hour and the celebrations wind down around 2 AM.

Where to experience Guru Nanak Jayanti

Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar: the complex is illuminated, and the sight of the gold-plated shrine reflected in the sarovar is one of the most memorable images of the festival.
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi: easy to reach by metro and known for its large langar and serene sarovar.
Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Bihar, and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded: two of the five Takhts, both of which hold large celebrations.

Winter is also a good time to see Punjab more broadly. Our winter travel guide for 2026-27 covers when to book trains and hotels before the holiday rush pushes prices up.

Visiting a gurdwara on Gurpurab: etiquette

Gurdwaras welcome visitors of every faith. A few simple customs will help you feel at ease:

Cover your head. Men and women both cover their heads; most gurdwaras provide scarves at the entrance.
Remove your shoes and wash your hands and feet at the entrance. Shoe deposit counters are free and staffed by volunteers.
No tobacco or alcohol on the premises, and avoid carrying them in.
Sit on the floor in the prayer hall and in the langar hall, and accept karah prasad with cupped hands.
Offer seva. Washing dishes, serving food or helping in the kitchen is welcomed; just ask a volunteer.

Food of the day

The langar menu is simple and vegetarian, designed to be shared by everyone. Incredible India lists kali dal, kadha prashad, meethe chawal (sweet rice), chana dal khichdi, and saag with makki ki roti among the dishes associated with the festival.

Planning tips for 24 November

Travel early. It is a Tuesday, so some people will take Monday off and make a four-day weekend. Book trains to Amritsar, Patna and Nanded well in advance.
Check processions. Nagar Kirtan routes can bring traffic diversions; watch for local police advisories.
Bank holidays vary. The central list marks it as a gazetted holiday, but bank closures follow state-wise RBI notifications, so check your state before planning payments.
Expect wedding-season crowds. Gurpurab comes four days after Dev Uthani Ekadashi on 20 November, which restarts the wedding season, so hotels will be busier than usual.

Frequently asked questions

When is Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2026?

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 is on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. Purnima begins at 11:42 PM on 23 November and ends at 8:23 PM on 24 November (New Delhi).

Which birth anniversary of Guru Nanak is celebrated in 2026?

It is the 557th birth anniversary, since Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469.

Is Guru Nanak Jayanti a public holiday?

Yes. Guru Nanak’s Birthday is on the central government’s list of gazetted holidays for 2026. Bank holidays depend on the state.

What is the difference between Gurpurab and Guru Nanak Jayanti?

Gurpurab is the general term for festivals linked to the lives of the Sikh Gurus. Guru Nanak Jayanti, also called Prakash Utsav, is the most widely celebrated Gurpurab.