Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025: Commemorating the Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

IN NEWS – Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025: Commemorating the Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Analysis

• Festival Overview:
  Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav, marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
• Date and Timing (2025):
  The festival will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, coinciding with the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik(October–November).
  • According to Drik Panchang,
    • Purnima begins: 10:36 PM, November 4, 2025
    • Purnima ends: 6:48 PM, November 5, 2025
• Historical Background:
  • Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi (present-day Nankana Sahib, near Lahore, Pakistan*).
  • The 2025 celebration marks his 556th birth anniversary.
• Spiritual Significance:
  • Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasized core teachings such as honesty, equality, selfless service, and devotion to one God.
  • His message of unity and compassion laid the foundation of Sikh philosophy and community life.
• Rituals and Celebrations:
  • The celebrations begin two days prior with Akhand Path — a 48-hour continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib.
  • A Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) is organized one day before Gurpurab, led by the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones).
  • On the main day:
    • Prabhat Pheris (early morning hymn processions) are held.
    • Langar (community meal) is served in Gurudwaras, emphasizing seva (service) and sarbat da bhala (well-being of all).

Static / Background Information

• About Guru Nanak Dev Ji:
  • Born: 1469 | Died: 1539
  • Teachings compiled in Guru Granth Sahib.
  • Advocated the principles of Naam Japna (meditation on God’s name), Kirat Karni (honest living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others).
• Important Sites:
  • Nankana Sahib (Pakistan) – birthplace
  • Kartarpur Sahib (Pakistan) – site of his final years and teachings
• Relevance to Sikhism:
  • Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary is one of the most sacred Sikh festivals, symbolizing the essence of Sikh faith and communal harmony.

Updated – 01 November 2025 ; 10:58 AM | The Indian Express