Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurpurab in 2026 falls on Tuesday, 24 November. It is the Prakash Purab, the day Sikhs celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, and one of the most important days of the Sikh year.
When is Gurpurab in 2026?
The Gurpurab is celebrated on Kartik Puranmashi, the full moon of the month of Kartik, so its date changes every year. In 2026 that is Tuesday, 24 November, as listed in the calendar released by Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the SGPC for Nanakshahi Samvat 558.
Gurdwaras in Punjab and around the world celebrate on this date. Outside India, many Gurdwaras hold their Nagar Kirtan and main programme on the nearest weekend, so check with your local Gurdwara. See every Gurpurab, Sangrand and Puranmashi date in our Sikh calendar for 2026–27.
What does Gurpurab mean?
"Gurpurab" joins Gur (Guru) and purab(a holy day or celebration). A Gurpurab marks an event in the life of one of the Gurus. A Prakash Purab celebrates a Guru's birth, the light (prakash) they brought into the world.
Who was Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. He travelled for many years on long journeys known as the Udasis, sharing a message of one Creator (Ik Onkar), equality, and honest living. He later settled at Kartarpur, where the Sangat lived, worked and ate together.
His teaching is often summed up in three principles:
- Naam Japna: remembering Waheguru, through Simran and Gurbani.
- Kirat Karni: earning an honest living.
- Vand Chakna: sharing with others, especially those in need.
His Bani, including Japji Sahib, is part of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and is read by Sikhs every day.
How Gurdwaras celebrate
- Prabhat Pheris: in the days before, the Sangat walks through the neighbourhood in the early morning singing Shabads.
- Akhand Path: an unbroken reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, about 48 hours, timed to finish on the day of the Gurpurab.
- Nagar Kirtan: a procession led by the Panj Pyare, with Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Kirtan and Gatka, usually a day or two before.
- Kirtan, Katha and Langar through the day, and Gurdwaras lit up at night.
How to mark the day at home or abroad
- Start the day at Amrit Vela and read or listen to Japji Sahib.
- Visit your local Gurdwara, or join its Nagar Kirtan.
- Do seva, in the Langar or for someone who needs help.
- Read today's Hukamnama from Sri Harmandir Sahib and reflect on one line through the day.
- Share Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message of equality with family and friends.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gurpurab the same as Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Yes. Guru Nanak Jayanti, Guru Nanak Gurpurab and Prakash Purab all refer to the celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birth.
Why does the date change every year?
It follows the full moon of Kartik in the lunar calendar, which falls on a different date in October or November each year.
