Every year, millions across the world come together to celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab or Prakash Parv. In 2025, this sacred festival will once again light up hearts and homes on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, falling in November. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder and first Guru of Sikhism, whose life and message transformed the spiritual and social landscape of India. 

Born in 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan), Guru Nanak’s early life was marked by deep reflection and questioning. He challenged ritualism, caste discrimination, and blind faith, offering instead a simple yet profound truth: “Ik Onkar”—there is but one God, and He resides in all beings. His teachings were not confined to religion; they were a way of life. They taught humanity to rise above ego, live with honesty, share selflessly, and remember God in every action. Today, over 550 years later, these values shine brighter than ever.

Why Guru Nanak Jayanti Matters Today

In a world where noise often drowns wisdom, Guru Nanak’s voice feels like calm water—soothing, clear, and full of purpose. His timeless message of equality, compassion, and service transcends all religions, reminding us that peace begins with kindness and understanding. He urged humanity to live by three simple yet powerful principles: Kirat Karni to earn honestly and work with integrity; Vand Chakko—to share selflessly and help those in need; and Naam Japna to stay spiritually connected through gratitude and mindfulness. These are not just ancient teachings but living blueprints for a balanced life, especially in today’s age marked by greed, loneliness, and division. Guru Nanak’s wisdom teaches us to find harmony between material success and spiritual awareness, reminding the world that humanity is one family, that differences of faith, gender, or status are mere illusions, and that true greatness lies not in power or wealth, but in humility, love, and service to others.

The Spirit of the Celebration

The days leading up to Guru Nanak Jayanti fill towns and villages with devotion, music, and community warmth. From the Golden Temple in Amritsar to small Gurdwaras in every corner of India, the air vibrates with the sound of kirtan (devotional songs) and the fragrance of unity.

Akhand Path: A Continuous Prayer of Peace

The celebration begins two days before the festival with an Akhand Path, a 48-hour uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhs. Each verse recited carries timeless wisdom, creating an atmosphere of spiritual energy and reflection. The continuous recitation symbolizes that divine truth has no beginning or end; it flows endlessly like light.

Nagar Kirtan: Faith in Motion

A day before the festival, streets bloom with colors during the Nagar Kirtan, a grand procession led by the Panj Pyare(Five Beloved Ones). Devotees sing hymns, perform Gatka (Sikh martial arts), and carry the sacred Guru Granth Sahib in a beautifully decorated palanquin.

The sight is mesmerizing not just for its devotion but for what it represents: courage, unity, and equality. It reminds everyone that faith is not confined to temples; it walks through streets, touches hearts, and serves humanity.

Langar: A Feast of Equality

Perhaps the most moving aspect of Guru Nanak Jayanti is the Langar, the community kitchen where everyone—rich or poor, young or old, believer or non-believer—sits together and shares a simple vegetarian meal.

In a world still divided by privilege, this tradition stands as a quiet revolution of love and equality. Every plate served, every smile exchanged, reflects Guru Nanak’s message: No one is higher or lower in the eyes of God.

Guru Nanak’s Message in Today’s World

 Guru Nanak’s teachings feel more relevant than ever. In a world divided by religion, politics, and prejudice, he reminds us to “Recognize the Lord’s light within all, and never say anyone is lesser.” In an age driven by materialism and the endless pursuit of success, his gentle wisdom echoes.  And in a time when stress and burnout have become universal experiences, if we pause and truly listen, we realize that Guru Nanak’s words are not distant echoes from the past but a clear mirror for our times, reflecting the values we’ve forgotten and the peace we continue to seek. 

Many schools celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti with morning assemblies, storytelling, and activities that bring children closer to his values. Students participate in Shabad singing, essay writing, and community service inspired by Langar Seva. These experiences plant the seeds of empathy and unity in young hearts, showing that spirituality is not about rituals but about how we treat one another. When a child learns to share, help, and speak the truth, they carry Guru Nanak’s legacy forward.

A Living Light

As the sun sets on Guru Nanak Jayanti, Gurdwaras and homes glow with lamps, diyas, and prayers. The Golden Temple reflects in the sacred waters, symbolizing the light of truth that never fades. Families come together, hearts open wider, and peace feels closer. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message is simple yet transformative: live truthfully, serve selflessly, and see God in all. 

In a time where humanity searches for meaning, his words invite us to find divinity not in the heavens, but in the act of kindness, the voice of truth, and the heart of compassion. In remembering Guru Nanak Dev Ji, we are reminded that faith is not about religion; it’s about realizing our shared humanity. And that, perhaps, is the most sacred lesson of all.