Archive · 4 Nov 2025
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025: Punjab Schools Closed, Other States to Observe Holiday Variably
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a special day for Sikhs, celebrating the birthday of their first leader, Guru Nanak.
It's also called Gurpurab.
This year, it falls on November 5.
Sikhs celebrate by remembering his kind words about peace and equality.
They decorate places called gurdwaras with lights and share free meals called langar.
In the Indian state of Punjab, schools will be closed for this holiday.
In other places, schools might have different rules about holidays.
The festival happens on the full moon day of a month called Kartik.
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab or Prakash Parv, is celebrated on November 5, 2025.
The day marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
Punjab state has declared a public holiday for all government and private schools on November 5.
There is no national holiday for Guru Nanak Jayanti across India; holiday status varies by state.
Celebrations include remembering Guru Nanak's teachings, decorating gurdwaras, and participating in community meals (langar).
- Who
- Sikh community and followers of Sikhism
- What
- Celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab or Prakash Parv), marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- When
- November 5, 2025, falling on Kartik Purnima.
- Where
- Celebrated globally, with specific school holidays announced in Punjab, India, and other observances possible in regions with significant Sikh populations.
- Why
- To commemorate the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, spread his message of peace, equality, and love, and observe his teachings.
- Guru Nanak Jayanti Date 2025
- November 5
- Significance
- Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikhism
- Celebrated As
- Gurpurab or Prakash Parv
- Punjab Holiday Status
- Public holiday in all government and private schools
- Other State Holiday Status
- No nationwide holiday; local observances may vary
- Origin of Celebration
- Full moon day of the Kartik month (Kartik Purnima) in the Nanakshahi calendar
