When the full moon of Kartik lights up the sky, something special happens. It is not just another night. It is a moment that fills hearts with peace, music, and gratitude. Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025, also called Guru Nanak Gurpurab or Prakash Parv, celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and one of the greatest spiritual teachers in history. His words still guide people toward kindness, truth, and unity. Across the world, gurdwaras glow with light, prayers echo through the night, and people come together to serve, sing, and remember the Guru’s message. It is a celebration that goes beyond rituals and connects deeply to the heart. Let us take a closer look at this beautiful day, its meaning, and how people celebrate it.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 Date and Timings

This sacred celebration coincides with Kartik Purnima, a full moon day that holds immense spiritual significance in the Hindu and Sikh calendars. Although the Purnima begins late on November 4, the Udaya Tithi falls on November 5, so the festival will be celebrated on that day.

Festival Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Purnima Begins: 10:36 pm on November 4, 2025

Purnima Ends: 6:48 pm on November 5, 2025

The soft glow of the full moon on this night symbolises divine illumination and the eternal presence of truth. The day also overlaps with Dev Diwali, creating a cosmic atmosphere of light, harmony, and devotion.

Who Was Guru Nanak Dev Ji?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. His birth marked the beginning of a spiritual movement that reshaped humanity’s understanding of faith. He rejected inequality, superstition, and blind rituals, teaching instead that true worship lies in selfless service, honest living, and remembering the divine in everyday life. His simple yet profound message that there is only one God and that truth and compassion are the highest forms of devotion remains the foundation of Sikhism. Guru Nanak’s words continue to echo through the Guru Granth Sahib, reminding people across faiths that peace begins within the heart.

The Meaning of Prakash Parv

The festival is also called Prakash Parv, which means the festival of light. On this day, devotees celebrate not just the Guru’s birth but the spreading of his spiritual light across the world. The idea is that when Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born, divine knowledge and hope illuminated humanity. The light that began on that full moon night continues to guide generations, encouraging people to live with humility and grace.

How Guru Nanak Jayanti is Celebrated

Across India and around the world, Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed with devotion, music, service, and shared meals that reflect the Guru’s message of equality.

Akhand Path: Continuous Prayer of Faith

The celebrations begin two days before the main event with an Akhand Path, a 48-hour uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs. The rhythmic recitation fills gurdwaras with peace and reverence.

Prabhat Pheris: Morning Processions of Devotion

Early each morning, devotees participate in Prabhat Pheris, processions where hymns are sung through the streets. These early morning gatherings fill the air with soulful music and devotion, awakening not just the city but the spirit of unity among people.

Nagar Kirtan: The Sacred Parade

One day before Guru Nanak Jayanti, a Nagar Kirtan (holy procession) is organised. The Guru Granth Sahib is carried on a beautifully decorated palanquin, accompanied by singing, dancing, and martial art displays known as Gatka. Streets overflow with colour, joy, and reverence as people chant hymns and share blessings.

Langar Seva: Feeding All Without Barriers

Perhaps the most beautiful part of the celebration is the Langar, the free community meal that embodies the spirit of equality. Regardless of religion, caste, or background, everyone sits together to share food prepared by volunteers. It is a living example of Guru Nanak’s teaching that service to humanity is service to God.

Spiritual Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Guru Nanak’s teachings were simple but transformative. His message transcends religion and time, focusing on inner purity and love. Here are some of his most profound spiritual insights:

• Ek Onkar (God is One): The divine exists in everyone, beyond divisions and forms.

• Naam Japo (Meditate on the Divine): Remember God through every thought and action.

• Kirat Karo (Live Honestly): Earn your living through truthful means and integrity.

• Vand Chakko (Share with Others): Share what you earn with those in need and practice generosity.

• Seva (Selfless Service): Serve others without expectation. True devotion lies in compassion and humility.

These timeless principles are not just for Sikhs but for anyone seeking peace, purpose, and connection in life.

The Joy of Community and Unity

Guru Nanak Jayanti is not only a spiritual festival but also a celebration of community spirit. Gurdwaras are beautifully decorated, lamps are lit, and hymns echo throughout the day. Families come together to pray, cook, and serve others. In the evenings, people gather to sing Kirtan (devotional music) and reflect on the Guru’s teachings. For many, it is not only about remembering a spiritual leader but living his teachings through kindness, respect, and love for all.

The Deeper Message of Guru Nanak Jayanti

At its heart, Guru Nanak Jayanti reminds us that enlightenment begins when we rise above differences. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message is as relevant today as it was five centuries ago. It teaches us that peace cannot be achieved through power but through understanding, compassion, and humility. In a fast-paced world filled with distractions, his teachings invite us to slow down, live consciously, and embrace simplicity. Guru Nanak Dev Ji showed that true spirituality is not about rituals but about the way we live, speak, and treat others.

How to Celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti at Home

If you cannot visit a gurdwara this year, you can still celebrate meaningfully at home.

• Begin the day with meditation or the Mool Mantra to connect with divine energy.

• Light a diya or candle to honour the Guru’s light.

• Read a verse from the Guru Granth Sahib or listen to Shabads online.

• Prepare simple vegetarian meals and share them with others.

• End your day by reflecting on how you can bring more honesty and kindness into your daily life.

• Even small acts of faith and service embody the essence of Guru Nanak’s wisdom.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 reminds us that light, once kindled, can never be dimmed. It invites us to rise above ego, practice equality, and live in harmony with one another. As the moon glows bright on this Kartik Purnima night, it reflects the eternal light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji: a light that continues to guide humanity through every age.

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