Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) 2026

Puja Vidhi

Who Celebrates This Festival?

• Sikh Devotees: Sikh families observe this day, also called Gurpurab, to remember the first Guru and to renew their faith in his teachings.
• Families and Children: Parents and children join the prayers and the community meal, so that the young learn the Guru's message of honest living and service (Seva).
• All Seekers: Anyone who is inspired by the message of one God, equality and compassion may take part with devotion.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Amrit Vela: The day begins in the early hours before sunrise (Brahma Muhurta, the pre-dawn period) with a bath and the daily prayers, Nitnem.
• Gurdwara Diwan: Kirtan and katha are held in the morning at the Gurdwara. Check the timings for your city on this page.
• Langar: Served after the Ardas, to everyone who attends.
• Evening: Many Gurdwaras hold special evening Diwans, and homes and Gurdwaras are lit with lamps (Gurdwaras often hold the Nagar Kirtan procession a day earlier).

About the Festival

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a deeply revered observance of the Sikh community, celebrated across India and around the world, which marks the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru. It takes place on the Purnima (full moon day) of the month of Kartik.

The Katha (Story of the Sacha Sauda)

Once upon a time, in the village of Talwandi, there lived a boy named Nanak, born to Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta. From his childhood he was thoughtful and loved to sit in prayer, and he cared little for worldly business, which worried his father.

One day, Mehta Kalu gave him twenty rupees and sent him to the nearby town to buy goods and sell them for a profit, so that he might learn how to trade. A trusted servant, Bala, went with him. On the way, the two came across a group of holy men who had been without food for days. Nanak was moved by their hunger and said: "There can be no better bargain than this. Let us feed the hungry, for this is the true trade (Sacha Sauda)."

He spent the entire sum on food for the holy men and returned home without a coin. His father was angry, but Nanak calmly said that he had made a true bargain with God. Pleased by his sincerity, those who knew him began to see his greatness. Since that day, the Sacha Sauda has been remembered as the beginning of the Guru's life of Seva, and Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti with prayers, kirtan and Langar.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before going to the Gurdwara or beginning the prayers at home:

• Holy Scripture: Guru Granth Sahib, or a Gutka Sahib (prayer book), kept clean on a raised seat with a Rumala (cloth cover)
• Head Covering: A clean Rumal or Chunni to cover the head, for all who attend
• Lamps & Lights: A Diya with Ghee and cotton wick
• Karah Prasad Ingredients: Wheat flour (Atta), Ghee, and Sugar, in equal parts
• Langar Items: Simple vegetarian food such as Dal, Roti, Sabzi, and Kheer
• Devotional Accessories: Fresh flowers, a Chaur Sahib (ceremonial whisk), and a small donation (Daswandh)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Resolve

1. Wake up early during Amrit Vela, bathe, and wear clean clothes, covering the head.
2. Stand quietly with folded hands and make a personal Sankalp (resolve) before Waheguru: "O Waheguru, today I remember Guru Nanak Dev Ji with humility and love. Grant me the strength to live by Naam Japo, Kirat Karo, Vand Chakko: remembering God, earning honestly and sharing with others."
3. Recite Nitnem, the daily prayers (Japji Sahib and others). This is a day of celebration rather than a strict fast.

Step 2: Preparing the Space for Prayer

1. Clean the prayer room or visit the nearest Gurdwara. At home, set up a clean raised seat.
2. Place the Gutka Sahib or the Guru Granth Sahib respectfully, covered with a clean Rumala.
3. Light a Ghee Diya and place fresh flowers nearby.

Step 3: Preparing the Offerings

1. Making Karah Prasad: Prepare the Karah Prasad with equal parts of Atta, Ghee and Sugar, while reciting the Guru's name.
2. Covering the Prasad: Cover the Prasad with a clean cloth and keep it before the scripture.
3. Setting up Langar: Prepare simple vegetarian food to be shared with all.

Step 4: Reciting Gurbani and Katha

1. Sit respectfully in front of the scripture with your head covered.
2. Listen to or recite Gurbani, the shabads of Guru Nanak such as Japji Sahib, and the story of the Guru's life with deep focus and devotion.
3. Join the kirtan (devotional singing) at the Gurdwara or at home, or attend the Bhog (completion) of the Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib) if one is held.

Step 5: Ardas and Hukamnama

1. Stand with folded hands for the Ardas (the congregational prayer of Sikhs), remembering the Gurus and their teachings.
2. Listen to the Hukamnama, the divine message taken at random from the Guru Granth Sahib.
3. Bow before the scripture and receive the Karah Prasad in both cupped hands.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Langar

1. Greet the elders in your family with respect and seek their blessings.
2. Distribute the Karah Prasad among your family members and neighbours.
3. Share Langar, the communal meal, with everyone, and serve with humility (Seva), then light lamps at home in the evening.