Gurpurab, also called Guru Nanak Jayanti , is perhaps one of the holiest commemorations for the Sikh religion. This holy day is for the really special person-the one establishing Sikhism and the first of 10 Sikh Gurus-Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose birthday is celebrated. At this point in the year, millions of devotees, from all corners of the earth, turn to God, waiting graciously and silently for this occasion. Once again, this special celebration is on 5th November 2025, another opportunity for people of the same spirit to come together and enlighten one another with messages of love, unity, and equality.
Grand Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib, in present-day Pakistan, in the year 1469, and then ushered into the beginning of a new era among his contemporaries of spiritual revivalism. This was an epoch that came at a time when caste and religion divided society into halves and inequalities existed everywhere. His teachings essentially break religious bounds: “There is one God, and all men are equal, without difference of religion, sex, or status”.
It transcends sheer ritualism. Guru Nanak Jayanti is a day to remember and actualize the three tenets, “Naam Japna, Kirat Karni, and Vand Chakna,” which signify the remembrance of God, engaging in honest earning, and sharing with the less fortunate.
How Guru Nanak Jayanti is Celebrated
The festivities for Guru Nanak Jayanti commence approximately two days before the actual day. It is on the actual day, and during that time, comments have been presented about the Akhand Path – a continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib in Gurdwaras for 48 hours straight. This reading has no break symbolizing a total and complete spiritual devotion and oneness.
The day before the merriment actually begins, Nagarkirtan is held, basically where participants move through the streets lifting the different hymns and prayers. The course begins headed by the Panj Pyare and carrying such things as the Sikh flag (Nishan Sahib) and Guru Granth Sahib on a decorated palanquin. The area breathes Gurbani and music and everything within a spirit of community service.
On Guru Nanak Jayanti, Kirtans are sung in the Gurdwara and the preachings of the Guru are heard. Free food is served by Langars, or community kitchens, where food is served freely to everyone, irrespective of religion or caste or gender. It continues to show the ideal of equality and selfless service that Guru Nanak preached.
A message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji that will never go out of date:
His edict is a guiding light for humanity. Guru Nanak was quite the prophet in his decrees: rituals were not spirituality. Rather, spirituality is about love and truth, compassion expressed in one’s daily life. His teachings encourage man to see God in every being and thus manifest kindness and equality in action.
The following are some great words worth remembering for Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2025:
“Let’s first be a man before being a Hindu, a Muslim, or a Sikh or a Christian.”
On this Gurpurba, may we thrive to become embodiments of his efforts in outreach with love, peace, and unity in our societies.
Conclusion
Guru Nanak Jayanti is no way a ceremony, it inspires one to live eliminating lies, simplicity, and selfless service as qualities necessary to lead a good life. This is the day, to re-unite people under the same faith and humanity, letting them live according to the values Guru Nanak Dev Ji stood for. Even their centuries-old teachings shine brightly against the backdrop of relevance today, leading us toward a more caring and equal world.
