Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti 2025: Celebration, History & Teachings of the Festival of Light

The Light That Never Fades: Celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti

The air is cold, the night is deep, but a profound light is about to dawn. Across cities, towns, and quiet villages, the faithful rise before the sun, drawn by a sound that transcends centuries—the melodious, soul-stirring hymns (Kirtan) echoing from Gurdwaras adorned with countless twinkling lights.

For forty-eight hours, the AkhandPath—the uninterrupted reading of the eternal wisdom of the Guru Granth Sahib—fills the heavens, culminating precisely with the first light of this sacred day: Guru Purab.

It is the birth celebration of GuruNanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith, who walked this earth not just as a prophet, but as a revolutionary challenging the darkness of his time. He spoke truth to power, dismantled the chains of caste, championed the equality of all, and gave the world a message as simple as it was profound:

"There is one God, and truth is His Name."

This is the day we honor the Guru who gave us the blueprint for a just world. This is the Prakash Utsav—the Festival of Light!

The Historical Date of Birth

Original Birth Date Discrepancy:
While historical evidence and older Sikh chronicles (Janamsakhis) suggest that Guru Nanak Dev Ji was actually born in the month of Vaisakh (April), the date commonly celebrated today is Kartik Purnima.

The Shift to Kartik Purnima:
According to some historians, the shift to celebrating the birth anniversary on Kartik Purnima occurred in the early 19th century, during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Cultural Harmonization:
The shift allowed the celebration to coincide with a large, popular Hindu pilgrimage fair held on Kartik Purnima, particularly the one at Ram Tirath near Amritsar. By celebrating the Guru's birthday on the same date, the Sikh community provided an alternative, centralized focus for Sikh devotion in Amritsar. This move helped solidify the community's identity and created a significant religious gathering on a highly auspicious day.

How It Is Celebrated

The celebrations are marked by deep devotion and usually follow a distinct schedule:

1. Akhand Path:
   
   
   A 48-hour continuous, uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, concluding on the morning of Guru Purab.
2. Nagarkirtan:
   A day before the main festival, a joyous procession led by the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) takes place through the streets, featuring the singing of hymns and the display of Sikh martial arts (Gatka).
   
3. On Guru Purab:
   Devotees gather at Gurdwaras for special prayers, Kirtan (singing of devotional hymns), and Katha (discourses on the Guru's life and teachings).
4. Langar:
   A free, community meal is served to people of all backgrounds, reflecting the principle of equality.
   
5. Prabhat Pheris:
   Devotees wake up very early in the morning (around 4:00 AM, the Amrit Vela or Ambrosial Hour) and organize devotional processions in the local neighborhood singing hymns. This practice directly follows Guru Nanak's emphasis on rising early for meditation and prayer, teaching the value of spiritual discipline in daily life.
   
6. Kirtan, Katha, and Ardaas:
   On the main day, Gurdwaras hold special services featuring the singing of hymns and discourses about the life, teachings, and stories of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. These services educate the congregation, especially the younger generation, on the principles of truth, humility, and compassion, making them relevant to contemporary life.

Core Principles

1. Equality and Social Justice

The Teaching:
Guru Nanak Dev Ji challenged the rigid caste system, gender inequality, and all forms of discrimination in the 15th century. He taught that all human beings are equal in the eyes of the one God.

Modern Relevance:
In a world still struggling with racism, gender bias, religious intolerance, and socio-economic disparity, this message of absolute equality is desperately needed. Guru Purab inspires people to actively fight for justice and human rights.

2. Langar: The Practical Symbol of Unity

The Teaching:
The institution of Langar—the community kitchen where everyone, regardless of caste, religion, or social standing, sits together to share a simple meal—was a revolutionary act.

Modern Relevance:
Langar, prominently featured on Guru Purab, is a living, global example of Seva (selfless service) and breaking down societal barriers. It directly addresses issues of hunger and class division, showcasing a practical model for inclusivity that inspires humanitarian aid worldwide.

3. The Three Pillars for a Balanced Life

Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasized three core principles that guide ethical modern living:

Principle	Meaning	Relevance to Modern Life
Kirat Karni	Honest Earnings	Combats corruption and greed; promotes integrity, work ethic, and ethical business.
Vand Chakna	Sharing with Others	Encourages philanthropy, community service, and responsible wealth management.
Naam Japna	Meditation on God's Name	Fosters mental well-being, inner peace, and focus against stress and materialism.

4. Universal Brotherhood and Interfaith Harmony

The Teaching:
Guru Nanak's travels (Udasis) involved dialogue with people of all faiths, emphasizing the oneness of God (Ik Onkar) and the common humanity underlying all religious differences. He famously said, "There is neither Hindu nor Muslim."

Modern Relevance:
In an age of increasing religious fundamentalism and global conflicts rooted in identity politics, his call for universal acceptance and mutual respect remains the ultimate prescription for peace and coexistence.

Conclusion

Guru Purab is more than a historical commemoration; it is a yearly call to return to the fundamentals of compassion, integrity, and selflessness. It reminds humanity that true spiritual progress is inseparable from ethical living and service to society.

The celebration of the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is a global festival of Prakash Utsav (Festival of Light) that offers a potent antidote to the challenges of the modern world.

About the Author

Adv. Mamta Singh Shukla is an Advocate at the Supreme Court of India and Founder of Vijay Foundations — an initiative dedicated to social justice, education, and empowerment. Through her writings, she advocates for human dignity, equality, and systemic change.

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Mamta Singh Shukla
Advocate, Supreme Court of India

📧 adv.mamtasinghshukla@gmail.com

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