Every year, millions of people around the world commemorate Guru Nanak Dev Ji – the founder of Sikhism and one of the greatest spiritual teachers of all time. In 2025, Guru Nanak Gurpurab will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 5, a day filled with devotion, peace, and a remembrance of the Guru’s ever-fresh wisdom. This sacred occasion, often referred to as Guru Nanak Jayanti, encourages all to pursue the path of truth, compassion, and equality – as Guru Nanak Dev Ji did centuries ago.
The Birth of a Divine Soul
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in the village of Talwandi; now part of the area known as Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. Even as a child, he possessed a strong spiritual nature and began to challenge perceived social injustices, meaningless rituals, and inequality.
He taught that there is only one God (Ik Onkar), who resides within each person, regardless of caste, religion, background, etc. He dedicated his life to sharing love, peace, and service to humanity — values that continue to inspire millions of people to this day.
The Timeless Message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
The teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji are profound, yet simple. He taught three principles that are the basis of Sikhism:
Naam Japna – Remember and meditate on the name of God.
Kirat Karni – Earn an honest living by hard work.
Vand Chakna – Always share a portion of what you have with others – especially those in need.
He believed that true religion is found in humility, service and good deeds – not in rituals, or separations. He forcefully denounced discrimination in words and actions, and urged all people to be respectful and loving towards one another.
How Guru Nanak Gurpurab Is Observed
Celebrations for Guru Nanak Gurpurab typically commence two days prior with the Akhand Path, which is a 48-hour unbroken reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture. On the day before Gurpurab, there is Nagar Kirtan (religious procession), which is led by the Panj Pyare (the five beloved ones), and consists of devotional singing, martial arts demonstrations, and messages of peace and unity.
On November 5, 2025, Gurdwaras around the world will take on a beautiful setting and be filled with hymns (Kirtan). Devotees will offer prayers, listen to spiritual discourse and participate in Langar – the community kitchen which serves free meals to everyone, as a message of equality and selfless service.
Embodying His Message Today
The teaching of Guru Nanak Dev Ji remains relevant today. In a fast moving, fast expanding world, with a growing focus on division, his message of peace, love and humanity is especially relevant and meaningful today, to remind us that all true worship relates to kindness, honesty and compassion for all beings.
As we celebrate Guru Nanak Gurpurab 2025, on November 4, please remember Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s guiding words anew:
“Before we become Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian, let’s become human first.”
This is not a day simply about celebration or festival, it is a reminder to walk in the path of Truth, Humility and Unity shown by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Guru who illuminated the universe with his timeless light.
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