Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 Date and Time in Mumbai: 24 Nov
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 falls on Tuesday, 24 November. As per Drik Panchang, the Purnima tithi runs from 11:42 PM on 23 November to 8:23 PM on 24 November in Mumbai, and 24 November is the 557th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru.
Quick facts
Festival: Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) 2026
Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2026
Occasion: 557th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak (per Drik Panchang)
Purnima begins: 11:42 PM on 23 Nov (Mumbai)
Purnima ends: 8:23 PM on 24 Nov (Mumbai)
Falls on: Kartik Purnima
Guru Nanak lived: 1469 to 1539 CE
Source: Drik Panchang, Mumbai page
Why is Guru Nanak Jayanti on a different date every year?
The festival follows the Hindu lunar calendar and is held on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the month of Kartik. Drik Panchang notes that his birth is celebrated worldwide on this day. Because lunar dates shift against the English calendar, it moves between October and November. In 2026 it coincides with Kartik Purnima on 24 November.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 timings in Mumbai
For Mumbai, Drik Panchang lists the Purnima tithi from 11:42 PM on 23 November to 8:23 PM on 24 November. Since most of the day on the 24th is covered by Purnima, the Gurpurab is observed on that date everywhere in India. Programmes at gurdwaras follow their own schedule, so check the timings at your nearest one.
Who was Guru Nanak?
Guru Nanak (1469 to 1539 CE) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. He is remembered for teaching the oneness of God, honest living, sharing with others and remembering the divine name. His message of equality rejected barriers of caste, creed and status.
How is Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated?
Celebrations usually begin a couple of days earlier. A common feature is the Akhand Path, a continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is completed on the morning of the Gurpurab. Gurdwaras are cleaned, decorated with flowers and lit with lights.
Early morning programmes include Prabhat Pheri and kirtan. A Nagar Kirtan procession, led by the Panj Pyare with the Guru Granth Sahib, moves through the city with hymns. The day ends with langar, the community meal open to all.
What is langar and why does it matter?
Langar is the free community kitchen run at gurdwaras. Everyone sits together on the floor and eats the same simple vegetarian meal, regardless of background. It reflects the Sikh idea of equality and seva, selfless service. On Gurpurab, volunteers cook and serve thousands of people.
Guru Nanak Jayanti in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has a large Sikh community, with well-known gurdwaras in Mumbai, Pune, Nanded and other cities. Nanded, with its Hazur Sahib, is an especially important Sikh centre. In Mumbai and Pune, gurdwaras hold kirtan, Nagar Kirtan and langar on the day. Plan travel early, since roads near large gurdwaras can be crowded.
How can you take part respectfully?
Cover your head and remove your shoes before entering a gurdwara. Avoid bringing tobacco, alcohol or meat. Sit on the floor, listen to the kirtan quietly and accept the karah prasad with both hands. You can also volunteer in the langar, which is welcomed for visitors.
Simple ways to celebrate at home
Read or listen to Guru Nanak's hymns such as Japji Sahib. Light a lamp in the evening and share a meal or sweets with neighbours. Donate food or help in a community kitchen. Teach children the three core ideas: Naam Japna, Kirat Karni and Vand Chakna, meaning remember God, earn honestly and share with others.
Related reading
See also: Kartik Purnima 2026 Date and Time in Mumbai: 24 Nov on IndiaAsk.
Timings are as per Drik Panchang. Public holiday status can differ by state and office, so confirm with your employer or the official holiday list. Check the programme at your local gurdwara.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2026?
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 is on Tuesday, 24 November. It marks the 557th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak as per Drik Panchang, and it falls on Kartik Purnima. In Mumbai the Purnima tithi runs from 11:42 PM on 23 November to 8:23 PM on 24 November.
Why is Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated on Kartik Purnima?
Guru Nanak's birth is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, according to Drik Panchang. Since the date follows the lunar calendar, it changes each year on the English calendar, usually falling in October or November.
How many years of Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2026?
As per Drik Panchang, 2026 marks the 557th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. He lived from 1469 to 1539 CE and was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Some gurdwaras may count the anniversary differently, so check locally.
What happens in a gurdwara on Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Gurdwaras hold an Akhand Path, early morning Prabhat Pheri, kirtan and a Nagar Kirtan procession led by the Panj Pyare. The day ends with langar, a free community meal served to everyone. Many gurdwaras are decorated with flowers and lights for the occasion.
Can non-Sikhs visit a gurdwara on Gurpurab?
Yes, everyone is welcome at a gurdwara. Cover your head, remove your shoes, wash your hands and avoid tobacco, alcohol or meat. Sit quietly, listen to the kirtan, accept karah prasad respectfully and join the langar. Volunteering in the langar is also welcomed.
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