Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026, also called Gurpurab or Prakash Purab, falls on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, the full moon of Kartik (Kartik Purnima). It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, born in 1469 at Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan.

Music sits at the heart of Gurpurab. Guru Nanak taught through hymns sung in classical raags, and kirtan, the singing of Gurbani, fills gurdwaras and homes from the Prabhat Pheri at dawn to the late-night celebrations. Here is the Gurbani most associated with the day, and how to build a listening list for the celebrations.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 at a glance

Gurpurab: Tuesday, 24 November 2026 (Kartik Purnima)
Akhand Path: a 48-hour continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, usually starting two days before
Nagar Kirtan: processions, usually on the day before Gurpurab
Gurpurab 2027: Sunday, 14 November 2027

Dates of local programmes can vary, so follow your gurdwara's announcements.

Gurbani by Guru Nanak Dev Ji to listen to on Gurpurab

1. Japji Sahib. Guru Nanak's foundational composition, which opens the Guru Granth Sahib with the Mool Mantar. Many families begin Gurpurab morning by reciting or listening to it.
2. Mool Mantar (Ik Onkar Satnam). The opening statement of the Guru Granth Sahib, sung in countless kirtan renditions and simran.
3. Gagan Mai Thaal. Guru Nanak's Aarti in Raag Dhanasri, in which the whole universe becomes the offering: the sky the plate, the sun and moon the lamps. It is one of the most loved compositions sung on Gurpurab evening.
4. So Dar. Part of the evening Rehras Sahib, describing the divine court where all creation sings praises.
5. Shabads in Raag Asa, including Asa Di Vaar, traditionally sung in the early morning kirtan at gurdwaras.

Songs and compositions about Guru Nanak

1. Satgur Nanak Pargateya. From the Vaars of Bhai Gurdas, describing how the world was lit when Guru Nanak appeared, as the mist cleared. It is one of the most widely sung pieces on Prakash Purab.
2. Ik Onkar from Rang De Basanti (2006), sung by Harshdeep Kaur. A simple, moving rendition of the Mool Mantar that introduced many young listeners to Gurbani.

For the most traditional experience, listen to live kirtan from Sri Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple), which is broadcast daily, and to recordings by respected raagi jathas.

Which Gurbani suits each part of the day

1. Prabhat Pheri at dawn: simran of Waheguru and Satnam, and Asa Di Vaar.
2. Morning at home: Japji Sahib.
3. Nagar Kirtan: shabads sung by the sangat and kirtan jathas as the procession moves.
4. Evening: Rehras Sahib, followed by Gagan Mai Thaal.
5. Late night: many gurdwaras hold special kirtan around the time of Guru Nanak's birth, traditionally observed in the early hours.

Guru Nanak's message, in three lines

Naam Japna: remember the divine name.
Kirat Karni: earn an honest living through hard work.
Vand Chakna: share what you have with others. Langar, the free community kitchen, is the living form of this teaching.

Tips for Gurpurab

1. Cover your head and remove your shoes when visiting a gurdwara. Visitors of all faiths are welcome.
2. Join seva. Help in the langar, serve water or clean up.
3. Keep the volume respectful when playing kirtan at home or in your street.
4. Download your playlist. Crowded areas near gurdwaras often have weak networks.

Find devotional and Punjabi music trending this month on the Media Marvels India trends page at https://mediamarvels.in/trends/india.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026: FAQs

When is Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2026?
Tuesday, 24 November 2026, on Kartik Purnima.

Which Gurbani is recited on Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Japji Sahib, Asa Di Vaar and the Aarti Gagan Mai Thaal are among the compositions most associated with Gurpurab.

What is Gagan Mai Thaal?
Guru Nanak's Aarti in Raag Dhanasri, describing the whole universe as an offering to the divine.

What is Prakash Purab?
Another name for Guru Nanak Jayanti, meaning the festival of light, celebrating the Guru's birth.

When is Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2027?
Sunday, 14 November 2027.

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