Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

Sikh Religious Festival

Gazetted Holiday (especially in Punjab and some other states)

Typically one day of main celebration, with preparations and related events spanning a few days leading up to it.; One day, though celebrations and Akhand Paths may begin earlier and last for several days.

Celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and final human Guru of Sikhism. He is revered for his contributions to the faith, including establishing the Khalsa brotherhood and compiling the Guru Granth Sahib. Celebrates the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last human Guru of Sikhism. He formalized the Khalsa order, compiled the Guru Granth Sahib, and inspired Sikhs to uphold righteousness, equality, and justice.

Key Rituals & Practices

Path (recitation of Gurbani from Guru Granth Sahib, often Akhand Path - continuous reading)

Langar (community meal served in Gurdwaras to all visitors, regardless of faith)

Kirtan (singing of sacred hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib)

Nagar Kirtan (processions led by the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) carrying the Guru Granth Sahib)

Special prayers and discourses at Gurdwaras

Charitable activities and community service

Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib)

Kirtan Darbars (congregational singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib)

Langar (community meal served free to all, regardless of background)

Nagar Kirtan (processions led by the Panj Pyare and the Guru Granth Sahib)

Special prayers and discourses in Gurdwaras (Sikh temples)

Charity and acts of Seva (selfless service)

Associated Deities

N/A (Sikh Gurus are revered spiritual leaders, not worshipped as deities in the Hindu sense)

Not applicable; Sikhs worship one God (Waheguru) and revere the Gurus, but do not consider them deities in the Hindu sense.

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

N/A (Sikh festival, follows Nanakshahi calendar)

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born as Gobind Rai in Patna, Bihar, in 1666 CE. He succeeded his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, as Guru in 1675 CE. He founded the Khalsa (the collective body of initiated Sikhs) in 1699 CE at Anandpur Sahib, transforming Sikhs into a martial community dedicated to defending righteousness. He also finalized the compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib, declaring it the eternal living Guru for Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh was born Gobind Rai in Patna, Bihar, in 1666 CE. His life was dedicated to upholding righteousness, fighting tyranny, and consolidating the Sikh faith. He succeeded his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was martyred for protecting religious freedom. In 1699, he created the Khalsa (the collective body of initiated Sikhs) and, before his passing, declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal living Guru, ending the line of human Gurus.

Alternative Names

Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh

Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh

Gregorian Date

Varies, typically December or January (based on the Nanakshahi calendar)