Sikh holy day · Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Guru Nanak Gurpurab
The birthday of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru: a day of prayer, song and a free meal for everyone.
Say it like a neighbor
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Say: wah-hay-GOO-roo jee kah KHAL-sah
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
A greeting Sikhs use any day of the year, so it is just as good for Gurpurab. The reply is “Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh” (wah-hay-GOO-roo jee kee FUT-eh). Plain “Happy Gurpurab” is always welcome too.
Nov 24
Tap to watch the sun come up on Guru Nanak’s birthday.
When is Guru Nanak Gurpurab? Key dates and days to know
Main day
Gurpurab follows the lunar calendar, so the date moves each year. Some gurdwaras hold their main program on the weekend nearest the day.
What is Guru Nanak Gurpurab and what does it mean?
Gurpurab (also called Guru Nanak Jayanti or Prakash Purab) marks the birth of Guru Nanak in 1469. He was the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, and this is one of the most important days in the Sikh year.
Guru Nanak taught that there is one God, that all people are equal, and that faith shows up in how we live: remembering God, earning an honest living and sharing with others. The community kitchen, called langar, is that teaching served on a plate.
How is Guru Nanak Gurpurab celebrated? Customs and traditions
Akhand Path
The whole Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture (1,430 pages), is read aloud without a break by relays of readers. It takes about 48 hours and finishes on the morning of the festival.
Nagar Kirtan
A procession with hymn singing through the streets, led by five Sikhs walking ahead of the scripture. Some gurdwaras hold one around Gurpurab.
Kirtan and katha
Hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib are sung with harmonium and tabla, followed by talks about Guru Nanak’s life and teachings.
Langar
A free vegetarian meal for everyone, served in the gurdwara and eaten together while sitting on the floor in rows. Guru Nanak began the tradition to show that no one is above anyone else.
Seva
Volunteering, called seva, is part of the day: cooking, serving, washing dishes, looking after the shoe rack.
Lights
Gurdwaras are lit up, and some families light candles or small lamps at home.
If you visit a gurdwara
Tap each one as you go.
Read the visitor guidelines at Gurdwara Sahib of Southwest Houston →
Guru Nanak Gurpurab in Houston: how neighbors can take part
Everyone is welcome at langar
Houston’s Sikh community goes back to 1972, when about a dozen families started The Sikh Center. Its first gurdwara building opened in November 1973, on Guru Nanak’s birthday.
Gurdwara Sahib of Southwest Houston, founded in 2006 by residents of Sugar Land and Southwest Houston, also welcomes the community at 14811 Lindita Drive. Its kirtan program meets every Sunday morning and Friday evening.
Each gurdwara sets its own schedule, so check before you go.
Guru Nanak Gurpurab events in Houston
Houston gurdwaras set their own programs and some announce them late. Please confirm times before you go. Visitors are welcome.
See announcements from Gurdwara Sahib of Southwest Houston →
Questions neighbors ask about Guru Nanak Gurpurab
When is Guru Nanak Gurpurab 2026?
Guru Nanak Gurpurab is Tuesday, November 24, 2026. It follows the lunar calendar, so the date moves each year, and many gurdwaras hold programs on the weekend before.
What do you say on Gurpurab?
Sikhs greet each other with “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.” A simple “Happy Gurpurab” is always welcome too.
Can non-Sikhs visit a gurdwara and eat langar?
Yes. Everyone is welcome, and the free vegetarian meal called langar is open to all. Cover your head, take off your shoes, and sit on the floor with everyone else.
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