Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the first guru of Sikhism. He is the founder of the Sikh religion. He is not only the Sikh guru, but his teachings are for the whole world. That's why, during his spiritual journeys, different people from different cultures and regions gave him unique names such as Nanakacharyaya in Sri Lanka, Nanak Lama in Tibet, Guru Rinpoche in Sikkim and Bhutan, Nanak Rishi in Nepal, Nanak Peer in Iraq, Baba Foosa in China, Nanak Kadamdar in Russia, Nanak Vali in Egypt, and Peer Balagdaan in Afghanistan.
When is Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab 2026 Date?
Guru Nanak manifested in the world on Katak Puranmashi, 1469. That's why Gurunanak Dev Ji Gurpurab is celebrated in October or November Puranmashi every year. Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab in 2026 is on 23 November 2026. The Prakash Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji will be observed on 9 Maghar 2026 on the Purnamashi day. The Joti Jot Divas date of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is on 4th October 2026. Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurtagaddi Divas is not celebrated because he appeared in the form of the Guru himself.
| Event | Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| Prakash Gurpurab (Birthday) | 23 November 2026 |
| Joti Jot Diwas | 4 October 2026 |
Birth and Family of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
He was born in Talwandi, District Sheikhupura (West Pakistan), which today is known as Nankana Sahib. His father's name was Mehta Kalu Ji and his mother was Mata Tripta Ji. His father used to do farming and business and was also a Patwari in Talwandi. He also had a sister named Bebe Nanaki, who was five years older than him. He was married to Mata Sulakhni Ji. He had two sons, Baba Sri Chand and Baba Lakhmi Das Ji.
Early Life and Education of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
He was sent to study common language, reading and writing, under a teacher named Gopal. For learning Sanskrit, he was sent to Pandit Brij Lal, and for learning Persian, he was sent to the mosque to study under Maulvi Qutubuddin. While studying with the teachers, he showed great interest in discussions about spiritual knowledge. Guru Nanak Ji was encouraged by his father to do farming and later business, but his interest was more in religious work, spiritual knowledge, and meditating on God's name rather than worldly and business activities. When his father gave him 20 rupees and sent him on business, he spent them feeding hungry saints, a practice known as "Sacha Sauda." Because of this act of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the service of Langar has continued among Sikhs since that time.
Bani of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Nanak Dev Ji recited many Bani, which were later included in the Guru Granth Sahib. The main Banis of Guru Nanak Dev Ji are — Japji Sahib, Asa Ki Var, Sidh Gosht, Bara Mah, Kirtan Sohila, and Patti Likhi.
Teachings and Contributions of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
From childhood, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji had a very spiritual and kind nature. He often remained absorbed in religious thoughts and showed people the path of truth. He gave the teaching of "Naam Japo, Kirat Karo, Vand Chhako." He opposed caste discrimination, gender discrimination, and superstition.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji told people to connect with the one God who created this whole universe. He taught that the divine God exists equally within everyone. He founded the free community kitchen Langar and Sangat, where people of all backgrounds sit on the floor and eat or chant God's name together as equals.
Udasis (Spiritual Journeys) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
During his life, Guru Nanak Dev Ji made four major journeys (Udasis), during which he traveled to India, Tibet, Sri Lanka, and Arab countries such as Mecca, Medina, and Baghdad. The main purpose of these journeys was to show misguided people the path of truth and make them understand that God is one and only His name should be remembered.
Bhai Mardana Ji was Guru Nanak's childhood friend and first disciple. Bhai Mardana played the Rabab. Bhai Bala Ji was also with Guru Ji during the four major journeys (Udasis).
Joti Jot Diwas of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Before completing his worldly journey and merging into the divine light, Guru Nanak Dev Ji blessed Guru Angad Dev Ji with the Gurgaddi. Guru Nanak Dev Ji merged into the divine light on 22 September 1539 at Kartarpur. This day is observed as Joti Jot Diwas.