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About Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

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About Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, or Prakash Purab, marks the birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, born in 1666 at Patna Sahib. It falls on the seventh day of the bright half of the month of Paush, usually in December or January.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a spiritual teacher, poet and warrior. In 1699 he founded the Khalsa, and before his passing he declared the Guru Granth Sahib the eternal Guru of the Sikhs. He taught courage, equality and standing up for what is right.

Gurdwaras hold an Akhand Path, kirtan and Nagar Kirtan processions, and serve langar to all. The largest gatherings are at Takht Sri Patna Sahib, his birthplace, and across Punjab.

  • Prakash Purab of the tenth Guru
  • Born in Patna in 1666
  • Usually December or January

Where it began

Guru Gobind Singh was born in Patna, Bihar, in 1666, the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He became Guru as a young boy and grew into a writer, poet and leader of great courage.

In 1699 at Anandpur Sahib he founded the Khalsa on the day of Vaisakhi. Before his passing in 1708 he named the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.

A white marble gurdwaraKartarpur, Pakistan

How it grew over time

  1. 1666

    Gobind Rai is born in Patna, where Takht Sri Patna Sahib now stands.

  2. 1675

    He becomes the tenth Guru as a child.

  3. 1699

    He founds the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib.

  4. 1708

    He names the Guru Granth Sahib as the living Guru.

  5. Today

    His birth is celebrated each year by Sikhs around the world.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • Patna, Bihar

    Takht Sri Patna Sahib, his birthplace, draws large numbers of pilgrims.

  • Punjab

    Gurdwaras hold Nagar Kirtan processions with martial arts displays called gatka.

  • UK, Canada and US

    Sikh communities gather for kirtan, langar and processions.

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti moments

An old photograph of a gurdwara tower by the waterAmritsar, Punjab
An old engraving of the Golden TempleAmritsar, Punjab
A gurdwara shrine in an old photographNankana Sahib, Pakistan
A gurdwara in an early colour photographLahore, Pakistan

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti today

Gurdwaras hold continuous readings, singing of hymns and talks on the Guru's life. Langar is served to everyone, and processions led by five Sikhs in saffron carry the Guru Granth Sahib through the streets.

How people celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

  • Akhand Path reading
  • Prabhat Pheri at dawn
  • Nagar Kirtan procession
  • Kirtan and katha at the gurdwara
  • Langar for all
  • Seva

How to wish well

  • Say Happy Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti or Happy Prakash Purab. In Punjabi, Prakash Purab diyan lakh lakh vadhaiyan.
  • Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh is a respectful greeting among Sikhs.
  • A line about courage, the Khalsa or seva suits the day.
  • Avoid jokes about the Gurus or the faith.

Questions about Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

When is Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2027?

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is expected on 15 January 2027 by the lunar calendar. There is no date in 2026, as the 2025 date fell on 27 December 2025. Check with your gurdwara.

Why does the date change each year?

It follows the lunar calendar, the seventh day of the bright half of Paush, so it moves between December and January. Some years have two dates and some have none.

What do you say on Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti?

Happy Prakash Purab, or Prakash Purab diyan lakh lakh vadhaiyan in Punjabi. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh is also used.

Where was Guru Gobind Singh Ji born?

He was born in Patna, Bihar, in 1666. Takht Sri Patna Sahib stands at his birthplace.

What is the Khalsa?

The Khalsa is the community of initiated Sikhs, founded by Guru Gobind Singh Ji on Vaisakhi in 1699.

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