All Gurpurabs in Nanakshahi Calendar 2026-27 (NS 558)
A Complete Guide to Sikh Festivals and Anniversaries
Gurpurabs (ਗੁਰਪੁਰਬ) are the sacred anniversaries and festivals that commemorate significant events in the lives of the Sikh Gurus and saints. The word "Gurpurab" comes from "Gur" meaning Guru and "Purab" meaning festival or celebration. These observances are central to Sikh religious life, bringing communities together in prayer, reflection, and celebration. This comprehensive guide covers all the major Gurpurabs in the Nanakshahi Calendar 2026-27 (NS 558), providing dates, significance, and key observances for each.
- Nanakshahi Year: 558
- Gregorian Period: 14 Mar 2026 – 13 Mar 2027
- Number of Gurpurabs: 12+ Observances
- Key Gurpurabs: Vaisakhi, Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom, Guru Nanak Dev Parkash, Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom, Sahibzada Martyrdom, Guru Gobind Singh Parkash
- Lunar-based Observances: Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Parkash, Bandi Chhor Divas, Hola Mohalla
What are Gurpurabs?
Understanding Sikh Festivals
Gurpurabs are an integral part of Sikh religious and cultural life. They serve as occasions for spiritual reflection, community gathering, and the transmission of Sikh values from one generation to the next.
Types of Gurpurabs
There are several types of Gurpurabs, each with its own significance:
- Parkash (Birth Anniversary): Celebrating the birth of a Guru. These are joyous occasions marked by prayers, Kirtan (singing of hymns), and community meals.
- Shaheedi (Martyrdom Day): Commemorating the sacrifice of a Guru or saint who gave their life for their faith. These are solemn occasions for reflection on the values of courage and faith.
- Gurgadi (Ascension Day): Marking the day a Guru formally assumed the spiritual leadership of the Sikh community.
- Jotijot (Light merging into Light): The day a Guru's soul merged with the divine.
Observances and Traditions
Gurpurabs are typically observed with the following traditions:
- Akhand Path: Continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji for 48 hours.
- Kirtan: Singing of hymns and devotional music.
- Katha: Exposition and explanation of the teachings of the Gurus.
- Langar: Community kitchen serving free meals to all.
- Nagar Kirtan: Processions through the streets with the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
- Diya: Lighting of lamps and candles in the evening.
"The Gurpurabs are the days when the Gurus' light shines brightest. They remind us of their teachings and inspire us to live by them." — Traditional Sikh Saying
Month 1: Chet (14 March – 13 April 2026)
Beginning of the Sikh Year
Chet is the first month of the Nanakshahi calendar, marking the Sikh New Year. It has 31 days and is associated with new beginnings and the arrival of spring.
Gurpurabs in Chet
| Date (Gregorian) | Nanakshahi Date | Gurpurab | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Mar 2026 | 1 Chet | Nanakshahi New Year (Sangrand) | Festival |
| 29 Mar 2026 | 16 Chet | Holi (movable — not a Sikh festival) | Cultural |
Note: There are no major Sikh Gurpurabs in Chet. However, Sangrand (the first day of the month) is observed with prayers and reflection.
Month 2: Vaisakh (14 April – 14 May 2026)
The Month of Vaisakhi
Vaisakh is one of the most significant months in the Nanakshahi calendar. It contains Vaisakhi, the day the Khalsa was founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
Gurpurabs in Vaisakh
| Date (Gregorian) | Nanakshahi Date | Gurpurab | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Apr 2026 | 1 Vaisakh | Vaisakhi (Khalsa Sajna Divas) | Festival |
| 14 Apr 2026 | 1 Vaisakh | Sangrand | Observance |
Vaisakhi: The Birth of the Khalsa
Vaisakhi, celebrated on 1 Vaisakh (April 14), is one of the most important days in Sikh history. In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh gathered thousands of Sikhs at Anandpur Sahib and founded the Khalsa Panth. On this day, the Guru administered Amrit (the nectar of immortality) to the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), establishing a community of saint-soldiers bound by a shared identity and commitment to justice.
Vaisakhi is also the Sikh New Year and the harvest festival of Punjab. It is celebrated with:
- Nagar Kirtan (processions) with the Guru Granth Sahib Ji
- Kirtan and Katha at Gurdwaras
- Amrit Sanchar (initiation) ceremonies
- Community meals and celebrations
Month 4: Harh (15 June – 15 July 2026)
The Month of Martyrdom
Harh is the fourth month of the Nanakshahi calendar, containing the important observance of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Gurpurabs in Harh
| Date (Gregorian) | Nanakshahi Date | Gurpurab | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Jun 2026 | 2 Harh | Shaheedi of Guru Arjan Dev Ji | Martyrdom |
| 15 Jun 2026 | 1 Harh | Sangrand | Observance |
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, was the first Sikh Guru to be martyred. He was tortured to death in 1606 on the orders of Mughal Emperor Jahangir for refusing to remove verses from the Guru Granth Sahib that criticized Islamic teachings. Some historians believe that Guru Arjan Dev Ji was born on April 15, 1563, while others are of the opinion that his date of birth is May 2, 1563. The exact date varies among sources.
His martyrdom is remembered as a pivotal moment in Sikh history. It transformed the Sikh community from a peaceful spiritual tradition into a community ready to defend itself against persecution. His sacrifice is commemorated with prayers and reflection.
Month 6: Bhadon (16 August – 14 September 2026)
The Month of Installation
Bhadon is the sixth month of the Nanakshahi calendar, containing the important observance of the Installation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Gurpurabs in Bhadon
| Date (Gregorian) | Nanakshahi Date | Gurpurab | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Sep 2026 | 17 Bhadon | Installation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji | Observance |
| 16 Aug 2026 | 1 Bhadon | Sangrand | Observance |
Installation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji
In 1604, Guru Arjan Dev Ji completed the compilation of the Adi Granth and installed it at the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. This event marked the establishment of the Guru Granth Sahib as the central spiritual authority for Sikhs. The installation is observed with special prayers and services at Gurdwaras worldwide.
Month 8: Kattak (15 October – 13 November 2026)
The Month of Bandi Chhor Divas
Kattak is the eighth month of the Nanakshahi calendar, containing the important festival of Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali) and the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Gurpurabs in Kattak
| Date (Gregorian) | Nanakshahi Date | Gurpurab | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Nov 2026 | 23 Kattak | Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali) | Festival (Lunar-based) |
| 15 Oct 2026 | 1 Kattak | Sangrand | Observance |
Bandi Chhor Divas
Bandi Chhor Divas, commonly known as Diwali, commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib from Gwalior Fort in 1619. The Guru was imprisoned by Mughal Emperor Jahangir but secured his release along with 52 Hindu kings who were also imprisoned. The day is also associated with the return of Guru Hargobind to Amritsar.
The Golden Temple is beautifully illuminated with thousands of lights on this day, and fireworks are displayed. Sikhs celebrate with prayers, Kirtan, and community service. It is a lunar-based festival and falls on the same day as the Hindu Diwali.
Month 9: Magghar (14 November – 13 December 2026)
The Month of Birth and Sacrifice
Magghar is the ninth month of the Nanakshahi calendar, containing the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Gurpurabs in Magghar
| Date (Gregorian) | Nanakshahi Date | Gurpurab | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Nov 2026 | 15 Magghar | Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Parkash | Birth Anniversary (Lunar-based) |
| 14 Dec 2026 | 29 Magghar | Shaheedi of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji | Martyrdom |
| 14 Nov 2026 | 1 Magghar | Sangrand | Observance |
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Parkash
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is the most revered figure in Sikh history. His birth anniversary is the most sacred of all Gurpurabs. Some historians believe that Guru Nanak was born on April 15, 1469, while others are of the opinion that his date of birth is October 20, 1469. The exact date varies among sources. In the Nanakshahi Calendar, the birth anniversary is observed on 15 Magghar (November 28), while in the Bikrami calendar, it is observed on Kartik Purnima (which varies each year).
The celebration includes:
- Akhand Path (48-hour reading) of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji
- Nagar Kirtan (processions) through cities and towns
- Kirtan and Katha at Gurdwaras
- Community meals and celebrations
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, was martyred in 1675 in Delhi. He sacrificed his life to defend the religious freedom of Kashmiri Hindus who were being forcibly converted to Islam by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The Guru was publicly beheaded at Chandni Chowk in Delhi. Some historians believe that Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred on November 11, 1675, while others are of the opinion that the date of his martyrdom is November 24, 1675. The exact date varies among sources.
His martyrdom is a powerful testament to the Sikh commitment to religious freedom and the defense of the oppressed. The site of his martyrdom is now Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi.
Month 10: Poh (14 December 2026 – 12 January 2027)
The Month of Sacrifice
Poh is the tenth month of the Nanakshahi calendar, marking the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's four sons (Sahibzadas) and the birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Gurpurabs in Poh
| Date (Gregorian) | Nanakshahi Date | Gurpurab | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Dec 2026 | 8 Poh | Shaheedi of Sahibzada Ajit Singh & Sahibzada Jujhar Singh | Martyrdom |
| 28 Dec 2026 | 13 Poh | Shaheedi of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh & Sahibzada Fateh Singh | Martyrdom |
| 5 Jan 2027 | 23 Poh | Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Parkash | Birth Anniversary |
| 14 Dec 2026 | 1 Poh | Sangrand | Observance |
Martyrdom of the Sahibzadas
The Sahibzadas were the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The elder sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (18 years) and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh (14 years), were martyred in the Battle of Chamkaur on December 23, 1705 (8 Poh). They fought bravely against overwhelming Mughal forces and gave their lives for their faith.
The younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (9 years) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (6 years), were captured and executed by the Mughal governor of Sirhind on December 28, 1705 (13 Poh). They were bricked alive for refusing to convert to Islam.
Their sacrifice is remembered with deep reverence and serves as an inspiration for Sikhs to uphold their faith regardless of the cost.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Parkash
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and last human Guru of the Sikhs, was born on 23 Poh (January 5) in 1666. Some historians believe that Guru Gobind Singh was born on December 22, 1666, while others are of the opinion that his date of birth is January 5, 1667. The exact date varies among sources. He was the founder of the Khalsa and one of the most influential figures in Sikh history.
His birth anniversary is celebrated with:
- Akhand Path of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji
- Kirtan and Katha at Gurdwaras
- Community meals and celebrations
- Processions and martial arts displays
The Year of Gurpurabs
Living the Teachings of the Gurus
The Gurpurabs in Nanakshahi Calendar 2026-27 (NS 558) offer Sikhs a year of spiritual reflection, celebration, and community. From the joy of Vaisakhi and the birth anniversaries of the Gurus to the solemnity of the martyrdom days, each Gurpurab provides an opportunity to deepen one's connection to the Sikh faith and to live by the principles taught by the Gurus.
As the Sikh community observes these sacred days, they remember the sacrifices and teachings of the Gurus and draw inspiration to live lives of faith, courage, and compassion. The Gurpurabs are a reminder that the Guru's light continues to shine through the ages, guiding Sikhs on their spiritual journey.
"Remember the Gurus' teachings on their Gurpurabs. Let their light guide you throughout the year." — Traditional Sikh Saying
References
- Purewal, Pal Singh. (2022). Nanakshahi Calendar with Calendar Conversion Tables for 632 Years. Singh Brothers, Amritsar.
- Golden Temple Amritsar. (2026). Nanakshahi Calendar 558 (2026–27) — Gurpurabs and Festivals.
- SGPC. (2003). Official Nanakshahi Calendar Adoption Document.
- Singh, Patwant. (2007). The Sikhs. Crown Publishing Group.
- Grewal, J.S. (1998). The Sikhs of the Punjab. Cambridge University Press.
