Sikh Festivals & Gurpurabs 2026

The birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, who founded the Khalsa in 1699 and gave Sikhs their distinct identity. He was a warrior, poet, philosopher, and spiritual leader who established the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs. Gurdwaras hold Akhand Paths, nagar kirtans, and special divans.

Lohri marks the culmination of winter and is celebrated with bonfires, singing, and dancing. In Sikh tradition, it holds special significance as it is associated with the heroic tale of Dulla Bhatti, a Rajput who rescued kidnapped girls. Families gather around the bonfire, offering rewri, peanuts, and popcorn to the fire as prayers for prosperity.

Maghi commemorates the sacrifice of the Chali Mukte — the Forty Liberated Ones — who fought bravely in the Battle of Muktsar in 1705 under Guru Gobind Singh Ji. These warriors had earlier deserted the Guru but returned to fight the Mughal army and attained martyrdom. Their sacrifice is honoured with kirtan, katha, and special prayers.

Established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1701 at Anandpur Sahib, Hola Mohalla is a three-day festival of martial arts, mock battles, music, and poetry. The Nihang Singhs perform spectacular displays of gatka (Sikh martial art), horse riding, and weaponry. The event culminates with a massive nagar kirtan procession through Anandpur Sahib.

Baisakhi is one of the most important dates in Sikh history. On this day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib, baptising the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones). It also marks the Punjabi New Year and the harvest festival. Gurdwaras hold special celebrations, nagar kirtans, and Amrit Sanchar ceremonies.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, was martyred in 1606 in Lahore on the orders of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. He was the first Sikh martyr and compiled the Adi Granth, the sacred scripture. He also built the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. His supreme sacrifice for religious freedom is commemorated with prayers and shabad kirtan.

This day marks the first installation of the Adi Granth (later Guru Granth Sahib) at the Harmandir Sahib in 1604. Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the sacred scripture and appointed Baba Buddha Ji as the first Granthi. The Guru Granth Sahib is the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, containing the writings of Sikh Gurus and saints from various traditions.

Bandi Chhor Divas (Day of Liberation) commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, from Gwalior Fort along with 52 Hindu kings in 1619. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated with thousands of lights and fireworks. This festival is celebrated alongside Diwali but holds its own unique significance in Sikh tradition.

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. It is the most widely celebrated Sikh festival worldwide. Gurdwaras hold 48-hour Akhand Paths, early morning processions (Prabhat Pheris), and nagar kirtans. Massive langars (community kitchens) serve free meals to people of all faiths.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, was executed in 1675 in Delhi by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for defending the religious freedom of Kashmiri Pandits. Known as "Hind Di Chadar" (Shield of India), his sacrifice is one of the most significant events in Sikh history. Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi marks the site of his martyrdom.