Guru Nanak Jayanti is an occasion for most Sikhs and followers of Guru Nanak Dev to sit back and reflect on the glorious history of Sikhism. Other than giving them an occasion to rejoice, Gurpurab gives them a chance to be proud of their rich culture and heritage.
At this time, most people prefer to visit places which are of great importance to the religion and the places which are associated to the Sikh Gurus in one way or the other. It gives them a considerable amount of pleasure to hear Gurbani-Kirtan (religious hymns and verses from Guru Granth Sahib) and witness the celebrations of the occasion at these places as they can best relate to what they read at these places.
Some of the popular gurudwaras known for their gurpurab celebrations are:
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi is worth a view at the occasion of all the gurupurabs and Guru Nanak Jayanti is no exception. The gurudwara is illuminated beautifully for the occasion and special kirtan programmes are held to culminate two day long Akhand Path. The entire atmosphere of the place is absolutely serene. If you happen to be in Delhi around the time, don’t miss the opportunity to pay a visit to the place.
Nankana Sahib, Talwandi, Pakistan
Nankana Sahib in the present day Pakistan is the birth place of Guru Nanak Dev. Hence, the magnitude of the celebrations at the place is grand. Sikhs of Pakistan gather at the place to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev every year. Moreover, close to 3000 Sikhs from India visit Pakistan at the occasion.
Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab
Golden Temple is the best known of Sikh pilgrimage places in India. Other than being visited by the Sikhs all across the world, this gurudwara is visited by almost equal number of Non-Sikhs. Golden Temple and Akal Takht, which is located just opposite to it, together are called Darbar Sahib. The place witnesses visits from devotees in large numbers at the occasion of prominent gurpurabs. The lighting and the fireworks are the major attractions. Besides, some very renowned preachers of Sikhism make their way to the place and address the sangat (gathering of people for religious purposes) at the occasion.
Five Takhts
The five places of prime importance to the Sikhism are the Five Takhts or seats of authorities. These Takhts are known to celebrate every occasion bearing significance to the religion in the best possible way. People travel all the way to be a part of these celebrations.
Here is a mention to all of them, in case you plan to visit any of these at the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti:
Akal Takht, Amritsar
Akal Takht meaning timeless or everlasting throne stands opposite to Golden temple in Amritsar. It is a place where all the important decisions relating to the Sikh community are taken. Akal Takht Sahib is one place where you will find yourself connected to the almighty and can restore your lost peace of mind. The Gurudwara looks beautiful when it is illuminated on the occasion of Gurpurabs.
Sri Hazoor Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra
Sri Hazoor Sahib in the state of Maharashtra is place where it is said that the last guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh took his last breath. It was here that holy book; Guru Granth Sahib was conferred with the Guruship. This gurudwara still preserves some of the war instruments of Guru Gobind Singh including his swords & bow and arrows among many others. Many people visit this place to commemorate the Sikh Gurpurab.
Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
This is the place where Guru Gobind Singh (10th guru of Sikhs) baptized five followers of his who were ready to sacrifice their life and called them Panj Pyare (the five dear ones) and later got baptized by them. These were the first five Sikhs of Guru Gobind Singh. Thus, a new religion, Sikhism was born at the festival of Baisakhi in 1699. This is yet another place of historical significance for the Sikhs and they don’t miss an opportunity to visit the place at important gurpurabs.
Damdama Sahib, Bhatinda, Punjab
This gurudwara is built at a place where Guru Gobind Singh stayed during his return from Kurukshetra. The Guru spent nine months of utmost peace here along with his family and made significant contributions to the Gurbani during the period.
Patna Sahib, Bihar
Patna Sahib, Bihar is the birth place of Guru Gobind Singh and one of the five takhts of Sikhism. Sikhs visit the place in large numbers at the occasion of major gurpurabs.
Last Updated on : November 13, 2025
