Sikh Festivals
Sikh festivals are happy times for prayer, Kirtan, Langar, processions and fun. Special celebrations for the Gurus are called Gurpurabs.
Vaisakhi
📅 13 or 14 April
The most important festival. It celebrates the creation of the Khalsa in 1699, and the spring harvest in Punjab. There are colourful street processions called Nagar Kirtan, and the Nishan Sahib flag is changed.
Bandi Chhor Divas
📅 October or November (same day as Diwali)
Celebrates Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji being freed from prison along with 52 kings. Sri Darbar Sahib (the Golden Temple) is lit up with thousands of lights and there are fireworks.
Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
📅 October or November (full moon)
The birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Gurdwaras hold a non-stop, 48-hour reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji called an Akhand Path, followed by celebrations.
Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
📅 December or January
The birthday of the tenth Guru, celebrated with Kirtan, Nagar Kirtan processions and Langar.
Hola Mohalla
📅 March (the day after Holi)
Started by Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Anandpur Sahib. Sikhs show off their skills in Gatka (Sikh martial art), horse riding and poetry.