This holiday celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of Sikhism. Sikhism, which comes from the Hindi word sikh, meaning “disciple,” is one of the three religions most widely practiced in India with approximately 16 million followers, mostly concentrated in the state of Punjab in northern India.

Sikhism is based on the revelations of its founder, the mystic guru Nanak. It opposes idolatry and emphasizes the unity of one god and all peoples. Although the Nanakshahi calendar has converted most Sikh holidays to fixed dates in the Gregorian solar calendar, out of deference to the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Ji’s birthday continues to be celebrated on the traditional Bikarami lunar date.

Interesting Facts

• Hymns from Sikh scriptures are chanted during this three-day festival.
• On this day, an Akhand Path at a gurdwaras is held, which is the continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib.