About Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, still widely calculated per the older lunar-based reckoning in much of Punjab (so the Gregorian date shifts year to year), celebrates the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last human Sikh Guru, renowned as a warrior, poet, philosopher and the founder of the Khalsa order in 1699.
Significance
Guru Gobind Singh's founding of the Khalsa and his declaration of the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru after him mark the completion of the Sikh Guru lineage, making his birth anniversary one of the faith's most significant dates.
History & story
Born in Patna in 1666, Guru Gobind Singh led the Sikh community through years of conflict with the Mughal Empire, composed significant portions of Sikh scripture and philosophy, and before his death in 1708 declared the Guru Granth Sahib to be the eternal, living Guru of the Sikhs.
Rituals & observances
- ◆Akhand Path (continuous Guru Granth Sahib reading)
- ◆Nagar Kirtan procession
- ◆Kirtan and hymn recitation
- ◆Langar (community meal)
- ◆Reciting verses from the Dasam Granth
Regional variations
Punjab is the heartland of observance, with major celebrations at Patna Sahib (his birthplace) and Anandpur Sahib; observed by Sikh communities worldwide.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti — every year
The date shifts each year on the Gregorian calendar because it follows the Hindu lunar-solar cycle.