Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025: Schools, Banks, and Offices holiday Today, Nov 5!
November 5, 2025 — The auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, also called Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav, is being observed today with devotion and joy across the country. The festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of Sikhism and the founder of the Sikh faith.
Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti
Falling on Kartik Purnima, Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism. The day honors the life, wisdom, and spiritual legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who preached the principles of unity, equality, and compassion. His teachings form the cornerstone of Sikh philosophy — emphasizing that there is one Creator for all, and that humanity should live in peace, humility, and selfless service.
The celebrations begin with Akhand Path, a continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib that lasts 48 hours. The day is also marked by Nagar Kirtans — grand processions featuring devotional music, singing of hymns, and community service. Gurdwaras across India and abroad are decorated with lights, and devotees gather to offer prayers and partake in Langar, the traditional community meal symbolizing equality and service.
Schools and Offices Closed on November 5
As Guru Nanak Jayanti is recognized as a Gazetted Holiday by the Central Government, schools, colleges, and most government offices are closed today in several parts of India. Major states observing the holiday include Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, and Uttarakhand. Many private institutions and offices have also declared a day off in observance of the festival, though a few workplaces may remain open depending on their internal policies.
Bank Holiday for Guru Nanak Jayanti
Banks in most parts of India will remain closed on Wednesday, November 5, in observance of Gurpurab. This includes branches in major cities such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun, Mumbai, Jaipur, Jammu, Lucknow, Kolkata, Raipur, Ranchi, Hyderabad, and Srinagar.
Even though physical branches are closed, online and mobile banking services continue to operate as usual, allowing customers to perform financial transactions, make payments, and access account services without interruption.
Stock Market Holiday
The Indian stock exchanges — BSE (Sensex) and NSE (Nifty) — will remain closed for trading today, marking a full-day market holiday in honor of Guru Nanak Jayanti. Trading will resume as normal on the next working day.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji: Life and Teachings
Born in 1469 at Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib in present-day Pakistan, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was deeply spiritual from a young age. He composed numerous hymns expressing devotion and divine wisdom, many of which were later compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in the Adi Granth, the precursor to the Guru Granth Sahib.
Throughout his life, Guru Nanak traveled extensively across India and Asia, spreading his message of love, harmony, and equality. He rejected caste distinctions and rituals, teaching that service to humanity is the truest form of worship. His words continue to inspire millions around the world, reminding people to live with honesty, humility, and devotion.
Celebrations Across the Nation
From Amritsar’s Golden Temple to Gurdwaras in Delhi, Patna, and Nanded, the spirit of Gurpurab can be felt everywhere. Processions, prayers, and community kitchens bring together people of all faiths, reflecting the universal values of brotherhood and compassion taught by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
As devotees light lamps, sing hymns, and share meals, Guru Nanak Jayanti serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of faith, service, and equality in building a better world.
