7 Lesser-Known Facts About Guru Nanak Jayanti 1. Guru Nanak Jayanti is also referred to as ‘Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav’ and ‘Guru Nanak Gurpurab.’ This auspicious day commemorates the birth of the first Sikh Guru – Guru Nanak. 2. Gurupurab translates to "festival of the Gurus." It is a highly revered day within the Sikh religion and is predominantly celebrated on a grand scale in Punjab and Haryana. 3. The upcoming Gurupurab, commemorating the birthday (jayanti) of Guru Nanak, one of the first 10 gurus and the founder of the Sikh faith, will be celebrated on November 6. 4. While the celebration marks the birth of Guru Nanak, he was actually born on April 15, 1469, in what is now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. 5. During this time, Gurudwaras are adorned, and worshippers recite hymns from Sikh scriptures. The festivities typically span about three days, featuring the waving of Sikh flags and the arrangement of a Palki for Guru Granth Sahib, alongside devotional singing. 6. Preceding the jubilations, many gurdwaras hold an Akhand Path, a continuous reading of the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib. Throughout this ritual, the entire 1430-page book is read without interruption, a practice that typically spans around 48 hours. 7. Additional festivities during Gurupurab encompass gatka (traditional martial arts), processions of the Guru Granth Sahib and the Sikh flag, known as the Nishan Sahib, along with the performance of kirtan and ardaas (Sikh prayer).