India will observe Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartik Purnima on Nov 5, 2025.
India will observe Guru Nanak Jayanti aka Gurupurab and Kartik Purnima on November 5, 2025. The day marks one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar and is celebrated with deep devotion, prayers, and grand processions across the country.
On the occasion of Guru Purab, banks will remain closed in several states, as per the Reserve Bank of India’s official holiday schedule. With multiple branch closures expected, customers are advised to plan their banking activities accordingly.
Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Gurpurab, will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. The festival falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banks in the following states will remain closed on November 5, 2025, for Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartik Purnima:
Although bank branches will be shut, services such as online banking, mobile banking, ATMs, and UPI will continue to function normally. Customers can perform fund transfers, bill payments, and other essential transactions digitally. However, branch-dependent services like cash deposits, cheque clearances, and demand drafts will remain unavailable.
Guru Purab holds immense spiritual and cultural significance for Sikhs around the world. It marks the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who dedicated his life to spreading messages of equality, selfless service, truth, and devotion to one God. His teachings laid the foundation of Sikhism, a faith built on unity, compassion, and justice for all.
The celebration begins with the Akhand Path—a 48-hour continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib in gurdwaras. This is followed by Nagar Kirtans, where devotees take part in colourful processions led by the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), singing hymns and showcasing martial arts displays.
Gurdwaras are illuminated with lights, and Langars (community meals) are organised to serve free food to everyone, symbolising equality and brotherhood. The day reminds followers to practice humility, compassion, and service to humanity, values that Guru Nanak Dev Ji championed throughout his life.
