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Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is an auspicious day for Sikhs when the Sikh community celebrates the birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He was born on 22 December 1666 in Patna, Bihar. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is celebrated twice a year either in January or in December. This year, Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is celebrated on 17 January 2024 on Wednesday. Stay tuned to learn more about the 10th Sikh Guru!
Contents
- 1 When is Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti in 2026?
- 2 Why Do the Dates of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti in 2026 Differ?
- 3 About Guru Gobind Singh Ji
- 4 Significance of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
- 5 How Is Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Celebrated?
- 6 Teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
- 7 Contribution of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
- 8 FAQs
When is Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti in 2026?
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti in 2026 is observed on different dates due to calendar variations followed by Sikh communities and religious institutions. According to many widely referenced festival calendars, the Jayanti will be marked on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, commemorating the birth of the tenth Sikh Guru. However, some sources observe the occasion earlier, on Monday, 5 January 2026, based on a different calendar system.
Important Dates for Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2026
20 January 2026 (Tuesday): 20 January 2026 is considered the main observance date by several traditional and regional calendars.
5 January 2026 (Monday): The date is followed by institutions and groups that observe the Jayanti as per an alternative calendar calculation.
Why Do the Dates of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti in 2026 Differ?
The variation in dates occurs because Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is calculated using different Sikh calendar systems. While some follow traditional lunar-based calculations, others use the Nanakshahi calendar, which aims for greater consistency with the solar year. As a result, the Jayanti may appear on different Gregorian dates depending on the calendar followed.
About Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth and final Guru of the Sikh community, known for dedicating his life to protecting religious freedom and upholding justice. He was a poet, philosopher, and fearless leader who combined spiritual wisdom with courage on the battlefield. He was born on 16 December 1666 in Patna, into the Sodhi clan of a Punjabi Khatri family.
He was the son of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and Mata Gujri. In 1675, at just nine years of age, Guru Gobind Singh Ji assumed leadership of the Sikh community following the martyrdom of his father. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was executed on the orders of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for defending the right to religious belief. This early responsibility shaped Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s lifelong commitment to courage, equality, and faith.
Also Read: Guru Nanak Dev Ji: First Sikh Guru, His Life, and Teachings
Significance of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti holds deep spiritual and historical importance for the Sikh community. Guru Gobind Singh Ji is remembered as a symbol of courage, devotion, and unwavering commitment to righteousness. He devoted his life to protecting the Sikh faith and standing against injustice. His leadership was marked by resilience, as he fought numerous battles against the Mughal Empire and the rulers of the Siwalik Hills to safeguard religious freedom.
One of his most enduring contributions was the formation of the Khalsa, a collective of disciplined and courageous Sikhs committed to defending faith, equality, and justice. The Khalsa played a vital role in resisting oppression and preserving Sikh identity during periods of intense persecution.
A deeply moving chapter of his life was the Battle of Chamkaur, also known as the Second Battle of Chamkaur or the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib. This conflict was fought between the Khalsa forces and the Mughal army led by Wazir Khan. During this battle, Guru Gobind Singh Ji made immense personal sacrifices, losing his sons while remaining steadfast in his principles and faith.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji strongly opposed superstition and preached devotion to one supreme God. He established the discipline of the Five K’s, which remain central to Sikh identity: Kesh (uncut hair), Kanga (comb), Kara (iron bracelet), Kacchera (undergarment), and Kirpan (sword). These symbols represent faith, discipline, equality, and readiness to protect righteousness, and every initiated Sikh is expected to uphold them.
He also guided the Sikh community to recognise the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru, ending the line of human Gurus and ensuring spiritual continuity through scripture. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is observed to honour his sacrifices, teachings, and lasting contributions to Sikhism and humanity.
Also Read: Veer Bal Diwas
How Is Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Celebrated?
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is observed with deep devotion and respect, particularly in Punjab and other Sikh-populated regions. The day begins with prayers for peace, unity, and the well-being of humanity. Devotees visit gurdwaras to participate in religious gatherings and spiritual observances.
Special prayers and recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib are organised, along with the continuous reading of Gurbani. Gurdwaras also conduct sessions where devotees listen to and reflect on the poetic compositions of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, which emphasise courage, faith, and moral strength. As part of the celebrations, langar is served to all visitors, symbolising equality, selfless service, and community harmony. Acts of charity and helping those in need are also encouraged on this auspicious day.
Teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
The teachings of the tenth Sikh Guru continue to guide followers toward a disciplined and ethical life. His core teachings include:
- Always keep one’s promises and uphold truth in every situation.
- Avoid backbiting, jealousy, and negative speech about others.
- Work honestly to reduce dependence and live with self-respect.
- Memorise and reflect on Gurbani to strengthen spiritual awareness.
- Practice charity and share earnings with those in need.
These teachings remain central to Sikh values and are remembered and practised with devotion on Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti.
Contribution of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Guru Gobind Singh made lasting contributions that shaped Sikhism’s spiritual, literary, and institutional foundations. His work strengthened faith, discipline, and moral courage within the Sikh community. Some of his most remarkable contributions include:
- Composition of Jaap Sahib, a sacred hymn that praises the divine and is recited as part of Sikh daily prayers.
- Completion and formal recognition of the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru, ensuring spiritual continuity for Sikhs.
- Authorship of the Dasam Granth, a collection of writings that reflect themes of bravery, righteousness, and devotion.
- Establishment of the Khalsa Panth in 1699, which unified Sikhs under a disciplined order committed to justice and equality.
- Composition of Chandi Charitar, highlighting courage and the triumph of good over evil.
- Writing of the Zafarnamah in 1705, a powerful letter addressed to Aurangzeb, asserting moral truth and condemning injustice.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is more than a commemorative occasion. It is a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s life and teachings continue to inspire people to stand for truth, reject injustice, and live with dignity and discipline. His contributions to Sikhism, including the formation of the Khalsa and the guidance of the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru, have left a lasting spiritual and moral legacy. Observing this Jayanti encourages reflection on his values and reinforces the importance of faith, unity, and selfless service in everyday life.
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FAQs
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is celebrated twice a year because his birthday is calculated as per the Hindu Bikrami calendar based on the lunar calendar. It usually falls either in December or in January.
Guru Gobind Jayanti is not a national holiday, but it is a restricted holiday.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born on 22 December 1666 in Patna, Bihar. But his birthday is celebrated twice a year because as per the Gregorian calendar, his birthday falls either in December or in January.
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