The Light of Guru Nanak Jayanti and Dev Diwali Brightens 2025

Paromita Das

New Delhi, 5th  November: Every year, the spiritual heart of Bharat reverberates with the timeless message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, as devotees across the world celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti — a day that goes beyond mere ritual, embodying the principles of equality, compassion, and selfless service. Falling on November 5, 2025, this occasion marks the 556th birth anniversary of Sikhism’s founder, whose teachings continue to inspire millions to embrace humanity over hierarchy. Amidst this celebration, another radiant festival—Dev Diwali—also illuminates the spiritual landscape, reminding us of Bharat’s rich cultural tapestry where light symbolizes knowledge, divinity, and communal harmony.

The Spiritual Legacy of Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Guru Nanak Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav, commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1469 at Rai-Bhoi Ki Talwandi, present-day Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. His teachings challenged social stratification, ritualism, and division, preaching a powerful unity of “Ik Onkar” — the oneness of God and humanity. Sikhs begin celebrations two days in advance with the Akhand Path, a nonstop 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, followed by Nagarkirtan, a devotional procession adorned with hymns, traditional martial arts (Gatka), and festive fervor.​

The spiritual day starts at the auspicious Amrit Vela — pre-dawn hours considered ideal for meditation and prayer — with hymns and sacred discourse. The day culminates with the much-celebrated Langar Seva, an enduring symbol of Sikhism’s unique emphasis on equality and communal harmony. Langar is far more than a meal; it’s a revolutionary social institution where people from all walks sit together as equals, breaking caste and class barriers that have historically divided society.​

Langar Seva: The Heart of Sikh Egalitarianism

The tradition of Langar was crystallized by Guru Nanak Dev Ji when, as a young boy, he prioritized feeding the hungry over engaging in commerce, describing it as the “true business” that serves humanity. This ethos transformed the social fabric, advocating that no one should suffer hunger or discrimination. Today, Langar Seva is a daily ritual in gurdwaras worldwide, synchronizing spiritual discipline, community service (Seva), and symbolism of unity. Volunteers prepare and serve meals in the ‘Pangat’ line, signifying equality, humility, and collective responsibility.​

Beyond religious confines, Langar’s humanitarian spirit manifested profoundly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and natural calamities, where Sikh communities provided sustenance and relief transcending borders and faith. This global dimension renders Langar an emblematic bridge uniting diverse communities in shared humanity.

Guru Nanak Jayanti and Dev Diwali: Twin Lights of Spiritual Renewal

While Guru Nanak Jayanti commemorates the birth of a spiritual revolution grounded in social reform and unity, Dev Diwali — celebrated primarily in Varanasi and parts of North Bharat — marks the divine victory of light over darkness. Both festivals, though differing in origin, converge on meanings of illumination, hope, and renewal.​

Dev Diwali, celebrated with lamps (diyas) lining the ghats and sacred rivers illuminated in vibrance, celebrates gods and the triumph of dharma, evoking cultural and spiritual rejuvenation. Guru Nanak Jayanti exemplifies inner light — enlightenment through selfless service and compassion, guiding humanity towards an egalitarian society. Together, these celebrations enrich Bharat’s spiritual landscape, inviting reflection on light as an enduring metaphor for knowledge, love, and social harmony.

Timeless Teachings in a Modern World

In an era often marked by division and inequality, the relevance of Guru Nanak’s teachings resonates with undiminished vigor. His emphasis on unity transcends religious identity to touch on universal values. Langar’s endurance speaks volumes about how faith institutions can catalyze social change and foster community resilience.

As we commemorate Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025, it is imperative to remember that spirituality and social justice are intertwined. Modern society can draw lessons from the Guru’s vision to construct a more inclusive, equitable world — especially amid ongoing social tensions and economic disparities.

A Festival Beyond Celebration

Guru Nanak Jayanti is more than a historic remembrance; it is a call to action. The celebration of compassion through Langar and devotion through hymns renews commitment to living a life of humility, equality, and service. Complemented by festivals like Dev Diwali, which celebrate divine illumination, these occasions collectively inspire millions to seek light — both spiritual and social.

As November 5, 2025, dawns, the world pauses to reflect on Guru Nanak’s legacy — a legacy that beckons universal brotherhood, relentless service, and a collective pursuit of truth and love. In embracing these ideals, we honor the true spirit of Gurpurab and the luminous path that lies ahead.