Sikh Holy Days and Observances

First Parkash

September 1, 2024, First Parkash (opening ceremony) of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the main Sikh scripture, is observed on September 1. The Granth, or Adi Granth, is a collection of prayers and hymns. The fifth Sikh guru, Arjan Dev Ji, compiled words and verses from all the Sikh Gurus and other saints to create the Granth.

When Guru Arjan finished compiling the Granth’s 1,430 pages and 5,864 verses, he placed it in the new Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. He performed the first parkash there on 1 Bhadon Sudi, Samvat 1661 (August 30, 1604). The Adi Granth was a turning point for the Sikh faith, marking its separation from Hinduism and Islam.

Installation of the Guru Granth Sahib

October 20, 2024, After Arjan Dev installed the first edition of the Adi Granth in the Golden Temple in 1604, rivals later stole it. Gobind Singh—the 10th and last human Sikh Guru—took on the task of recreating the entire scripture. Guru Gobind dictated all verses he considered revealed, including verses written since the first edition, to a Sikh scholar. The project took almost five years and was completed in 1705.

On October 20, 1708, Guru Gobind gave his last sermon and conferred permanent gurudom on the second edition of the Granth. Since then, the book has become known as Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs view it as their perpetual living Guru and guide. Believers do not worship the scripture but treat it with reverence for its wisdom and spiritual teaching. They stand when the Guru Granth Sahib is brought into a room. In gurdwaras (houses of worship), Sikhs keep the scripture on a raised platform and open, read and close it ceremoniously.

Bandi Chhor Divas 

November 1, 2024, Bandi Chhor Divas (“Day of Liberation”) is a holiday that coincides with the Hindu festival of Diwali. Sikhs have historically celebrated Diwali and Vaisakhi with Hindus. In the late 20th century, Sikh religious leaders began calling the day Bandi Chhor Divas. In 2003, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the Sikh elected leaders, adopted the name along with the Nanakshahi calendar.

The holiday celebrates the release from prison of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh guru, in 1619. According to tradition, Emperor Jahangir agreed to release the Guru, who asked him also to free 52 Hindu kings imprisoned with him. The Emperor agreed but limited the number by releasing only those prisoners who held onto the Guru’s cloak tail. However, the Guru had a cloak made with 52 panels attached so each king could hold onto it and leave.

Guru Hargobind arrived in Amritsar a few days later on Diwali. In celebration, the Golden Temple and the entire city lit up with lamps and candles. Sikhs continue this tradition of lighting homes and temples on Bandi Chhor Divas. They also exchange gifts and feast with family and friends.

Guru Nanak Jayanti

November 15, 2024, This day celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder and first Guru of Sikhism. It is considered one of the most important Sikh holy days. Most Sikhs have traditionally celebrated Guru Nanak Jayanti in November, following the Nanakshahi calendar, However, some scholars believe it should be celebrated on Baisakhi Day, usually falling in April. (The Guru was born on Baisakhi Day, April 5, 1469, in what is now Punjab Province, Pakistan.

Two days before the festival, events begin that include Akhand Paath, a 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib at gurdwaras (temples). The next day, Sikhs visit the gurdwara to chant hymns and hold Nagar Kirtan. On the festival day, celebrations include readings, music, and assemblies. At langars, or community kitchens, volunteers serve food and a special sweet called karah prashad.

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

January 5, 2024, Sikhs honor the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th and last human Guru, on 23 Poh, or January 5. (Some regions observe it according to different calendars). Born in 1666 at Patna Sahib, India, he became Guru at age nine after the Mughal emperor executed his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Sikhs revere Guru Gobind as a devout spiritual leader who made major contributions to the faith’s ideology and writing. Believers also view him as a fearless protector of all people from oppression and injustice. He initiated the Khalsa community to stand against injustice and named the Adi Granth as the final, eternal Guru and spiritual authority of Sikhdom.

Sikhs celebrate the occasion with processions and singing, gathering at gurdwaras for prayer and spiritual discourse, and reciting poems and hymns. A langar (community meal) is also prepared for believers.

Maghi

January 13, 2024, Sikhs and Hindus, especially in India’s Punjab region, both observe the first day of the month of Magh. In Sikhism, Maghi honors the martyred Chali Mukte (40 Liberated Ones), killed as they resisted an attack on Guru Gobind Singh. The battle took place on 30 Poh (December 29), 1705 in Muktsar, Punjab. The fallen were cremated the next day, 1 Magh, which generally falls on January 14 or 15. Hindus across India and Nepal celebrate the event as a harvest festival, known by Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, and other names.

Maghi customs include recitals of the entire Guru Granth Sahib, bathing in holy water, charitable giving, and eating kheer (sweet rice porridge). The largest celebration takes place over three days in Muktsar. Believers bathe in the Sarovar (sacred pool) and visit shrines associated with the battle. On the third day, they walk together from the main shrine to the Tibbi Sahib gurdwara, sacred to Guru Gobind.