Gurpurabs & Holy Days
The sacred days of the Sikh year. Each card opens its date, significance, history, what is done on the day, and why it is kept.
Most dates follow the Nanakshahi calendar; a few follow the lunar Bikramī reckoning and shift each year (noted on the card). Confirm the exact date locally each year.
The birth of Guru Nānak Dev Ji (1469), founder of the Sikh path.
The birth of the tenth Guru (1666), founder of the Khālsā.
The founding of the Khālsā by Guru Gobind Siṅgh at Anandpur in 1699.
The release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment at Gwalior Fort.
A festival of martial spirit and unity established by Guru Gobind Siṅgh.
Remembers the Chālī Mukte, the Forty Liberated Ones.
The martyrdom of the fifth Guru (1606), the first Sikh martyr.
The martyrdom of the ninth Guru (1675), 'Hind dī Chādar' — the shield of conscience.
The martyrdom of the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Siṅgh, aged nine and seven.
The day the Gurū Granth Sāhib became the eternal Guru of the Sikhs (1708).