Sikh Festivals 2023 2024 | Samvat 555

Festivals 2024, 2025

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century in the region of Punjab, India, by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Sikhs celebrate various festivals throughout the year to commemorate important events and promote spiritual growth. Here are some significant Sikh festivals:

• Gurpurb (Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Birthday): Sikhs celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. It usually falls in November and is marked with processions, singing of hymns (kirtan), and reading of the Sikh scriptures.
• Vaisakhi: Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is a harvest festival and holds historical importance for Sikhs. It commemorates the formation of the Khalsa (the Sikh community of initiated Sikhs) in 1699. It is celebrated on April 13th with processions, Nagar Kirtans (street processions), and special prayers in Gurdwaras (Sikh temples).
• Bandi Chhor Divas: Bandi Chhor Divas, meaning "Day of Liberation," coincides with Diwali and holds great significance for Sikhs. It commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, and 52 other political prisoners from imprisonment in 1619. Sikhs celebrate this day with prayers, singing, and lighting of lamps.
• Hola Mohalla: Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival that takes place in Anandpur Sahib. It was initiated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. Hola Mohalla is characterized by martial arts displays, poetry competitions, and spiritual discourses.
• Gurpurb of Guru Gobind Singh Ji: Sikhs commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, on this day. It usually falls in January and is marked with processions, devotional singing, and special prayers.
• Maghi: Maghi is observed on the first day of the month of Magh in the Sikh calendar (around mid-January). It commemorates the martyrdom of the Forty Immortals (Chali Mukte) who sacrificed their lives while defending Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the Battle of Muktsar in 1705. Sikhs gather at Gurdwaras, take part in processions, and perform acts of charity.

These are some of the prominent Sikh festivals celebrated by the Sikh community worldwide. The exact dates of these festivals may vary slightly each year based on the Sikh calendar, which follows the lunar cycle.