Sikh Festivals 2026 - Date-Wise Detailed Guide

 

Welcome to your ultimate guide to Sikh Festivals 2026! Whether you’re planning religious observances, community events, or personal celebrations, this article has everything you need — with dates, significance, and what each festival is about. Sikh festivals in 2026 are celebrated according to the Nanakshahi Calendar, which brings uniform dates for most Gurpurabs, Jayantis, and historical observances worldwide.

Why Sikh Festivals Matter in 2026

Sikh festivals are deeply rooted in history and spirituality. They honour the Gurus of Sikhism, their teachings, sacrifices, and milestones that shaped the faith. In 2026, major Sikh observances include Lohri, Hola Mohalla, Baisakhi, Gurpurabs, Jayantis, and Guru Nanak Jayanti. These days bring communities together for kirtan (devotional singing), langar (community kitchen), prayers, and service (seva).

January 2026

  • 13 January 2026 — Lohri
    The vibrant harvest festival marking the end of winter with bonfires and songs. Lohri is celebrated with community gatherings and gratitude for nature’s bounty.

  • 31 January 2026 — Guru Har Rai Jayanti
    Commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, the seventh Sikh Guru.

March 2026

  • 4 March 2026 — Hola Mohalla Begins
    A unique Sikh festival started by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, featuring martial arts demonstrations, poetry, and processions.

  • 6 March 2026 — Hola Mohalla Ends
    The three-day celebration concludes with ceremonial displays, community worship, and kirtan.

  • 17 March — Guru Har Rai Gur Gaddi
    Marks the day Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji assumed Guruship.

  • 19 March — Guru Amar Das Gur Gaddi
    Commemorates when Guru Amar Das Ji became the third Guru.

  • 22 March — Guru Angad Dev Jyoti Jot
    Observes the passing (Jyoti Jot) of Guru Angad Dev Ji.

  • 23 March — Guru Hargobind Singh Jyoti Jot
    Marks the day Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji merged with the Divine.

April 2026

  • 1 April — Guru Har Krishan & Guru Tegh Bahadur Gur Gaddi
    Dual observances marking historical transitions in Sikh history.

  • 7 April — Guru Tegh Bahadur Jayanti
    Birth anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

  • 9 April — Guru Arjan Dev Jayanti
    Celebrates the birth of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru and compiler of the Adi Granth.

  • 14 April — Baisakhi (Vaisakhi)
    One of the most important Sikh festivals, Baisakhi marks the Sikh New Year and the formation of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

  • 18 & 30 April — Guru Angad Dev and Guru Amar Das Jayantis
    Birth anniversaries of pivotal Sikh Gurus celebrated with prayers and community service.

May – June 2026

  • 10 May — Guru Hargobind Singh Gur Gaddi
    Marks when Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji assumed Guruship.

  • 18 June — Guru Arjan Dev Jyoti Jot
    Commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

August – September 2026

  • 7 August — Guru Har Krishan Jayanti
    Celebrates the birth anniversary of the eighth Sikh Guru.

  • September Dates – Gurpurabs & Jayantis
    A series of observances honouring Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji, and more.

October – November 2026

  • 5 October — Guru Nanak Dev Jyoti Jot
    Marks the passing of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.

  • 24 November — Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti (Gurpurab)
    One of the most widely celebrated Sikh festivals, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji with kirtan, nagar kirtans (processions), and langar.

Other Observances in 2026

🪔 Bandi Chhor Divas (8 November 2026)

Also known as the “Day of Liberation”, Bandi Chhor Divas commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and 52 princes from incarceration. It often coincides with Diwali celebrations and is observed with lights, prayers, and community events.

Sikh Festivals in 2026 (Table Format)

MonthDate (2026)Sikh Festival / ObservanceSignificance (Short)
January5 JanParkash Gurpurab – Guru Gobind Singh JiBirth of 10th Guru & founder of Khalsa
13 JanMaghi (Lohri)Martyrdom of Chali Mukte
23 JanBasant PanchamiSeasonal spring festival
27 JanBirthday of Baba Deep Singh JiSikh martyr & warrior
31 JanParkash Gurpurab – Guru Har Rai Ji7th Sikh Guru’s birth
February——No major Sikh Gurpurab
March4–6 MarHola MohallaSikh martial & spiritual festival
17 MarGurgaddi – Guru Har Rai JiGuruship anniversary
19 MarGurgaddi – Guru Amar Das JiGuruship anniversary
22 MarJoti Jot – Guru Angad Dev JiPassing of 2nd Guru
23 MarJoti Jot – Guru Hargobind JiPassing of 6th Guru
April13 AprJallianwala Bagh ShaheediMartyrdom remembrance
14 AprVaisakhiBirth of Khalsa & Sikh New Year
18 AprParkash Gurpurab – Guru Angad Dev JiBirth of 2nd Guru
18 AprParkash Gurpurab – Guru Tegh Bahadur JiBirth of 9th Guru
May1 MayParkash Gurpurab – Guru Amar Das JiBirth of 3rd Guru
15 MayGurgaddi – Guru Hargobind JiMiri–Piri doctrine
30 MayShaheedi – Guru Arjan Dev JiFirst Sikh martyr
June16 JunShaheedi – Guru Arjan Dev JiMartyrdom remembrance
19 JunParkash Gurpurab – Guru Hargobind JiBirth of 6th Guru
July7 JulParkash Gurpurab – Guru Har Krishan JiChild Guru & seva
14 JulSangrand (Sawan begins)New Nanakshahi month
August16 AugSangrand (Bhadon begins)New Nanakshahi month
25 AugGurgaddi – Guru Arjan Dev JiGuruship anniversary
28 AugParkash Gurpurab – Guru Granth Sahib JiEternal Sikh Guru
September1 SeptParkash – Guru Granth Sahib JiInstallation of scripture
6 SeptGurgaddi – Guru Granth Sahib JiEnd of human Gurus
7 SeptJoti Jot – Guru Amar Das JiPassing of 3rd Guru
15 SeptSangrand (Assu begins)New Nanakshahi month
October8 OctParkash Gurpurab – Guru Ram Das JiFounder of Amritsar
15 OctSangrand (Katak begins)New Nanakshahi month
24 OctJoti Jot – Guru Ram Das JiPassing of 4th Guru
November7 NovJoti Jot – Guru Nanak Dev JiEternal Guru’s light
14 NovSangrand (Maghar begins)New Nanakshahi month
23 NovParkash Gurpurab – Guru Nanak Dev JiFounder of Sikhism
December14 DecShaheedi – Guru Tegh Bahadur JiMartyrdom for faith
15 DecSangrand (Poh begins)New Nanakshahi month
21 DecShaheedi – Sahibzada Ajit & Jujhar SinghBattle of Chamkaur
26 DecShaheedi – Sahibzada Zorawar & Fateh SinghFatehgarh Sahib ji

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