Schools and educational institutions across several Indian states are set to close their doors on November 5, 2025, in observance of Guru Nanak Jayanti, one of the most revered festivals in the Sikh calendar. This day marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the esteemed founder of Sikhism and the first of its ten Gurus.
However, the holiday schedule isn’t uniform nationwide. While some states have declared a full day off, others will continue with regular school operations. Parents and students are strongly advised to consult their respective state education departments and local school administrations to confirm the exact holiday status in their area.
States Observing School Holidays on November 5:
Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh have officially declared November 5, 2025, as a public holiday for both schools and government offices. Given Punjab’s central role as the spiritual home of Sikhism, the day is observed with deep respect, ensuring all educational institutions are closed. Haryana mirrors this with a complete closure of schools.
Delhi has also announced a school holiday. The capital city, home to a significant Sikh population, celebrates Guru Nanak Jayanti with great enthusiasm, particularly at iconic gurudwaras like Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib.
Further north, both Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh will see their educational institutions closed. These states, which share strong cultural ties with Punjab, join in the traditional festivities with fervor.
States Where Schools Remain Open:
Conversely, states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal have not declared November 5, 2025, as a school holiday. Educational institutions in these regions will operate as usual, though some schools might organize special assemblies or cultural programs to acknowledge the significance of the day.
In Uttar Pradesh, the decision to observe a holiday rests with individual district administrations and school managements. This means some areas with substantial Sikh communities might opt for a holiday, while others will proceed with regular classes.
The Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti:
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also widely known as Gurupurab, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Kartik month, according to the lunar calendar. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Nankana Sahib, a place now located in Pakistan. His profound teachings advocate for universal equality, deep compassion, and unwavering devotion to one God.
The festivities typically commence before dawn with “Prabhat Pheris,” where devotees walk through neighborhoods, singing sacred hymns. Gurudwaras host “Akhand Path,” a continuous 48-hour recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, which culminates on Gurupurab itself. A cornerstone of the celebration is “langar,” a community kitchen that serves free meals to all visitors, embodying the principle of selfless service and equality, regardless of their religious or socioeconomic background.
This vibrant festival beautifully transcends religious barriers, inviting people from diverse faiths to participate in the celebrations, visit gurudwaras, seek blessings, and share in the communal feast.