Short backgrounds on observances across the faiths listed on this site.
Holiday names open the Holiday Calendar with dates for that observance.
Bandi Chhor Divas commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind and other captives from imprisonment, remembered at the same period as Diwali. Gurdwaras are lit, and the story of justice and freedom is retold. Many Sikhs observe it as a distinct Sikh day even when the civil date aligns with Diwali. Worship, kirtan, and langar are common. Local gurdwara calendars confirm programs for the day.
The martyrdom of Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, is remembered as a defining moment of sacrifice in Sikh history. Observances include kirtan, readings from the Guru Granth Sahib, and reflection on steadfastness under persecution. The day is fixed on many Nanakshahi-based civil calendars around mid-June. Gurdwaras may hold special assemblies. It is solemn rather than festive.
The birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, is marked with akhand path, kirtan, processions, and langar. His life is tied to the formation of the Khalsa and teachings of courage and equality. Many gurdwaras follow a fixed civil date in early January on Nanakshahi-based calendars. The day is festive and communal. Local gurdwara programs give exact times for assemblies.
The installation of the Guru Granth Sahib as eternal Guru is commemorated with akhand path, kirtan, and langar in gurdwaras. The scripture is central to Sikh worship and identity. The observance recalls Guru Gobind Singh’s enshrining of the Granth as living Guru. Dates are observed according to the Sikh calendar used by the community. Local gurdwaras announce programs.
Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Gurdwaras organize continuous scripture reading (akhand path), kirtan, processions, and langar. The emphasis is on his teachings of one God, equality, and honest living. The date follows the lunar calendar used for Sikh observances. It is among the most important Gurpurabs of the year.
Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival that follows Holi, best known for gatherings at Anandpur Sahib. It highlights the martial and disciplined traditions of the Khalsa with processions, displays, poetry, and community meals. The mood is energetic and communal. Dates follow the lunar calendar just after Holi. Gurdwaras publish local program schedules.
Maghi commemorates the forty liberated ones (Chaar Sahibzaade context and the martyrs of Muktsar) and is tied to the harvest season in the Punjab. Sikhs gather in gurdwaras for prayer, kirtan, and langar; large gatherings occur at sites linked to Guru Gobind Singh. It falls around mid-January on the civil calendar. The day blends remembrance of sacrifice with communal worship. Local gurdwaras announce programs for Maghi.
The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, is remembered with prayer, kirtan, and reflection on religious freedom and sacrifice. Gurdwaras hold special services and langar. The day is solemn and instructive for Sikh history. The civil date follows the community’s calendar of Gurpurabs and martyrdom anniversaries. Confirm local programs with the gurdwara.
Vaisakhi marks the Sikh New Year and commemorates the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh. Gurdwaras hold special services, processions (nagar kirtan), and community meals (langar). It is also a harvest festival in parts of the Punjab. The date is usually mid-April on the civil calendar. For Sikhs it is both a historical and a joyful communal celebration.
This holiday reference covers major observances across the faiths listed on this site. Local and regional customs can still differ. If something important to your community is missing, or a description needs a correction, please write to us at info@mysacredtimes.com.
