Sikh Holy Days

Installation of the Guru Granth Sahib – Sikh

Anniversary of the day in 1604 when the Granth Sahib, the sacred text of Sikhism, was formally adopted at the site in Amritsar that became the Golden Temple.

Diwali – Sikh/Hindu/Jain

Festival of Lights. Symbolizes the human urge to move toward the light. Celebrated with gift exchanges, fireworks, and festive meals.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day – Sikh

Sikh time of remembering the execution of Tegh Bahadur by the Moghul Emperor in India.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti – Sikh

Celebrates the birthday of Nanak, the first Sikh Guru who was born in 1469. Celebrated with sacred readings, prayers, hymns, and meals together.

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti – Sikh

Honors the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th and last human Guru.

Lohri (Maghi) – Sikh

Commemorates the heroic fight of the Chali Mukte (the Pure Ones), who laid down their lives warding off an attack by an imperial army marching in pursuit of Guru Gobind Singh.

Hola Mohalla – Sikh

Sikh festival that was instigated by Guru Gobind Singh, originally as a day of mock battles and poetry contests.

Vaisakhi – Sikh/Hindu

Festival honoring the founding of the Khalsa (the army of the Pure Ones) tradition, which was inaugurated in 1699 by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

April 13, 2024

Martyrdom of Guru Arjan – Sikh

Anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, in 1606 BCE. Guru Arjan compiled the first rendition of the holy book of Sikhism called Adi Granth.