Background Context – Sikh Calendar 2026
Unlike many religions, Sikhi does not observe “holidays” in the traditional sense. Sikh teachings emphasize that all time and space are equally sacred because the Divine is present everywhere. However, Sikhs commemorate important historical events through gatherings, prayer, reflection, and celebration.
Key Sikh observances include Gurpurabs, which mark the birth or martyrdom anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus. Other significant occasions are Vaisakhi, celebrating the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699; Hola Mohalla, showcasing Sikh martial traditions and community spirit; and Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji from imprisonment.
These celebrations are determined according to the Nanakshahi Calendar, the official Sikh solar calendar based on the birth year of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Since it differs slightly from the Gregorian calendar, the dates of some Sikh events may vary from year to year.
Month wise dates for Gurpurabs and historic events
| January 13 | Celebration | Foundation Stone of Sachkhand Sri Harimandir Sahib, Sri Amritsar (Golden Temple) | 01 Maagh |
| January 13 | Jor Mela | Sri Muktsar Sahib (Maaghi) | 01 Maagh |
| January 19 | Historical | Chabiyan Da Morcha, Sri Amritsar (Golden Temple) | 07 Maagh |
| January 23 | Historical | Marriage of Guru Gobind Singh/Mata Jito Ji (Guru Ka Lahore) | 10 Maagh |
| January 23 | Historical | Basant Panchmi | 10 Maagh |
| January 26 | Birthday | Baba Deep Singh Ji | 14 Maagh |
| January 31 | Prakash | Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji | 18 Maagh |
October 2026 (Assu 15th – Katak 15th )
Katak starts 17th Oct
Masya (new moon) – 10th Oct
Puranmaasi (full moon) – 26th Oct
| Oct 01 | Gurgaddi | Guru Angad Dev Ji | 15 Assu |
| Oct 05 | Joti Jot | Guru Nanak Dev Ji | 19 Assu |
| Oct 6-7 | Historical | Jorh Mela (Retirement) – Baba Budha Ji (Thatha) | 21-22 Assu |
| Oct 10 | Birth | Bhai Taru Singh Ji | 24 Assu |
| Oct 20 | Celebration | Darbar Khalsa (Dussehra) | 04 Katak |
| Oct 23 | Birth | Baba Budha Ji | 07 Katak |
| Oct 23 | Birth | Pyare Bhai Dharam Singh Ji | 07 Katak |
| Oct 23 | Historical | Passing of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia | 07 Katak |
| Oct 27 | Prakash | Guru Ram Das Ji | 11 Katak |
November 2026 (Katak 16th – Maghar 15th )
Maghar starts 16th Nov
Masya (new moon) – 09th Nov
Puranmaasi (full moon) – 24th Nov
| Date | Situation | Event | Sikh Date |
| Nov 03 | Gurgaddi | Guru HarKrishan Sahib Ji | 18 Katak |
| Nov 03 | Joti Jot | Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji | 18 Katak |
| Nov 03 | Birth | Mata Sahib Dev (Mother of Khalsa) | 18 Katak |
| Nov 08 | Celebration | Bandi Chhor Diwas (Diwali) | 23 Katak |
| Nov 11 | Gurgaddi | Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Nanded) | 26 Katak |
| Nov 14 | Joti Jot | Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji | 29 Katak |
| Nov 15 | Shaheedi | Baba Deep Singh Ji | 30 Katak |
| Nov 24 | Prakash | Guru Nanak Dev Ji | 09 Maghar |
| Nov 28 | Merging | Merging of Bhai Mardana Ji | 13 Maghar |
| Nov 30 | Birth | Sahibzada Baba Joravar Singh Ji | 15 Maghar |
December 2026 (Maghar16th – Poh16th )
Poh starts 16th Dec
Masya (new moon) – 08th Dec
Puranmaasi (full moon) – 23th Dec
| Date | Situation | Event | Sikh Date |
| Dec 12 | Gurgaddi | Guru Gobind Singh Ji | 27 Maghar |
| Dec 13 | Shaheedi | Bhai Dyala, Mati Das & Sati Das Ji | 28 Maghar |
| Dec 14 | Shaheedi | Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji | 29 Maghar |
| Dec 14 | Birth | Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji | 29 Maghar |
| Dec 14 | Gurgaddi | Panj Piare – Guru Khalsa at Chamkaur Sahib | 29 Maghar |
| Dec 21 | History | Leaving of Anandpur Sahib Fort | 06 Poh |
| Dec 22 | Merging | Splitting of Guru’s Family at Sirsa | 07 Poh |
| Dec 22 | Shaheedi | Bhai Jivan Singh (Bhai Jaita Ji) | 07 Poh |
| Dec 23 | Shaheedi | Sahibzada Baba Jujhar Singh Ji | 08 Poh |
| Dec 23 | Historical | Saka Chamkaur Sahib Ji | 08 Poh |
| Dec 24 | Shaheedi | Bhai Sangat Singh Ji | 09 Poh |
| Dec 28 | Shaheedi | Sahibzada Baba Jorawar Singh Ji | 13 Poh |
| Dec 28 | Shaheedi | Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji | 13 Poh |
| Dec 28 | Shaheedi | Mata Gujri Ji | 13 Poh |
January 2027 (Poh17th – Magh18th )
Magh starts 14th Jan
Masya (new moon) – 07th Jan
Puranmaasi (full moon) – 22th Jan