Guru Nanak Jayanti (PC- Freepik)

Schools and educational institutions across several Indian states will remain closed on November 5, 2025, to mark Guru Nanak Jayanti, one of the most significant festivals in the Sikh calendar. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.However, the holiday observance varies considerably across different states, with some declaring a full closure whilst others continue regular operations. Students and parents are advised to check with their respective state education departments and school administrations for confirmation of holiday schedules in their regions.States observing school holidays on November 5Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh have declared November 5 as a public holiday for schools and government offices. Being the spiritual heartland of Sikhism, Punjab observes this day with particular reverence, and all educational institutions remain shut. Haryana follows suit with complete closure of schools across the state.Delhi has also announced a holiday for schools on this occasion. The national capital’s large Sikh population celebrates the day with considerable fervour, particularly at prominent gurudwaras like Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib.Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have declared holidays for educational institutions. These northern states, sharing cultural ties with Punjab, observe the festival with traditional enthusiasm.States where schools remain openSeveral states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal have not declared November 5 as a school holiday. Educational institutions in these regions will function normally, though some schools may organise special assemblies or cultural programmes to acknowledge the significance of the day.Uttar Pradesh has left the decision to individual district administrations and school managements. Some areas with significant Sikh populations may observe a holiday whilst others continue regular classes.Significance of Guru Nanak JayantiGuru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurupurab, falls on the full moon day of Kartik month according to the lunar calendar. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Nankana Sahib, now in Pakistan. His teachings emphasise equality, compassion, and devotion to one God.Celebrations typically begin before dawn with Prabhat Pheris, where devotees sing hymns whilst walking through neighbourhoods. Gurudwaras organise Akhand Path, a continuous 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, concluding on the day of Gurupurab. Community kitchens serve langar, free meals to all visitors regardless of religion or background.The festival transcends religious boundaries, with people from various faiths participating in the celebrations and visiting gurudwaras to seek blessings and partake in the community feast.