When it comes to celebrating Guru Nanak Jayanti on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, there is no place quite like Amritsar. The city, home to the magnificent Golden Temple, glows with a unique blend of devotion and celebration. The air fills with kirtan, the fragrance of langar, and the energy of thousands of pilgrims. If you’re planning a trip to Amritsar for this sacred festival, here are the top activities to experience the city's spiritual heart.
Start Your Day with the Prabhat Pheri
Begin your morning by joining the Prabhat Pheri, a peaceful dawn procession where devotees walk through the streets singing hymns and shabads. The sound of drums and chants fills the air, creating a moving start to the day. It’s a beautiful way to witness faith in motion, ordinary people coming together in joy and prayer as the city slowly wakes up. If you’re an early riser, catching the sunrise over the Golden Temple during the Prabhat Pheri is nothing short of magical.
Watch the Golden Temple Shine in All Its Glory
No image defines Guru Nanak Jayanti in Amritsar quite like the Golden Temple bathed in lights. As dusk falls, the temple complex transforms into a golden glow reflected in the calm waters of the sarovar (sacred pool). The sky lights up with fireworks, and the entire area resonates with the soulful sounds of kirtan.
It’s one of those rare experiences where spirituality and spectacle blend seamlessly, a sight that leaves even first-time visitors spellbound.
Be a Part of the Langar - The World’s Largest Community Meal
At the heart of Sikhism lies seva (selfless service), and nowhere is it more visible than in the langar at the Golden Temple. On Guru Nanak Jayanti, the community kitchen operates on an even grander scale serving thousands of meals to everyone, regardless of religion, caste, or background.
You can sit cross-legged with hundreds of others to enjoy a simple meal of dal, roti, and kheer or volunteer to help in the kitchen, rolling chapatis or serving food. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
Don’t Miss the Gatka Performances
If you think the celebrations are all about quiet prayers, wait until you see a Gatka performance. Gatka, the traditional Sikh martial art, is performed by young men and women who display incredible skill with swords, sticks, and shields all choreographed to rhythmic beats.
These performances usually take place in the open areas around the Golden Temple or nearby gurudwaras. It’s a reminder that Sikhism is as much about courage and discipline as it is about faith and compassion.
Soak in the Melodious Kirtan and Evening Ardas
The kirtan (devotional music) that fills the Golden Temple during Guru Nanak Jayanti is deeply moving. The hymns, sung by trained ragis (devotional singers), echo through the marble halls and across the water, creating a sense of peace that words can’t quite describe.
Stay for the evening ardas (collective prayer) as lamps are lit and the temple glows under the night sky, it’s hard not to feel the calm and spiritual pull of this sacred space.
Explore Amritsar’s Vibrant Old City
The celebration doesn’t stop at the temple gates. The entire city of Amritsar dresses up for Guru Nanak Jayanti streets are decorated with lights, markets bustle with people, and food stalls serve festive treats. Walk through Hall Bazaar, one of the city’s oldest markets, to shop for phulkari dupattas, handmade souvenirs, and sweets like karah prasad and pinni. Don’t miss the legendary Amritsari kulcha served hot with chole and butter at local dhabas, the perfect break between your temple visits.
Visit Other Historic Gurudwaras in Amritsar
Apart from the Golden Temple, Amritsar is home to several historic gurudwaras that hold immense spiritual significance. Visit Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib, known for its nine-story tower offering panoramic city views, or Gurudwara Shaheed Ganj Sahib, built in memory of Sikh martyrs. Gurudwara Santokhsar Sahib and Gurudwara Ramsar Sahib are also worth visiting for their serene ambience and historical importance.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
Visiting Amritsar during Guru Nanak Jayanti is a magical experience, but it requires some planning.
Book Accommodation Months in Advance: Hotels and guesthouses get fully booked weeks, if not months, ahead of the festival. Book as early as possible.
Dress Modestly: When visiting the Golden Temple and other Gurdwaras, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Both men and women are required to cover their heads; scarves are available for free at the entrance, but carrying your own is a good idea.
Be Prepared for Large Crowds: The Golden Temple complex will be extremely crowded. Be patient, keep your valuables safe, and be mindful of your surroundings, especially with children or elderly companions.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to remove, as you will need to leave them at a designated counter before entering any Gurdwara.
How to Reach Amritsar
Nearest Airport
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ), located about 11 km from the Golden Temple, connects Amritsar to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore, as well as international destinations such as Dubai and London.
Nearest Railway Station
Amritsar Junction (ASR) is well-connected by daily trains from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Varanasi. The Shatabdi Express from Delhi is one of the most convenient options for travellers.By Road
Amritsar is accessible via well-maintained highways. You can take NH 3 from Delhi (around 450 km), passing through cities like Jalandhar and Ludhiana. Regular Volvo and Punjab Roadways buses also run from Chandigarh, Jammu, and Delhi.