Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) 2026 falls on Tuesday, 24 November, the Kartik Purnima full moon. Pilgrims commonly travel by air to Amritsar for Sri Harmandir Sahib, to Patna for Takht Sri Patna Sahib, and to Nanded for Hazur Sahib. Book early, since Gurpurab week tends to be busy on these routes.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Gurpurab marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. Many families travel to historic gurdwaras for the occasion. This guide covers the date, the three airports pilgrims often use, and the rule on carrying a kirpan on a flight.
When is Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2026?
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 is on Tuesday, 24 November. It falls on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik. The weekday has been checked: 24 November 2026 is a Tuesday.
The date is listed on 24 November by Dekho Panchang (which uses Delhi as its reference city), and the Punjab Accountant General’s office lists Guru Nanak’s Birthday on 24 November, Tuesday, in its 2026 gazetted holidays table. A few foreign calendar sites show a different date, so rely on Indian sources. For the exact programme of prayers and processions, check with your local gurdwara or the committee that manages it.
Because Gurpurab is preceded by days of prayer and Nagar Kirtan processions, some pilgrims arrive a few days early. Plan your arrival with that in mind.
Which airport do you fly into for Amritsar?
Amritsar is served by Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ), operated by the Airports Authority of India. It is named after Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, who founded the city. The airport lies in Raja Sansi, roughly 11 km northwest of the city centre, and has scheduled passenger service.
Sri Harmandir Sahib, also called the Golden Temple, is in the old city. Allow time for road traffic from the airport, since it is busier around festivals. Which airlines fly to Amritsar from your city changes with the season, so check the live schedule on the booking page.
How do you reach Takht Sri Patna Sahib?
Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of the five Sikh Takhts, is in Patna, Bihar, and marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh. The nearest airport is Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PAT), run by the Airports Authority of India. It is about 5 km from the city centre, and has scheduled domestic flights. Its official name is sometimes written as Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport, so you may see either name.
Patna is also on the Chhath travel route the same month, so demand into Bihar is likely to be heavy through mid-November. If Gurpurab is your reason to travel, look at dates before and after the festival week for easier options.
What about Nanded and Hazur Sahib?
Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, also known as Hazur Sahib, is in Nanded, Maharashtra. The city is served by Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport (NDC), a domestic airport named after the tenth Guru. It has a smaller schedule than Amritsar or Patna, and service can change from season to season, so check which flights are currently operating before you plan around it.
If the direct flights do not suit your dates, a common approach is to fly to a larger airport in the region and continue by road or rail. Check the distance and travel time first, as this can add several hours.
Did you know? Airports are given a three-letter IATA code that is often not an obvious abbreviation of the name. Amritsar, for example, is ATQ. Check the code on your ticket carefully when comparing airports.
Can you carry a kirpan on a flight?
Yes, within limits, and only on domestic flights. In March 2022, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued an order stating that Sikh passengers may carry a religious kirpan on their person on domestic flights only. The kirpan should not exceed 9 inches in total length, and the blade should not exceed 6 inches.
Some points to keep in mind:
- The permission is for domestic flights. Do not assume it applies to international flights, including those operated by Indian airlines from India.
- Security officers at the airport check the kirpan against the size limit, so a kirpan above the limit may not be allowed through.
- Rules can be updated, and individual airports and airlines may ask for extra checks. Arrive early and keep to the size limit.
- If you are unsure about carrying a kirpan in checked baggage or on a connecting international sector, ask your airline before the day of travel.
Common Questions
What is the date of Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026?
Tuesday, 24 November 2026, on Kartik Purnima. Confirm programme details with your local gurdwara.
Which airport is closest to the Golden Temple?
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) in Amritsar, about 11 km northwest of the city centre.
Which airport serves Takht Sri Patna Sahib?
Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PAT) in Patna.
Is there an airport at Nanded?
Yes. Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport (NDC) serves Nanded, with a smaller schedule than the bigger airports. Check current flights before planning.
Can I carry a kirpan in cabin baggage?
BCAS allows Sikh passengers to carry a kirpan on their person on domestic flights, up to 9 inches in total length with a blade of up to 6 inches. It does not apply to international flights.
Is web check-in free?
No. Checking in is free on Indian airlines, on the web and at the airport.
Travelling for Gurpurab? Compare flights to Amritsar, Patna or Nanded on HappyFares with zero convenience fee on domestic bookings, set a price alert for your dates, or ask Meera, our AI assistant, to help you search.
Festival dates, flight schedules and security rules change; verify current details with the airline, BCAS, the airport or your gurdwara before you travel.
