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GurPurabs
Important anniversaries associated with the birth and death of the Gurus are refered to as Gurpurabs. These are usually marked at gurudwaras with Akhand Path (continuous cover to cover reading of Guru Granth Sahib ji - holy book) concluding on the specific day. There is also Kirtan ( musical recitation of hymns from Guru Granth Sahib ji). Some places also have Nagar kirtan, which is a procession with Guru Granth Sahib ji led by 5 Sikhs (Panj Piaras) carrying Nishan Sahibs (Sikh flag). Free sweets and langar (free kitchen) are also offered to the general public in Langar Hall in Gurudwaras. There are many Gurpurab celebrations but mentioning just few of them ::

  • First installation date of Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji
  • Birth of Guru Nanak Dev ji
  • Birth of Guru Gobind Singh ji
  • Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev ji
  • Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji
  • Martyrdom of Sahibzadas (Sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji)

Vaisakhi
This is one of the greatest day in Sikh history. This is the day when Khalsa came into existence. In 1699 thousands of Sikhs gathered in Anandpur Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh ji founded Khalsa by baptizing 5 brave Sikhs who were willing to give their life for the Guru. The Five Beloved ones in turn baptized Guru Gobind Singh ji into the Khalsa brotherhood. On this day sikhs visit Gurudwaras and lot of fairs are held. On this day 'Nishan Sahib' (Sikh flag) is replaced by a new one. The 'Chola' (Flag cloth) is replaced with new one. The ceremony is completed by the Ardas (Prayer).

Bandi Chhor Divas
On this day, in 1619, the Golden Temple was illuminated with many lights to welcome home and celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind ji from imprisonment, in Gwalior fort. Today also this day is celebrated. Lamps are lit outside the Gurudwaras.The main attraction is Golden Temple which is decorated with thousands of lights.

Maghi
Forty followers of Guru Gobind Singh ji who had previously deserted him, fought bravely against overwhelming Mughal army forces and were martyred in Muktsar. Guru Gobind Singh ji personally blessed them as having achieved mukti (liberation) and cremated them at Muktsar. On this day Sikhs visit Gurudwaras to commemorate the martyrdom of the forty immortals. The largest gathering happens at Muktsar where an annual fair is held.

Holla Mohalla
Holla Mohalla is a Sikh festival celebrated in the month of Phalguna, a day after holi. An annual festival is held at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab. This was started by Guru Gobind Singh ji as a gathering of Sikhs for military excercises and the mock battles. On this three day festival, mock battles are held followed by music and poetry competitions.

Sangrand
Every first day of the new month, as per Nanakshahi Calendar, is celebrated as Sangrand. The beginning of the new month is announced in Gurudwara by reading one portion of Bara Maha (hymns for Twelve months) from Guru Granth Sahib ji. This hymns were written by Guru Arjan Dev ji and is present in Guru Granth Sahib ji.