Within the Sikh tradition, the rhythm of the year is marked above all by Gurpurabs, the commemorative days associated with the ten Gurus. Especially central are the birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak, the founder of the faith, and Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, as well as the martyrdom days of Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur. These occasions recall not only historical events but also the spiritual qualities embodied by the Gurus: humility, courage, steadfastness, and devotion to the One. In this way, remembrance of the Gurus becomes a living form of devotion to God, for the Guru is regarded as the channel through which divine wisdom flows.

Alongside these Gurpurabs, certain historical commemorations hold a distinctive place. Vaisakhi, observed in mid-April, marks the formal founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh and thus symbolizes the crystallization of Sikh identity and discipline. Hola Mohalla, instituted by the same Guru, is a multi-day gathering that combines martial displays with spiritual discourse, expressing the ideal of the saint-soldier who unites contemplation with courageous action. Maghi, commemorating the sacrifice of the Forty Immortals, similarly points to the Sikh esteem for loyalty, sacrifice, and moral resolve in the face of adversity.

Another cluster of observances centers on liberation and spiritual sovereignty. Diwali, celebrated by Sikhs as Bandi Chhor Divas, recalls the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment along with many other captives, and thus becomes a meditation on freedom from both political and inner bondage. Gurta Gaddi celebrations, which mark the succession of Gurus, highlight the continuity of spiritual authority culminating in the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Guru. Through these observances, the community reflects on how divine guidance is preserved and transmitted across generations.

What unites all these festivals is not merely their historical content but the shared pattern of practice through which they are observed. Congregational worship, the continuous or extended reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, devotional singing, and the communal meal of langar draw the community together in a spirit of equality and service. Acts of seva, such as preparing food, serving others, or offering practical help, transform remembrance into concrete compassion. In this way, every major Sikh festival becomes a disciplined exercise in turning the heart toward the One God while simultaneously turning the hands toward the service of humanity.