Punjab’s Nankana Sahib Announces Three-Day School Holidays for Baba Guru Nanak’s 556th Birth Anniversary

The District Education Authority (DEA) Nankana Sahib has announced a three-day closure of all public and private schools in the city from November 4 to November 6, 2025, to mark the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The holidays coincide with one of the most significant annual religious events in Pakistan’s Punjab province, drawing thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across the world.

Official Notification Issued by District Education Authority

According to an official notification issued by the Chief Executive Officer (DEA) Nankana Sahib) on November 1, 2025, the three-day holidays will apply to 24 government schools and all private institutions operating within the city limits. The purpose of the closure is to facilitate pilgrims, ensure smooth management of religious activities, and maintain law and order during the celebrations.

The notification lists several institutions that fall under the closure order, including Guru Nanak Higher Secondary School, MC Girls High School, Fatima Jinnah Girls High School, and a number of primary schools in Canada Colony, Purani Abadi, and Shaheed Kot areas. These schools will remain closed for regular classes throughout the designated period.

In addition to the schools, Baba Guru Nanak University will also suspend academic activities from November 3 to November 6, to accommodate visitors and ensure that transportation routes remain open for the thousands of devotees expected to attend the religious gatherings.

Purpose Behind the Holiday Announcement

Officials stated that the decision aims to provide a peaceful environment for the pilgrims and local communities as Nankana Sahib prepares to host large-scale events and religious rituals. Each year, the city becomes the focal point for the global Sikh community, with processions, kirtans (hymn-singing), and prayers held at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak.

The DEA’s notification emphasizes that the closure is a precautionary and facilitative measure, not a response to any security threat. “All educational institutions are directed to comply strictly with the order and ensure that premises remain closed during the announced holidays,” the statement reads. The District Education Officer has been instructed to monitor compliance and report back to the authority.

Massive Influx of Pilgrims Expected

Nankana Sahib is preparing to welcome thousands of Sikh pilgrims from within Pakistan and abroad. According to official data, over 2,100 Sikh devotees from India have already been issued visas by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi under the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines (1974).

Pilgrims from the United Kingdom, Canada, Malaysia, and the United States are also expected to attend the festivities, which will include religious processions, langar (community meals), and prayer gatherings at various gurdwaras across the district. Local authorities have been working round the clock to ensure a safe, welcoming, and organized environment for all visitors.

Security and Logistical Arrangements Finalized

The District Administration of Nankana Sahib, in coordination with the Punjab Police and other law enforcement agencies, has finalized comprehensive security plans for the celebrations. Multiple checkpoints, CCTV monitoring systems, and special traffic management plans have been established to handle the large crowds and ensure smooth movement across the city.

According to the District Police Officer (DPO) Nankana Sahib, special security units will be deployed around Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Baba Guru Nanak University, and other key venues. Medical camps, water supply points, and emergency response units have also been set up to assist visitors.

Local volunteers, in collaboration with the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), will provide guidance to pilgrims arriving from various parts of Pakistan and abroad. The ETPB, which manages Sikh shrines in Pakistan, has also arranged special accommodation and transportation facilities for the guests.

Historical Significance of Baba Guru Nanak’s Birth Anniversary

Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, born in 1469 in Nankana Sahib (then known as Rai-Bhoi-Di-Talwandi), is the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His teachings of peace, equality, compassion, and unity continue to inspire millions around the world. The city of Nankana Sahib holds deep spiritual significance for Sikhs and remains a major center of pilgrimage throughout the year.

The birth anniversary celebrations, known as Guru Nanak Gurpurab, are observed with great devotion and reverence. This year’s event marks the 556th anniversary of his birth, making it one of the largest gatherings in recent years. The celebrations typically span several days, featuring akhand path (continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib), religious discourses, and community meals that emphasize the Guru’s message of selfless service.

Public Response and Community Cooperation

The announcement of school holidays has been widely welcomed by local residents and educationists, who view it as a positive step toward supporting interfaith harmony and accommodating pilgrims. Parents also appreciated the government’s decision, citing safety, security, and accessibility issues during the festival days.

Local shopkeepers, hotel owners, and transporters expect increased economic activity during the celebration period as thousands of visitors contribute to the local economy. Civic bodies have been instructed to maintain cleanliness, manage traffic, and ensure an uninterrupted water and electricity supply throughout the event.

The three-day closure of schools and colleges in Nankana Sahib underscores the district administration’s commitment to facilitating one of the most revered religious festivals in Pakistan. With comprehensive security arrangements, coordinated planning, and active community participation, the city is fully prepared to host the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji in a peaceful and orderly manner.

The celebrations not only highlight Pakistan’s rich tradition of religious coexistence and respect for minority faiths but also reaffirm Nankana Sahib’s enduring significance as a global symbol of peace, tolerance, and devotion.