Punjab District Announces 3 Day School Holidays. The District Education Authority (DEA) Nankana Sahib has officially announced a three-day holiday for all government and private schools to celebrate the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
According to an official notification issued on November 1, 2025, schools across the city will remain closed from November 4 to November 6, 2025.
This annual decision honors one of the most sacred events in the Sikh calendar, which draws thousands of devotees from around the world to Nankana Sahib — the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Holiday Details
| Event | 556th Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji |
|---|---|
| District | Nankana Sahib, Punjab |
| Announced By | Chief Executive Officer (DEA) Nankana Sahib |
| Date of Notification | November 1, 2025 |
| Holidays Period | November 4 – November 6, 2025 |
| Applies To | All government and private schools within Nankana City |
| Universities Included | Baba Guru Nanak University (Nankana Sahib) |
| Reason | Religious celebrations and public safety arrangements |
The notification clearly states that all educational institutions within Nankana City, including both public and private schools, will remain closed during the celebration period to ensure smooth management and security for visiting pilgrims.
List of Affected Institutions
According to the official order, the following institutions will observe the three-day break:
- Guru Nanak Higher Secondary School
- MC Girls High School
- Girls High School (Fatima Jinnah)
- Primary School, Canada Colony
- Primary School, Purani Abadi
- Primary School, Shaheed Kot
- Government Model School and various private academies
In total, 24 government schools and several private institutions are included in the holiday order.
Baba Guru Nanak University Also Closed
The announcement also applies to Baba Guru Nanak University, which will suspend classes from November 3 to November 6, 2025.
Authorities explained that the extended closure allows for better visitor management, as thousands of devotees are expected to arrive in Nankana Sahib during this sacred week.
The university grounds will be used for pilgrim services, parking, and security checkpoints, ensuring public safety and smooth traffic flow.
Purpose of the Holidays
The three-day closure aims to:
- Honor the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji
- Manage the expected influx of pilgrims in the city
- Ensure student and public safety through crowd control
- Allow teachers and administrators to support event management
- Maintain peace and order during religious activities
The DEA Nankana Sahib emphasized that educational activities will resume on November 7, 2025, and schools should adjust their academic calendars accordingly.
District Administration’s Preparation
To accommodate the huge number of visitors, the district administration has finalized detailed security and logistical plans.
Arrangements Include:
- Deployment of police and Rangers for public safety
- Traffic control plans near Gurdwara Janam Asthan
- Medical camps and emergency response units
- Sanitation teams for cleanliness around event sites
- Temporary shelters and facilities for international pilgrims
The local authorities are working closely with the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to coordinate the celebrations.
Arrival of International Pilgrims
Every year, Nankana Sahib welcomes thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across the world to pay homage at Gurdwara Janam Asthan.
In 2025, more than 2,100 Indian devotees have been granted visas by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi under the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines.
Pilgrims from the UK, Canada, Malaysia, and the US are also expected to join the celebrations. The district administration has arranged special transport routes and security zones to ensure safe travel for foreign visitors.
Ensuring Compliance
The District Education Officer and monitoring teams have been instructed to strictly enforce the holiday orders in both public and private institutions.
Schools that fail to comply with the official directive could face administrative action.
Authorities have also requested parents and students to verify the holiday schedule before planning travel or school activities.
Public Reaction
The announcement has been welcomed by teachers, students, and the local Sikh community.
Many educators appreciated the decision as a way to honor Punjab’s religious diversity and support community celebrations. Parents also expressed relief that the district administration is prioritizing student safety amid large public gatherings.
Local residents believe that the move will also help reduce traffic congestion and maintain peace throughout the festival period.
Cultural Significance of the Event
Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469 – 1539) is the founder of Sikhism and one of the most revered spiritual leaders in South Asia. His birthplace, Nankana Sahib, holds immense religious importance for Sikhs worldwide.
Each year, the district hosts the Guru Nanak Gurpurab Festival, which includes:
- Religious ceremonies and kirtan sessions
- Community meals (langar) for pilgrims
- Peace marches and devotional music performances
- Lighting decorations and prayers at Gurdwaras
The three-day holiday not only honors Guru Nanak’s teachings of peace, equality, and humanity but also strengthens Punjab’s commitment to religious harmony.
Conclusion
The three-day school holiday in Nankana Sahib reflects Punjab’s deep respect for Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji and its commitment to promoting peace and religious tolerance. With comprehensive security and logistical arrangements in place, the district is prepared to welcome thousands of pilgrims from around the globe.
