[11] Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born on Puranmashi of Kattak in 1469, according to the Vikram Samvat calendar[12] in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present Shekhupura District of Pakistan, now Nankana Sahib.

[14] The controversial Bhai Bala Janamsakhi claims Guru Nanak was born on the Full Moon (Pooranmashi) of the Indian Lunar Month Kartik.

[17] Other people and organizations would like to keep the traditional date by celebrating on the Full moon day, called Pooranmashi or Purnima, of the Lunar Month Kartik.

The sum of twelve lunar months falls short of a solar year by 11 days, 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 12 seconds.

Prabhat Pheris are early morning processions that begin at the Gurudwaras and proceed around the localities singing hymns.

Generally, two days before the birthday, Akhand Path (a forty-eight-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs) is held in the Gurdwaras.

There are brass bands playing different tunes and 'Gatka' teams display their swordsmanship through various martial arts and as mock battles using traditional weapons.

The idea behind the free communal lunch is that everyone, irrespective of gender, caste, class or creed,[26] should be offered food in the spirit of seva (service) and bhakti (devotion).

[27] Celebrating the auspicious day, the Punjab government has announced that it will install chairs dedicated to the great saint in 11 universities.