Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti

Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti honours the medieval religious poet from North India, and is celebrated throughout the subcontinent. In 2026, Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti falls on Monday 29 June. The holiday will be on Friday 18 June in 2027. Kabir Das was born to Muslim parents but studied under a Hindu guru. Yet, he ultimately eluded classification as either a Muslim or a Hindu. He is said to have called himself both “son of Allah” and “son of Ram,” and legend has it both Muslims and Hindus came to claim his body for their respective funeral rites. But the fame of this Indian poet derives, of course, from his memorable poetic lines. His poems, sermons, and “one liners” are still remembered today during Kabir Jayanti and throughout the year. Kabir began as a weaver, and he later “wove words” into beautiful poetic tapestries. During celebrations of this holiday in India, which come in June or May on the Gregorian Calendar, Kabir Das’ poems and other words are recited, his teachings remembered, and his “mystical odes” sung by the masses. And although Kabir denounced temples, saying god did dwell in temples or in books like the Koran, the celebrations include temple events in his honour. In Varanasi, the town where Kabir was born, the celebrations are particularly intense. And at various other locations, there will be colorful parades called “Shobhayatras” that terminate at temples.