Guru Nanak Gurpurab, also called Guru Nanak Jayanti, falls on Wednesday, November 5th this year and celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Guru (teacher) of Sikhism. This Gurpurab, meaning Guru’s birthday, is one of the most auspicious dates for Sikhs, as the teachings of Guru Nanak form the basis of the cardinal Sikh religious text, the Guru Granth Sahib. Each year, Sikhs around the world observe Guru Nanak Gurpurab by praying in gurudwaras, gathering for kirtan (storytelling chants), and providing langar, or free community meals, to those in need. It is traditional to cover one’s hair at these celebrations. You may wish someone a happy Gurpurab, or offer good wishes for the holiday.
"This momentous occasion is celebrated at Gurudwaras, homes, and parades known as Nagar Kiratns by singing hymns, enjoying food with the community, and displaying bright lights. Sikhs take this time to reflect and act on Guru Ji's message of Kirat Karni, earning an honest living through hard work; Vand Chakna, sharing your wealth and knowledge with others; and Naam Japna, meditating on God's name. This festival marks the advent of the Sikh faith and the emergence of a source of Divine Light on earth, symbolizing hope for a prosperous future."
UW-Madison student
Religious Observances Policy & Guidance
Existing religious observances academic policy note that:
- Instructors should announce early in the semester that your students must notify you within the first two weeks of class of the specific days or dates on which they request relief.
- Including this information on your course syllabus is encouraged, to make sure your students are informed of the policy.
- Make‑ups may be scheduled before or after the regularly scheduled requirements.
- It is understood that instructors may set reasonable limits on the total number of days claimed by any one student.
- Occasionally, students may not fully understand the necessity for prior notice, and under these circumstances we urge you to be as flexible as possible. Our policy seeks to be sensitive to the needs of individual students.
Religious Observances Guidelines
With those policies in mind, instructors should follow these guidelines:
- Proactively plan ahead to avoid conflicts between examinations or major course activities and religious observances, when possible.
- A non-exhaustive list of cultural, religious, and ethinc holidays is provided by the Office of the Secretary of the Faculty. Additional observances may exist that are not included on this list.
- You can also add religious observances to your Outlook calendar.
- Communicate with your students early (e.g., mention in your course syllabi and class announcements), and highlight the shared responsibility – students are responsible for notifying instructors within the first two weeks of classes of the date(s) on which they request relief due to a religious observance.
- Accept students’ requests at face value.
- Be prepared to offer students alternative pathways to fulfill course requirements (including class attendance) in cases where conflicts can’t be avoided.
- Instructors received this memo at the start of the academic year regarding religious observances.
Students can use this template to connect with professors to request flexibility on classwork or evening exams.