Major Festivals and Observances in November 2025: From Guru Nanak Jayanti to Thanksgiving

As the stage is set for the end of the year, the holiday cheer is still very much alive in November 2025. After the vibrant and cheerful days of Diwali, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath Puja in October, the November calendar is full of spiritual devotion, cultural celebrations, and global events, starting from Guru Nanak Jayanti to Thanksgiving.

The month kicks off with All Saints’ Day and wraps up with St Andrew’s Day, presenting a wonderful combination of faith, thankfulness, and unity. Below is a list of the main festivals and observances that will take place in November 2025:

🕯️ November 1 – All Saints’ Day

November 1 is the day set aside each year for the feast of All Saints, which celebrates the saints, both known and unknown, who have made it to heaven. It is part of Allhallowtide, a three-day period that includes Halloween (October 31) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). On this day, among other things, families light candles and pray for the souls of the deceased.

🌿 November 2 – Tulsi Vivah

Tulsi Vivah is the day set aside for the symbolic marriage of the holy Tulsi plant to Lord Vishnu in his Shaligram form. It is done on the Dwadashi tithi (the twelfth day of the lunar month) and the devotees treat Tulsi and Shaligram as bride and groom and do the ceremonies with utmost devotion. Fasting and prayers are common throughout the day.

🌕 November 5 – Kartika Purnima

The full moon day of Kartik month is Kartika Purnima, a day that is regarded as the most sacred day in Hindu calendar. People go to the holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari for dips in order to rid themselves of sins. In 2025, the Purnima tithi will start at 10:36 PM November 4 and will be over at 6:48 PM November 5.

🕊️ November 5 – Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab)

Guru Nanak Jayanti is among the most important Sikh festivals, celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Among the various festivities held are Akhand Path (continuous readings of the Guru Granth Sahib), Nagar Kirtans (devotional processions), and Langars (community meals). Gurudwaras are thronged by devotees, who offer prayers and sing hymns until dawn.

🔥 November 5 – Dev Diwali

Dev Diwali is celebrated on the day that falls 15 days after Diwali and marks Lord Shiva's victory over Tripurasura. The ritual is mainly in Varanasi on the ghats where thousands of diyas light the Ganga, and the effect is breathtaking. It also signifies the gods coming down to earth to celebrate Diwali.

👧 November 14 – Children’s Day (Bal Diwas)

Children’s Day is a celebration of the youth, love and learning, which is why it is also the day when India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s, birth anniversary is commemorated. Schools in India conduct cultural events, games, and special gatherings to mark and pay tribute to ‘Chacha Nehru’.

🦃 November 27 – Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the favorite holidays in America and is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The families get together and give thanks to each other over turkey, pies, and the like, which is a grand meal. The day also heralds the beginning of the holiday season in the US and is also observed by a number of Christian communities across the globe.

🛍️ November 28 – Black Friday

Thanksgiving week ends with Black Friday, when all major retailers start offering huge discounts. Black Friday is the day to do Christmas shopping at its best. Retailers, both online and offline, will have their doors wide open with discounts to attract customers.

🏴 November 30 – St Andrew’s Day

Scotland’s patron saint is honored with the monthly observance of St Andrew’s Day. The St Andrew’s Day festivities are a display of the nation’s pride and are characterized by cultural performances, music, and traditional Scottish feasts that showcase the country’s rich heritage.

In Summary

November 2025 is a month filled with the coming together of different cultures— from the spiritual observances of Guru Nanak Jayanti and Dev Diwali to the global and commercial celebrations of Thanksgiving and Black Friday. The month is a lively reminder of India’s religious traditions and the world’s celebrations all at once, as it keeps the festive spirit alive through gratitude, devotion, and joy.