Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab (February 04, 2013): As per certain media reports Manjit Singh GK, President of Delhi unit of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) said that “changed” Nanakshahi calendar would be implemented in Gurdwaras of Delhi now. It is notable that a Sikh calendar named Nanakshahi calendar was adopted by Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) in 2003.
Nanakshahi Calander 536 (2004-05) [File Photo]
Nanakshahi Calendar was said to be based on concepts of days and seasons based on Gurbani. This calendar was a major departure from a traditional “Saka” calendar that was commonly associated with the Hindu faith.
It is notable that Nanakshahi Calendar was largely adopted by the Sikhs including the Sikh diaspora section but certain sects had refused to implement the calendar under the influence of certain considerations.
It is further notable that certain Hinduta sections having close association with the Badal Dal, were uncomfortable with the concept of separate Sikh Calendar (separate from the calendar followed by the Hindus). There were reports that these sections had been endeavouring to get Nanakshahi Calendar amended.
Manjeet Singh GK (Delhi)
In 2010 the calendar was amended by Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC), that was under full control of Badal Dal. There were strong objections to the amended version of the Nanakshahi Calendar, especially from the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) that was under the control of SAD (Delhi) led by Sarna brothers.
Now, Badal Dal has gained control over DSGMC as it has won recent elections of the statutory body with an overwhelming majority.
As per media reports while talking to media persons at Sirhind recently, Manjeet Singh GK said that “Akal Takht is supreme so all the directions of the Takht will be implanted in true spirit”.
He further said that “Akal Takht Jathedar will punish Sarnas for their religious misconduct and for financial misdoings, a probe should be initiated by a retired judge”.
It is notable that certain diaspora sections had also refused to accept the amendments made by SGPC in Nanakshahi calendar. These section had opined that these amendments tended to dilute the uniqueness of the Sikh calendar and made it a copy of Hindu Saka calendar.