Sikh diaspora bodies oppose move to replace Nanakshahi Calendar

Jalandhar, Punjab: Sikh organizations across the globe stands divided on the issue of amendments to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Whereas the SGPC has reportedly reverted back to Bikrami Calendar (a lunar calendar) this year, various Sikh organizations, majority of which comprises Sikh diaspora bodies, have taken a stand in favor of ‘original’ Nanakshahi calendar (a solar calendar).

American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC) coordinator Dr Pritpal Singh has openly rejected the committee constituted by the calendar released by the SGPC.

SGPC released Nanakshahi Calendar [File Photo]

Notably the AGPC is one of the prominent Gurdwara management bodies that have taken stand in favor of un-amended Nanakshahi calendar. Dr. Pritpal Singh said that the AGPC had been following the original Nanakshahi calendar since 2003 and would continue to do so in future.

“Our apprehensions regarding the revival of Bikrami calendar have come true with the fresh SGPC move”, said Dr. Pritpal Singh. He also urged the Akal Takht Jathedar not to play with Sikh sentiments.

In a statement sent to the Sikh Siyasat News (SSN) the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) has stated that it would stick to the original Nanakshahi calendar.

Gulbarg Singh of the Global Sikh Council (GSC) also rejected efforts by “any local organisation, especially the one under the control of a politician, to decide on global Panthic matters”. “Therefore, any decision, made by any committee, formed by the SGPC by exploiting the name of Akal Takht, to sabotage Nanakshahi calendar, the symbol of Khalsa Panth’s sovereignty, will not be acceptable,” he said.