Changes Will Unite Sikhs, Says Takht Jathedar

[Azaad]

Defending the controversial approval of changes in the Nanakshahi calendar by the SGPC executive, the Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Gurbachan Singh, has expressed the hope that the changed calendar will work as a “catalyst for unity among the Sikhs. These changes will be implemented from March 14, he added.

The direct fallout of the changes in the hitherto widely accepted calendar will be that from March 14 onwards, the dates of important days will hardly remain fixed as was the case in the widely accepted Nanakshahi calendar, based on the solar system and calculations.

A large number of Sikh bodies were opposing the changes in the calendar on the plea that these changes would make the calendar resemble the Bikrami calendar and that the Nanakshahi calendar in its original form was a symbol of the separate Sikh identity. They were also pleading that the changes were being effected under a conspiracy and without adoption of a proper laid-down procedure and under pressure of the orthodox Sikh organisations particularly the Damdami Taksal.

Giani Gurbachan Singh, who was flanked by the Head Granthi, Jaswinder Singh, and four Granthis, Jagtar Singh, Giani Mal Singh, Ravel Singh and Giani Sukhjinder Singh, said the changed Nanakshahi calendar would bring about unity among the Sikhs and various sects that were divided over the calendar issue.

“The changed calendar will put an end to the prevailing confusion among Sikhs over the observation of important Sikh events in the light of the Nanakshahi calendar. For example, Takht Patna Sahib and Takht Hazoor Sahib were not adhering to the Nanakshahi calendar, which was also being opposed by the Sant Samaj. But now there will be no confusion particularly after the recommendation of changes by the two- member panel comprising the SGPC chief, Avatar Singh, and the Damdami Taksal chief, Harnam Singh, and their approval by the SGPC executive,” said Giani Gurbachan Singh.

Giani Gurbachan Singh said it was not the end of changes as more changes could be effected in the calendar in future.

As per the Nanakshahi calendar, which was approved by the SGPC and Akal Takht and was implemented in 2003, the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh was celebrated on January 5, his martyrdom day was observed on October 21 and the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev was observed on June 16. Almost all dates were fixed in the existing Nanakshahi calendar, but it may not be so in the case of a changed Nanakshahi calendar.