SGPC issues 541 Sikh Calendar

Amritsar March 19, (ANI): The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC), on Thursday issued 541 Nanak Shahi Calendar despite objections raised by many Sikh organisations.

Avtar Singh Makkar, the President SGPC and Jathedar Akal Takhat Gurbachan Singh unwrapped the Sikh Calendar and the "Jantri" (Calendar with Sikh festivals and other religious important dates) at the information office of SGPC.

The calendar depicts the picture of smashed building of Akal Takht in 1984 during the "Operation Blue Star".

Talking to media Makkar said that a committee has been formed to build consensus in Sikh community for the full adoption of the Nanak Shahi Calendar.

He also informed that SGPC has sought suggestions from members of the Sikh community on the Nanakshahi calendar, which has been objected to by some Sikh organizations.

The NanakShahi calendar is a solar calendar that was adopted by the SGPC to determine the dates for important Sikh events and has been in use since 1999 by the SGPC by replacing the Vikrami calendar (of Hindus).

The name Nanakshahi Calendar derives its name from Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism.

Makkar said that since the calendar has been issued by the Akal Takht it has become the duty Sikhs to observe and celebrate all the historic and religious occasions as per the Nanakshahi calendar.

The Nanakshahi Calendar was developed by a Canadian Sikh, Pal Singh Purewal, a retired computer engineer who started working for preparation of the new calendar in the 1960s By Ravinder Singh Robin (ANI)