SGPC general secy backs demand for original Nanakshahi calendar

Two days after SGPC released the Nanakshahi calendar, its general secretary Karnail Singh Panjoli expressed disagreement with the amended version while backing a “separate” calendar for Sikhs

Two days after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) released the Nanakshahi calendar, its general secretary Karnail Singh Panjoli on Tuesday expressed disagreement with the amended version while backing a “separate” calendar for the Sikhs.

Dal Khalsa releasing the original Nanakshahi calendar outside the Akal Takht at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar on Tuesday. (Sameer Sehgal/HT)

Panjoli was invited by the Sikh hardline group Dal Khalsa on the release of the original version of the calendar in front of the Akal Takht, during which he was presented its copy and given a memorandum seeking its implementation.

Known for his dissenting voice, Panjoli while interacting with the media said: “A calendar is necessary for the distinct identity of any qaum (community). Not only Dal Khalsa, Sikhs across the world feel that Khalsa Panth must have its own calendar. I will convey their sentiments to SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and try to raise this issue during the executive committee meeting of the gurdwara body”.

Notably, he skipped the release ceremony of the SGPC’s calendar, which was presided over by Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on Sunday.

The issue

The apex gurdwara body had adopted the Nanakshahi calendar in 2003, but brought it in line with the Bikrami calendar through an amendment in 2010, though the name was retained. The decision was reportedly taken under pressure from Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Khalsa-led Sant Samaj, which was in alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) during the SGPC polls in 2010. Yet, a big section of the community, especially in foreign countries, has been following the original version. Historically, the Punjabi Sikhs and Hindus have used the Nanakshahi and ancient Bikrami calendar, respectively.

Dal Khalsa president Harpal Singh Cheema and spokesman Paramjit Singh Mand said the calendar they had released was completely Nanakshahi in letter and spirit. “Whereas, the calendar released by the SGPC two days ago was Bikrami, and not Nanakshahi,” they said, blaming the SAD for this controversy. In the memo, the separate outfit urged the SGPC to restore the Nanakshahi calendar “in its originality and to its pristine glory”.

The Nanakshahi calendar released by the Dal Khalsa on Tuesday courted controversy by carrying images of three militants — Wadhawa Singh Babbar, Gajinder Singh and Parmjit Singh Panjwar — who are on the most-wanted list in India and are currently believed to be staying in Pakistan. Besides, it also carries pictures of late Khalistani leader and ideologues Dr Jagjit Singh Chouhan, Dr Gurmeet Singh Aulakh and Dr Sohan Singh.