SGPC REFUSES TO EXTEND DATE OF GURU GOBIND SINGH’S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has refused to extend the date of Guru Gobind Singh’s Parkash Gurpurb (birth anniversary), even though it falls on the “Shaheedi Saptah” (martyrdom week) of the Sahibzadas (four sons of the 10th Guru).

As per the SGPC-released modified Nanakshahi Calendar that is approved by all five Sikh temporal seats, including Akal Takht, and widely followed by the Sikh masses, the Gurpurb is being celebrated on the 14 Poh (December 29) in Nanakshahi Samvat 554 (2022-23).

A section of Sikh community, including some SGPC members, are demanding that the date be extended citing the clash of dates.

As some Sikh leaders raised the demand, Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh wrote to the SGPC to address the issue. After discussing the matter, the calendar sub-committee of the gurdwara body has reverted.

“After long discussion on the dates of martyrdom days of Sahibzadas and birth anniversary of the 10th Guru, it has been decided that no change could be made to the date of the birth anniversary, which was already fixed after due discussion of the calendar experts, scholars and Sikh sects. The sub-committee or any other panel has no right to change the date of the birth anniversary,” reads the communiqué sent by the SGPC, a copy of which is available with the HT.

Sikhs observe “Shaheedi Saptah” (martyrdom week) in the last week of December every year.

Same situation prevailed in 2017 when Gurpurb fell on December 25.