Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh
AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab (November 24, 2014)—In a fresh message to the Sikh nation, Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh today asked Sikhs to celebrate Parkash Gurpurb (birth anniversary) of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on December 28 as per amended Nanakshahi Calender.
In a November 17 meeting, Panj Singh Sahiban (highest presidium of Sikhs) led by the appointed Akal Takht Jathedar, ordered Sikhs to celebrate the holy day on January 7, 2015 as martyrdom day of Chhote Sahibzadas (younger son) of the tenth Sikh Guru also falls on Dec 28.
Now, taking a U-turn and sending mixed messages, the Jathedar announces the day should be marked on the old date, but he did not make any comment on the martyrdom day of Chhote Sahibzadas in his fresh message. The Jathedar said, “Parkash Gurpurb of Guru Gobind Singh falls on Poh Sudi 7 (Dec 28) and no change has been made. So, Sangat are ordered to celebrate the Gurburp on this date.”
Commenting on the previous edict, he said, “The previous edict was issued for the convenience of Sangat, but we have been told by them through e-mails and faxes that arrangements have been made to celebrate the day on Poh Sudi 7 in Gurdwaras. Keeping in view sentiments of Sangat, the fresh decision has been taken.”
It is noteworthy that the Jathedars have drawn flak from a large section of Sikhs for leaving the Sikh community in deep confusion on the date issue. A few years ago, they amended the original Nanakshahi Calendar under pressure from ‘Sant Samaj’, a labor union for self-styled ‘saints,’ as per the Hindu Calender. Since then, deep controversy prevailed on the calendar issue. One section has been recognizing the original Nanakshahi Calender, whereas other has been using the amended one.