About:Nanakshahi Calendar
In order to standardize the dates for significant Sikh events and Gurpurab celebrations, the central religious administrative body of Sikhs, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), developed the Nanakshahi Calendar in 2003. It bears the name of the Sikhism's founder, Guru Nanak.
The following are some of the main characteristics of the Nanakshahi Calendar:
Solar-Based System: Unlike the traditional Sikh calendar, the Bikrami calendar, which is based on the moon, the Nanakshahi calendar is based on the sun. The decision to switch to a solar-based calendar was taken in an effort to improve Sikh religious dates' precision and consistency.
Constant Dates: The Nanakshahi Calendar adheres to a constant pattern based on the solar year, in contrast to the lunar calendar, whose dates fluctuate annually. This facilitates more alignment with the Gregorian calendar, hence simplifying the planning and celebration of religious ceremonies for Sikhs.
Days and Months: The Nanakshahi Calendar has twelve months, each of which is called after a significant Sikh individual, occasion, or idea in history. The months are Assu, Bhadon, Assu, Katik, Maghar, Poh, Magh, Phagun, Harh, Sawan, Jeth, Vaisakh, and Phagun. There are thirty or thirty-one days in each month, plus one extra day in leap years.
Gurpurabs: The dates of the Sikh Gurus' birth anniversaries and other important Sikh historical events are marked on the calendar expressly. The Sikh community celebrates Gurpurabs worldwide, with religious ceremonies, processions, and volunteer work.
Worldwide Applicability: The Nanakshahi Calendar is made to be used anywhere in the world, giving Sikhs everywhere a uniform method for marking significant occasions. This has been particularly advantageous in Sikh diaspora communities where members may have varied cultural backgrounds.
Leap Year: To keep the calendar in line with the solar year, the Nanakshahi Calendar, like the Gregorian calendar, allows for a leap year.
The Nanakshahi Calendar was adopted with the intention of promoting consistency and uniformity in the Sikh religious holiday celebrations. It is important to note, nevertheless, that there has been significant controversy and disagreement regarding some features of the calendar within the Sikh community, and that changes have been made over time to address issues and increase its accuracy.
