Calendar Issue: “Those Who Don’t Follow Akal Takht Maryada, Shouldn’t be Followed by Akal Takht” – Talmel Dal

AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—Reacting on the panel to be constituted by Akal Takht Sahib appointed Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, Panthik Talmel Dal (PTD), a coordination committee of various Sikh organisations, has stated that issue of Nanakshahi Calendar has come up as painful for Sikhs.

In a press statement, the PTD said that all “known critics” of the original Nanakshahi calendar were inducted in the panel under a deep-rooted conspiracy to impose the Bikrami calendar on the community. Those who don’t follow Akal Takht maryada, should not be followed by Akal Takht”.

The PTD said that the Jathedars should have invited representatives from both sides (those supporting and opposing the Nanakshahi calendar) to reach a consensus before taking any decision keeping in view of the sensitivity of the issue.

The statement by PTD reads, “Inclusion of Pal Singh Purewal who is architect of original Nanakshahi calendar in the panel as mere eyewash.”

It is noteworthy that issue of Nanakshahi Calendar is considered as one of the most sensitive issues in the Panth. After discarding original Nanakshahi Calendar and implementing an amended version on request of Giani Harnam Singh Dhumma, the Panth has been divided on this issue. Since then, one section of the Panth including Pakistan Gurdwara management Committee has been following original Nanakshahi Calender and remaining section follows amended Nanakshahi Calender.