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Sikh New Year

Sikh New Year

Source: PIB
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Overview

Photo by Pure Punjabi
  1. About Sikh New Year

Why in the News?

The festival is predominantly celebrated in Northern India, signifying the onset of the spring harvest season.

 

Sikh New Year

Sikh New Year, known as Nanakshahi New Year, marks the beginning of the Sikh calendar and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Sikh community worldwide. The Year is observed on the first day of the month of Chet in the Nanakshahi calendar, which typically falls in March according to the Gregorian calendar.

Facts and Figures:

  • Origin: Rooted in the establishment of the Sikh religion by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, in the 15th century.
  • Nanakshahi Calendar: The Nanakshahi calendar was implemented by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in 2003 to mark the Year and other significant Sikh events according to the lunar phases.
  • Significance: A time for reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth. It offers Sikhs an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and to strengthen their bonds with the community.
  • Celebrations: On this day, Sikhs visit gurdwaras (Sikh temples) to offer prayers, listen to kirtan (devotional music), and participate in langar (community kitchen) where free meals are served to all, regardless of caste, creed, or background.
  • Community Gatherings: Families and communities come together to celebrate the New Year with feasts, cultural performances, and various traditional rituals.
Functions
  • Gurdwara Visits: In Amritsar, the holiest city for Sikhs, thousands of devotees gather at the Golden Temple to offer prayers and seek blessings for the New Year.
  • Langar Seva: Across India and in Sikh communities worldwide, langars are organized where volunteers serve meals to the needy and visitors, symbolizing the values of equality and selfless service.
  • Nagar Kirtan Processions: In cities like Delhi, Birmingham, and Vancouver, colourful processions known as Nagar Kirtan are held, where Sikhs march through the streets singing hymns and spreading messages of peace and unity.

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