SGPC magazine sparks outrage over incorrect Sikh festival dates
The monthly magazine, ‘Gurdwara Gazette, published by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has sparked resentment among readers and devotees after incorrect dates of significant historical events were printed in its latest edition. The controversy centres primarily on the dates of Hola Mohalla and the upcoming Nanakshahi New Year in Faggan (February) edition.
While Hola Mohalla is being observed on March 4 this year, the ‘Gurdwara Gazette’ reportedly mentioned March 15 as the date of the festival, which is incorrect. Similarly, the Nanakshahi New Year, beginning on 1 Chet, marks the commencement of the 558th Nanakshahi Samvat. However, the ‘Gurdwara Gazette’ has printed it as Nanakshahi Samvat 557. Sources said that the discrepancies are not mere typographical errors, as these important dates, published under the heading, “Days Commemorating Historical Events in the month of Faggan” also do not correspond with either the Gregorian or the Nanakshahi calendars.
The issue has drawn particular attention because on January 15, Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj had presented a copy of the ‘Gurdwara Gazette’ to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during his appearance at the Akal Takht. At that time, he had urged the Chief Minister to read it, stating that the SGPC maintains transparency regarding offerings made by devotees and publishes all related financial and administrative details in the magazine.
Meanwhile, advocate Sukhpreet Singh, a reader, has lodged a formal complaint with the SGPC president, terming the lapse a case of “gross negligence.” In his complaint, he stated that the ‘Gurdwara Gazette’ is an official and authoritative document that provides authentic information about Panthic events and historical dates. “Publishing incorrect dates of Hola Mohalla and the new Nanakshahi Samvat is a serious editorial failure that affects the credibility of the institution,” he wrote, adding that thousands of copies have already been distributed among the Sikh Sangat, many of whom consider the ‘Gurdwara Gazette’ a final and authentic reference.
Sukhpreet Singh further alleged that no action has been communicated to him so far regarding his complaint. The ‘Gurdwara Gazette’ is edited by Pratap Singh, with Dr Ranjit Kaur Pannu serving as Associate Editor. Following the matter coming to light, the SGPC reportedly corrected the error in the Punjabi section of its online edition. However, the mistake in the English version remains unchanged.
Advocate Harpreet Singh has demanded that accountability be fixed for the lapse and appropriate action be taken regarding the already distributed copies. He also called for a written corrigendum to be issued and for administrative mechanisms to be strengthened to prevent such errors in future, ensuring greater vigilance among the staff.
Responding to the controversy, SGPC chief secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan acknowledged the seriousness of the mistake and said strict action would be taken against the responsible officials of the department concerned to ensure that such lapses do not recur.
