Nandgarh stays away from nagar kirtan, says will observe Gurpurb on Jan 5

Talwandi Sabo (Bathinda): Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh, who has locked horns with Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and SAD (Badal) over the issue of replacing Nanakshahi calendar, did not participate in 'nagar kirtan (religious procession)' on Saturday in Talwandi Sabo ahead of the Parkash Utsav (birth anniversary) of 10th Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh.
He termed the event as 'sarkari' celebration being organized under RSS pressure.Jathedar Nandgarh is adamant on observing the Parkash Utsav on January 5. He has divergent views from the Akal Takht Jathedar and other Sikh intellectuals on the Nanakshahi calendar.
The Damdama Sahib Jathedar has accused SGPC of trying to adopt Bikrami calendar and wants the original Nanakshahi calendar prepared by Sikh scholar Pal Singh Purewal in 2003 to be adopted.
Jathedar Nandgarh's security was also withdrawn a few days ago. He had also alleged that SAD-led state government had few days ago sent two persons asking him to resign. His security was also withdrawn few days ago.
"The Gurpurb and execution of younger Sahibzadas (sons of Guru Gobind Singh) can not fall on the same day. According to the original Nanakshahi calendar, the Parkash Utsav needs to be celebrated on January 5. Gurpurb on Sunday is being observed under RSS pressure," Jathedar Nandgarh told TOI over phone.
He said they would observe the birth anniversary of the 10th guru on January 5. He said that some SGPC members, who participated in Saturday's 'nagar kirtan', had earlier taken part in the procession and were in Talwandi Sabo on the directions of the state government. "No one from SAD government or SGPC asked me to participate in the nagar kirtan and I remained away from it," he said.
Earlier too, Jathedar Nandgarh had accused the SGPC of working under pressure on the issue of Nanakshahi calendar. He is known to be a strong critic of RSS and Dera Sacha Sauda. Two days ago, around six Sikh organizations had backed Nandgarh on the stand taken by him on the Nanakshahi calendar and had accused the SAD government of trying to unseat him.
Meanwhile, hundreds of devotees took part in the nagar kirtan organized by the SGPC. SGPC executive committee member Mohan Singh Bangi said, "We always take part in celebrations. As per Akal Takht's directions, Gurpurb will be celebrated on Sunday."