Nanakshahi Calendar 2024 September
As a Sikh, I always look forward to the month of September when the Nanakshahi Calendar brings numerous auspicious occasions to celebrate. The year 2024 is no different, and I am excited to share my personal experience and knowledge about the festivals and events in the Nanakshahi Calendar 2024 September.
What is Nanakshahi Calendar?
Nanakshahi Calendar is a solar calendar introduced by Sikh scholar Pal Singh Purewal in 1998. It is based on the tropical year and follows the Gregorian calendar for fixing the dates. Nanakshahi Calendar starts from the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and has twelve months with thirty-one or thirty days each.
Significance of September in Nanakshahi Calendar
September is the seventh month of the Nanakshahi Calendar and marks the beginning of the autumn season in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a month of harvest and thanksgiving, and Sikhs celebrate several festivals during this time.
Events and Festivals in Nanakshahi Calendar 2024 September
1. Joti Jot Guru Ram Das Ji – September 1, 2024
2. Parkash Guru Granth Sahib Ji – September 15, 2024
3. Joti Jot Guru Angad Dev Ji – September 18, 2024
4. Parkash Guru Ram Das Ji – September 24, 2024
5. Joti Jot Baba Deep Singh Ji – September 27, 2024
Celebration of Festivals in Nanakshahi Calendar 2024 September
Joti Jot Guru Ram Das Ji – September 1, 2024: Guru Ram Das Ji was the fourth Sikh Guru and the founder of Amritsar city. His death anniversary is celebrated as Joti Jot, which means merging of the light with the divine. Sikhs visit Harmandir Sahib, also known as Golden Temple, and offer prayers and sewa (selfless service) to commemorate the occasion.
Parkash Guru Granth Sahib Ji – September 15, 2024: Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the holy scripture of Sikhs, and its installation anniversary is celebrated as Parkash Utsav. The day is marked with Akhand Path, a continuous recitation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and Nagar Kirtan, a procession of devotees singing hymns and carrying the holy book.
Joti Jot Guru Angad Dev Ji – September 18, 2024: Guru Angad Dev Ji was the second Sikh Guru and a great promoter of education and physical fitness. His death anniversary is observed as Joti Jot, and Sikhs pay homage to his contributions by organizing langar (community kitchen) and sports events.
Parkash Guru Ram Das Ji – September 24, 2024: Guru Ram Das Ji’s birth anniversary is celebrated as Parkash Utsav, and Sikhs offer prayers and participate in kirtan (devotional singing) to honor his teachings of humility and service.
Joti Jot Baba Deep Singh Ji – September 27, 2024: Baba Deep Singh Ji was a Sikh warrior and scholar who sacrificed his life defending the Golden Temple from the Mughal invaders. His death anniversary is observed as Joti Jot, and Sikhs remember his bravery and devotion by performing Gatka (Sikh martial art) and reciting hymns.
Question and Answer (Q&A) about Nanakshahi Calendar 2024 September
Q. Is Nanakshahi Calendar followed by all Sikhs?
A. No, Nanakshahi Calendar is not universally accepted by all Sikhs. Some traditionalists prefer to follow the Bikrami Calendar, which is a lunar calendar based on the Hindu system.
Q. Are all Sikh festivals celebrated on the same date every year?
A. No, the dates of Sikh festivals vary every year according to the Nanakshahi Calendar. This is because the calendar is based on the solar year, which is slightly longer than the lunar year.
Q. Can non-Sikhs participate in Sikh festivals?
A. Yes, Sikh festivals are open to all and welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds to participate and learn about Sikh culture and traditions.
Q. What is the importance of langar in Sikhism?
A. Langar is a community kitchen where free food is served to everyone without any discrimination of caste, creed, or gender. It is an integral part of Sikhism and symbolizes the Sikh values of equality, sharing, and selfless service.
Q. How can I learn more about Sikhism and its festivals?
A. You can visit a Gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship, and participate in the services and events. You can also read books and watch documentaries on Sikhism and its history and culture.
