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Summary of Question:	Why Has The Date For Vaisakhi Been Changed?
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Monday, 4/19/2004 1:48 PM MDT

im 14.5 yrs old and am slightly puzzled as to why the date for vaisakhi has been changed. i have grown up celebrating vaisakhi on the 13th of April, but now i have been told it is on the 14th. i know its something to do with the new calendar but i dont see why it had to be changed - i would like to know the reasoning behind it.... please?

PS. if u r wondering how i got here (dont try and be clever, i mean the website), to ask this question, it was older sister from the mathematical department and also a member of Sikh Soc.

waheguru ji ka khalsa, whaeguru ji ki fateh

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We now have a solar calendar, which the whole world observes. Traditionally, there was a lunar calendar. Using the lunar calendar, Vaisakhi falls on the 14th. My guess, I don't know for sure, is that the SGPC wanted to go back to the traditional calendar, keeping the Sikh traditions and holidays as close to their original form as possible. It is confusing, but if you think of Guru Gobind Singh and that wonderful day being on the 14th, we can adjust ourselves to the new date...which really isn't a new date anyway...but rather the old date. I hope this helps.

Also, some one asked why some people say Baisakhi and some Vaisakhi. I guess Baisakhi means crutches? I asked around and was told by a Punjabi scholar that Vaisakhi and Baisakhi are both correct. Different parts of India say one or the other. It doesn't matter. In the West, we usaully say Baisakhi.

Blessings. GTKK