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(photo:Prabhu Singh)
Katak is the eighth month in the Nanakshahi calendar; a calendar system which governs the Sikh tradition and is based from the birth of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak in 1469. The first day of this month falls on October 15. This month coincides with October/November of the Western/Georgian/Julian Calendar and is 30 days long. While the preceding months of Assu (September/October) and Bhadon (August/September) are hot and rainy in Punjab, in the month of Katik both the temperature and rain have subsided and the season is very pleasant. Many tourists visit Punjab during this month and succeeding months.
The Guru tells us that in the month of Katik (October/November): "...In the month of Katak, do good deeds. Do not try to blame anyone else. Forgetting the Transcendent Lord, all sorts of illnesses are contracted. Those who turn their backs on the Lord shall be separated from Him and consigned to reincarnation, over and over again. In an instant, all of Maya's sensual pleasures turn bitter. No one can then serve as your intermediary. Unto whom can we turn and cry? By one's own actions, nothing can be done; destiny was pre-determined from the very beginning. By great good fortune, I meet my God, and then all pain of separation departs. Please protect Nanak, God; O my Lord and Master, please release me from bondage. In Katak, in the Company of the Holy, all anxiety vanishes. ((9)) " (SGGS page 134-5) .....More
