Sangrand marks the first day of each month in the Nanakshahi and traditional Punjabi calendar. It is the day the sun enters a new zodiac sign (Sankranti) and is observed with deep reverence by Sikhs across the world. On every Sangrand, devotees gather at the gurdwara for special diwan, Ardas and the recitation of Barah Maha — the twelve-month composition by Guru Arjan Dev Ji found in the Guru Granth Sahib. Below you’ll find the complete 2026 Sangrand calendar with all twelve Punjabi months and their cultural significance.
What is Sangrand?
The word Sangrand is the Punjabi form of the Sanskrit Sankranti — the moment the sun transitions from one zodiac sign (rashi) to the next. It marks the first day of every month in the solar-based Punjabi calendar. Because the transition is a solar event, Sangrand dates remain fairly consistent year to year — usually falling on the 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th or 17th of the Gregorian month.
For Sikhs, Sangrand has far greater significance than a mere calendar marker. It is a day of thanksgiving, reflection and community worship — a time to remember the Creator at the start of a new month, seek blessings for the days ahead, and listen to the Granthi announce the name of the incoming Punjabi month from the Guru Granth Sahib.
Sangrand 2026 Calendar — All Dates
The table below lists all twelve Sangrand dates in 2026 with their corresponding Punjabi / Nanakshahi month names. The cultural note for each month captures its seasonal and spiritual mood as reflected in Barah Maha.
| Date | Day | Punjabi Month | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Jan | Wednesday | Maagh | Winter — month of devotion and naam simran |
| 12 Feb | Thursday | Phagan | Late winter — month of awakening, remembrance of the Beloved |
| 14 Mar | Saturday | Chet | Spring — first month of the Nanakshahi Sikh calendar |
| 14 Apr | Tuesday | Vaisakh | Harvest & Khalsa birth — Baisakhi |
| 15 May | Friday | Jeth | Early summer — month of patience and faith |
| 15 Jun | Monday | Harh | Peak summer — longing for the divine |
| 16 Jul | Thursday | Sawan | Monsoon — joyous union, rain and green fields |
| 17 Aug | Monday | Bhadon | Late monsoon — reflection on the soul’s separation |
| 17 Sep | Thursday | Assu Upcoming | Autumn — renewal and harvest preparation |
| 17 Oct | Saturday | Kattak | Autumn — month of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash (traditional) |
| 16 Nov | Monday | Maghar | Early winter — martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji |
| 16 Dec | Wednesday | Poh | Deep winter — Sahibzaade martyrdom; month of sacrifice |
The Twelve Punjabi Months
The traditional Punjabi year begins with Chet (mid-March) and flows through twelve months tied to the seasons of Punjab. Each has its own character in agriculture, folklore and Gurbani:
- Chet (mid-Mar – mid-Apr) — new year, spring blossom, hope and rebirth.
- Vaisakh (mid-Apr – mid-May) — harvest, Baisakhi, birth of the Khalsa Panth in 1699.
- Jeth (mid-May – mid-Jun) — early summer, patience, yearning for the Beloved.
- Harh (mid-Jun – mid-Jul) — peak heat, longing, thirst for the divine.
- Sawan (mid-Jul – mid-Aug) — monsoon, green fields, union and joy.
- Bhadon (mid-Aug – mid-Sep) — late monsoon, separation, the soul’s cry.
- Assu (mid-Sep – mid-Oct) — autumn, cooling weather, preparation for harvest.
- Kattak (mid-Oct – mid-Nov) — traditionally celebrated as Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab.
- Maghar (mid-Nov – mid-Dec) — martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
- Poh (mid-Dec – mid-Jan) — deep winter, Shaheedi of the Chhote Sahibzaade and Mata Gujri Ji.
- Maagh (mid-Jan – mid-Feb) — Maghi at Muktsar, devotion and naam simran.
- Phagan (mid-Feb – mid-Mar) — late winter, the soul awakens to spring.
Barah Maha — The Twelve Months of the Soul
Barah Maha (literally “Twelve Months”) is one of the most cherished compositions in Sikh scripture. Two versions appear in the Guru Granth Sahib — one by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Raga Tukhari, and the more widely recited version by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raga Majh.
Each stanza describes a month of the year and uses the season as a metaphor for the soul’s relationship with the Creator — the thirst of summer, the joy of monsoon union, the separation of autumn, the stillness of winter. At every Sangrand, the stanza corresponding to the new month is read in gurdwaras as the Granthi announces the incoming month.
Rituals & Observance at the Gurdwara
Sangrand is observed with simplicity and devotion. There is no elaborate fasting or ritual — Sikhism emphasises inner remembrance (naam simran) over external ceremony. Common observances include:
- Visiting the gurdwara for the special Sangrand diwan, typically held after Asa di Var in the morning.
- Listening to the Barah Maha stanza for the incoming month and the Granthi’s announcement of its name.
- Offering Ardas for the well-being of family, community and all of humanity.
- Receiving karah prasad and participating in langar.
- Reading Gurbani at home and reflecting on the month ahead.
Major Sangrands in 2026
Chet Sangrand — 14 March 2026
Chet marks the beginning of the Nanakshahi new year and the Punjabi calendar. It is a day of fresh beginnings, new resolutions and renewed spiritual commitment. Gurdwaras hold special diwans, and communities welcome the arrival of spring.
Vaisakh Sangrand — 14 April 2026 (Baisakhi)
Vaisakh is the most celebrated Sangrand of the year. It marks Baisakhi — the day in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib. It is also the traditional Punjabi harvest festival, celebrated with Nagar Kirtans, Bhangra and community langar across Punjab and worldwide.
Kattak Sangrand — 17 October 2026
Kattak holds a special place in Sikh tradition — the full-moon day (puranmashi) of this month is widely observed as Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab (Prakash Purab). Sangrand itself is a day of preparation and devotion leading up to this major celebration.
Maghar Sangrand — 16 November 2026
Maghar is the month of the Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru, who sacrificed his life in Delhi to defend the right to religious freedom. Sangrand diwan this month often reflects on the Guru’s teachings of courage and compassion.
Poh Sangrand — 16 December 2026
Poh is the month of supreme sacrifice in Sikh history — the Shaheedi of the Chhote Sahibzaade (the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji) and Mata Gujri Ji. Gurdwaras observe solemn diwans recounting the events of Chamkaur, Fatehgarh Sahib and Sirhind.
Maagh Sangrand — 14 January 2026 (Maghi)
Maagh Sangrand is celebrated as Maghi, commemorating the Chali Mukte — the forty liberated ones who laid down their lives at the Battle of Muktsar (1705) for Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Sri Muktsar Sahib hosts a massive annual mela.
Spiritual Significance
Beyond marking a month, Sangrand carries a deeper reminder in Sikh life:
- A reset for the soul — every month begins with remembrance, gratitude, and Ardas.
- Community gathering — strengthens sangat and reaffirms shared values.
- Connection to Gurbani — monthly encounter with Barah Maha keeps scripture living and relevant.
- Seasonal awareness — aligns daily life with the natural rhythm of the Punjabi agricultural year.
- Historical memory — each month carries stories of the Gurus, martyrs and Sikh heritage.
Whether you visit your local gurdwara or simply pause at home to reflect at the start of each Punjabi month, Sangrand is an invitation to begin again — with faith, humility and gratitude. Bookmark this page and mark your 2026 Sangrands to stay connected with the rhythm of the Nanakshahi year.
Disclaimer: Sangrand dates are calculated by solar transition (Drik system) and are valid across India. Local gurdwara timings for diwan may vary — please check with your sangat. Month descriptions are drawn from Gurbani tradition and Punjabi cultural context; they are not exhaustive of each month’s full significance.