Chandigarh: In a significant move, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, issued strong directives to Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains over a controversial cultural event held in Srinagar, while also declaring him as Tankhaiya and imposing ‘Religious service’ on him and leaders of two Jammu-based Gurdwara committees for violating a previous directive.
The decisions were taken during a meeting of the Five Singh Sahiban at the Akal Takht Sahib on Wednesday in Amritsar. Two separate resolutions were passed one concerning the Srinagar event organized by the Punjab Government and another dealing with the participation of an excommunicated ragi in a religious function in Jammu.
Harjot Singh Bains Held Responsible for Violation of Sikh Maryada
The Takht’s second resolution came down heavily on the Punjab Government for organizing a program on July 24 at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and his companions—Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji. The inclusion of dance, music, and entertainment in the event drew widespread outrage from Sikh devotees, who termed it a serious violation of Sikh religious traditions.
Written complaints were sent from across India and abroad to the Akal Takht, naming Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, Punjab Language Department Director Jaswant Singh, and Punjabi singer Bir Singh. Acting on these complaints, the Five Singh Sahiban concluded that the event had “deeply hurt Sikh sentiments” and amounted to “gross violation of Sikh maryada.”
In a strong directive, the Takht has ordered Harjot Singh Bains to personally visit key historical gurdwaras linked to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, including Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal in Amritsar, and ensure the repair of approach roads, cleanliness, and necessary facilities. Bains has also been instructed to visit Gurdwara Kotha Sahib Patshahi Nauvin at Valla (Sri Amritsar) and Gurdwara Patshahi Nauvin at Baba Bakala Sahib to oversee similar works.
Furthermore, the minister must pay obeisance at the martyrdom site, Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, and at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib, perform two days of voluntary service at the Jora Ghar, and offer Karah Prasad worth ₹1,100 before concluding with an Ardas.
Takht warns Government on Future Events
The resolution emphasized that future programs commemorating Sikh Gurus should be rooted in Sikh values and avoid any form of entertainment that violates religious maryada. The Takht advised that such events should focus on seminars, discussions, and lectures on Guru Sahib’s life and teachings, and involve the Dharma Prachar Committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to ensure authenticity.
The Takht also reminded the government that Sikh institutions are fully capable of organizing Nagar Kirtans and other religious events and urged it to provide infrastructural and logistical support at historical sites such as Sri Anandpur Sahib. It suggested that the Punjab Government follow the example of the Bihar Government during the 350th Parkash Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji by contributing to development works and public welfare projects in memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.
Jammu Gurdwara Leaders Punished for Inviting Excommunicated Ragi
The first resolution passed by the Takht pertained to the participation of excommunicated ragi Darshan Singh in a religious event organized by the District Gurdwara Management Committee, Jammu, and Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Guru Nanak Nagar, Jammu. Committee heads Ranjit Singh Tohrha (President), Jagpal Singh (Cashier), and Somanath Singh (President of Guru Nanak Nagar Gurdwara) appeared before the Takht and tendered an apology.
As penance, the leaders have been directed to perform 11 days of voluntary service at a local gurdwara, including cleaning premises, washing utensils, and one hour of manual work daily. They must also recite five paths each of Japji Sahib and Jaap Sahib Ji daily for 11 days in addition to Nitnem. After completing the service, they will present themselves at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, offer Karah Prasad worth ₹1,100, deposit ₹1,100 in Guru’s Golak, and perform an Ardas.
Background: The Srinagar Controversy
The Tagore Hall program was jointly organized by the Punjab Government, the Punjab Language Department, and other cultural bodies as part of the 350th martyrdom anniversary observances. However, the inclusion of dance and music performances sparked outrage among Sikhs, who accused the organizers of trivializing a solemn occasion. The controversy snowballed after videos of the event circulated on social media, prompting complaints to the Akal Takht from Sikh communities worldwide.
By directing Harjot Singh Bains to undertake religious service and issue a corrective course for the future, the Takht has sent a strong message about upholding Sikh traditions in government-backed commemorative events.
