Controversy over singing, dancing at Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom centenary event in Srinagar
Guru
Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of Sikhs.
The dance and singing at Sufi Night drew sharp criticism from
Sikh
religious leaders and institutions, who described the actions as a clear violation of Sikh religious principles and an insult to the sanctity of the Guru's sacrifice.
The event, part of a series of govt initiatives to mark the centenary, featured singers and dance performances, provoking outrage within the Sikh community, particularly on social media.
The videos of singing and dance during the event has gone viral over the social media along with a symbolic picture comparing the massacre of Sikhs during Mughal period with picture of singing and dance at event organized by government on July 24.
Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), issued a strong statement labeling the event 'deeply painful' and a violation of Sikh Maryada (code of conduct).
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He asserted that such solemn commemorations should only take place in Gurdwaras and Sikh institutions and should involve spiritual practices like Shabad Kirtan, Gurbani Paath, and Gurmat Vichar, rather than entertainment.
'This is why SGPC has always maintained that religious commemorations must not be handled by govt bodies, which lack the sensitivity and understanding of Sikh traditions,' Dhami said. He further demanded a public apology from the Punjab govt and urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to prevent similar events in the future.
Dhami added that the Language Department's actions confirmed SGPC's long-standing concerns about govt involvement in Sikh religious affairs. 'Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib's martyrdom is not a cultural festivity but a spiritual lesson in sacrifice and righteousness,' he stated, calling for strict guidelines to ensure future respect for Sikh sentiments.
Former
Shiromani Akali Dal
MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha also condemned the programme and called on the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to take religious action against the organisers.
Sarabjit Singh Dhotian, Head Pracharak of the Dharam Prachar Committee, criticised the move in a strong Facebook post, questioning the appropriateness of Sufi music in commemorating a martyrdom that symbolised resistance to religious persecution. Dhotian accused the govt of using taxpayer money to send 'atheists and semi-atheists' on official tours while neglecting core Sikh historical values. 'When Aurangzeb was forcibly converting Kashmiri Pandits, which Sufi saint opposed it?
The event mocked the essence of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib's martyrdom.
When lakhs of Hindus were being massacred, these Sufis were busy dancing and celebrating their beloved. And now, when govts across the world are committing genocide of Sikhs, these govt scholars and singers are 'dancing' to celebrate martyrdom,' he wrote.
Punjab Bhasha Vibhag Joint Director Harpreet Kaur stated, 'The programme organised by Punjab govt was scheduled for July 23-24 in Kashmir. Sufi night was also held.'
When asked about the controversy over dance and singing during Sufi night, she replied, 'I don't know what happened during the programme as I have not been there nor have I seen any videos. You may speak to Director Bhasha Vibhag.' She declined to comment further.
Jaswant Singh Jafar, Director Bhasha Vibhag, could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.
Amarinder Singh, one of the organisers of Punjab government organised event in Srinagar, when questioned about the controversy on singing and dancing during commemoration event, declined to comment reasoning network issue and later did not responded.
Sikh intellectuals emphasised that even well-intentioned musical performances should not be part of martyrdom commemorations. The controversy highlighted the delicate balance between govt-sponsored cultural outreach and the preservation of religious sanctity.
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