6 days ago
Dance, music at Punjab government's Guru Tegh Bahadur event, top Sikh body fumes
An event organised by the Punjab government to commemorate Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, in Srinagar has ran into a controversy as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) raised serious objections, alleging it violated Sikh religious event, held on July 24 at Tagore Hall and organised by the Punjab Government's Language Department in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, featured Gurbani and Sufi music. However, controversy erupted when attendees were seen dancing to a Punjabi song performed by singer Bir the act a "grave violation of Sikh religious conduct (Gurmat Maryada)," SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said the event disrespected the sanctity of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom.
"Sikh martyrdom anniversaries are solemn, spiritual occasions that must align strictly with Sikh traditions—marked by Shabad Kirtan, Gurbani recitation, Gurmat Vichar, and sewa—not entertainment," Dhami further slammed the Bhagwant Mann government for organising religious commemorations without consulting Sikh institutions, stressing that such events should be led by bodies like the SGPC (the highest authority for Sikh religious affairs), which understand the religious and cultural sensitivities involved."The incident reinforces why the SGPC opposes government-led religious events," he said, demanding a public apology from the state government and urging that future events strictly follow Sikh emphasised that Sikh Gurpurbs and commemorative occasions are spiritual in nature and not meant for casual celebration."They include holy activities such as Shabad Kirtan, Gurmat Vichar, Gurbani recitation, community service and sewa. Activities such as dancing and singing performances are not only violations of Sikh principles but also disrespectful to the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur," he marks the second time in a week that the SGPC has objected to a Punjab Government initiative. Earlier, it raised concerns over the upcoming November celebrations of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's martyrdom, which include a government-organised yatra from Monday, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced the event would be held from November 19 to 25, with a yatra to be flagged off by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The SGPC has opposed the plan, citing lack of coordination and government interference in Sikh religious affairs.- Ends
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