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India Today
3 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
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 IN THIS STORY#Punjab
News18
8 hours ago
- General
- News18
Satpula lake springs back to life -- from parched land to thriving biodiversity
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) A lake bed, so parched it served as a cricket pitch, has sprung back to life, the revival recalling its history of 700 years ago when its waters were believed to have healing powers and bringing back birds and aquatic life much to the delight of naturalists, locals and others. The Satpula Lake, tucked inside a park in south Delhi's Khirki Village, is brimming with water again thanks to the determined efforts of experts from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and enthusiastic members of the Rotary Club. The lake, part of a monument complex dating back to the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq in the 14th century, surrounds a medieval water-harvesting dam whose platforms and arches, overrun by vegetation, still stand as markers of Delhi's rich past. According to historian Swapna Liddle's book '14 Historic Walks of Delhi", Nasiruddin Chiragh Dahlvi, the last Sufi saint of the Chishti order, used the water from the pool at Satpula for his ritual ablutions before prayer and this act sanctified the water — then regarded to possess healing properties for various ailments. 'Bathing in the water was also believed to protect against evil spirits. Till late into the nineteenth century, there used to be a big annual fair here just before Diwali, when people would come for a holy dip and even take some of the water away with them," reads the book. But that was an age ago. 'It was a completely barren place when we first noticed it in 2021. There was not even a drop of water here. Children used to play cricket over there. We visualised the whole thing, and requested INTACH to give us the detailed project report, and then we decided how to move forward," said Ashok Kantoor, who was the governor of Rotary District 3011 during 2022-23. A year later, the revival of the lake began in earnest. The two social organisations, Rotary District 3011 and Rotary Club of Delhi South Central, decided to take it up as a project and then looked for guidance. Familiar with INTACH's work on reviving Hauz Khas lake, the team reached out to the heritage organisation for its know-how. It was a long and demanding 18-month journey, involving an investment of over Rs 70 lakh with major contribution by Shammi Bansal of Liberty Shoes. It was not just about the money. The ancient structure is under the jurisdiction of Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and the water body is under the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). And so, the most challenging part, Kantoor claimed, was obtaining approvals from multiple stakeholders, including the DDA, ASI and the Delhi Jal Board. 'Everyone in the Rotary initially discouraged me, saying that trying to revive a lake in Delhi — where multiple agencies are involved — was nearly impossible. Despite that, I spent several months going from pillar to post before finally securing approval from the DDA. '… There were many obstacles along the way but we tackled them one at a time. It has been a real success story," he said. There were other hurdles too. With the only available water source being the polluted runoff from the nearby Chiragh Delhi drain, they had to employ several treatment methods before channelling it into the dried lake. According to Manu Bhatnagar, principal director of INTACH, the groundwater table at the site was over 60 metres deep and the soil beneath the lakebed was so porous that any water added would vanish overnight. 'We realised that before surface water could collect, the porous ground had to be saturated. This process has taken about a year and a half. 'In that time, we've managed to recharge the aquifer with 4.5 crore litres of water. While groundwater levels are falling across the city, this specific area has actually seen improvement due to our efforts," he explained. They initially had to pump in nearly 300 cubic metres of water each day just to keep the lake from drying out. Now, with the ground finally saturated, that amount had dropped to less than a third. To restore the ecosystem, they also introduced '500 fish fingerlings" — including Indian carps and a local species known as 'gharai'. These fishes not only helped break down organic waste but also set the stage for wildlife to return. 'Now, we're seeing natural signs of revival: kingfishers, a pond heron, spot-billed ducks that have become residents, grebes, and we hope even more bird species will visit this winter," the urban and environmental planner added. With the lake now revived and officially handed back to the DDA, N K Lamba, Rotary District Chair for Water, is setting his sights even higher. His wish: to see the Satpula site transformed into a vibrant public space — a destination that blends heritage, nature, and the arts. 'Sky is the limit… It can become a tourist marvel and maybe one day you can have a light and sound show over here, maybe dance performances and something like 'Dilli Haat' can come up over here. The list is endless." Not everyone is quite so enthusiastic. Oral historian Sohail Hashmi welcomed the return of a waterbody near Satpula but stressed that calling it a 'revival" of the original Satpula lake is misleading. According to the author and filmmaker, whose heritage walks are much sought after among Delhiites, the current site was merely a natural depression and not the actual historical lake. 'The original lake, once used by local farmers for irrigation, was significantly larger and located downstream of the barrage — where the Delhi Metro colony and Saket District Court now stand. What's now referred to as a revived lake lies east of the barrage, whereas the real water body was on the west. It's a positive step, but the claim is inaccurate," he noted. PTI MG MIN MIN (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 16:00 IST News agency-feeds Satpula lake springs back to life -- from parched land to thriving biodiversity Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Controversy over singing, dancing at Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom centenary event in Srinagar
PATIALA: A significant controversy emerged over an inclusion of dance and musical performances at the event organised by the Punjab govt's Bhasha Vibhag (Language Department) in Srinagar to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri 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). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo 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.
The Hindu
13 hours ago
- The Hindu
Delhi misunderstood fort at Tughlaqabad
'Don't visit Tughlaqabad Fort, it is cursed': That's the caution that has long surrounded the 700-year-old fort constructed by Ghiyasudding Tughluq, founder of Tughlaq dynasty. Nestled in the rocky terrain of the Aravali Hills, this vast fortress has become less a monument and more a relic wrapped in rumours of unexplained misfortunes passed down generations in hushed tones. While sites like Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Humayun's Tomb enjoy spotlight and footfall, Tughlaqabad fort looks like a ghost town; under-visited, under-appreciated, and overwhelmingly misunderstood by a generation more familiar with Instagrammable tombs than silent ramparts. The legend of the fort's so-called 'curse' has run through centuries. Ghiyasuddin, who came to power in 1320 CE was eager to build a stronghold capable of withstanding Mongol invasions. But his ambition collided with the spiritual authority. The revered Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya was constructing a stepwell (baoli) for his community. When Tughlaq diverted labourers from the saint's project to speed up construction of his fortress, tensions escalated. The saint is believed to have uttered a curse: 'May it remain desolate, or inhabited only by shepherds.' Whether meant as divine warning or a moment of frustration, the words stuck over time. So did the myth turning Tughlaqabad into more of a cautionary tale than a piece of architectural history. Historian Prof. S. M. Azizuddin Husain challenges the version. 'Tughlaqabad was built for defence; There is no historical record of any curse affecting the fort. These stories emerged later, when the site was deserted and overgrown, and people began filling in the blanks with fantasy,' he says. With towering stone walls over 15 metres high enclosing a city-within-a-city complete with water reservoirs, granaries, elevated watchtowers, and escape tunnels, Tughlaqabad was a strategically designed forts of its time. 'Even later forts like Agra or Red Fort can't match the military logic of Tughlaqabad,' says Husain. 'Ghiyasuddin used the landscape intelligently building into the Aravallis, surrounding the complex with water bodies, and creating multiple lines of defence,' he adds. With its formidable design, Tughlaqabad was never breached in battle but politically sidelined. When Ghiyasuddin's son, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, shifted the capital to Daulatabad in the Deccan within a decade, the fort lost its importance. Later years, it was abandoned not destroyed. Ghiyasuddin's death, however, added fuel to the fire of myth. Returning triumphantly from a Bengal campaign, the Sultan was received with a grand wooden pavilion built in his honour which collapsed and killed him. The timing led many to recall another statement allegedly made by Nizamuddin: 'Hunooz Dilli door ast' — 'Delhi is still far away.' Was it a coincidence? A prophecy? Political theatre? No one can say with certainty. Heritage activist Sohail Hashmi sees the myth as a distraction from the real story. 'We love ghost stories because they're easier to remember than historical facts,' he says and adds, the feud between the Sultan and the saint was real but more political than mystical. 'Nizamuddin commanded an enormous public following. For a ruler used to absolute power, this was threatening. Their conflict was about influence and authority.' Husain cites a mehfil held within its walls where more than 400 scholars debated the permissibility of Sama (spiritual music). Hazrat Nizamuddin's arguments prevailed, and Qawwali was officially accepted in the Indian Sufi tradition. 'This one event alone makes the fort historically and culturally significant,' he says. 'It was not just a site of military brilliance, but of spiritual transformation.' Tughlaqabad today remains eerily empty when compared to the crowds at other monuments in the city. Whereas, the place is an opportunity to explore the expansive landscapes, uninterrupted skyline views, rugged architecture and birdsong echoing off stone walls. 'This should be a classroom under the sky, not a ghost town,' says Sohail. Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, near Govindpuri Metro station; 9am to 5pm; Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indian citizens), ₹300 (foreign nationals)
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Muslim BJP leaders celebrate Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis's birthday with prayers at Sufi shrine, distribute umbrellas among needy
Muslim BJP leaders marked CM Devendra Fadnavis's birthday with a unique celebration, offering a chadar at Haji Ali Dargah and distributing essential items. Haji Arfat Shaikh emphasized the importance of helping the needy and promoting safety. MUMBAI: A group of Muslim BJP leaders celebrated CM Devendra Fadnavis's birthday by offering chadar at the iconic Sufi shrine Haji Ali Dargah and distributing umbrellas and helmets among the needy. BJP Transport Cell president and ex-chairman, Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, Haji Arfat Shaikh who led the "novel and compassionate" way of birthday celebrations of the CM said that, instead of wasting money on holding fabulous parties, he decided to do something for the needy and safety of the people. "We offered chadar at the Haji Ali Dargah and prayed for our CM Devendra Fadnavisji's long and happy life. We also prayed for peace and prosperity in our state and the country," said Shaikh. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai He added that umbrellas are very important in the monsoon season in Mumbai and they will help protect many poor from the torrential rains. He added that, besides hundreds of umbrellas, with BJP's symbol and flag's colour decorating them, helmets too have been distributed to many bikers. "The distribution of helmets is also to send a message about safe driving and honouring traffic rules, " he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Book Your Daily Profit By 11 AM With This Superclass By Mr. Bala TradeWise Learn More Undo Vice-president of BJP Transport Cell D A Chaugle who also participated in celebrations of the CM's birthday by umbrella and helmet distribution said that such gestures go a long way in creating an atmosphere of goodwill, peace and harmony. "The desperately poor needs help from whatever way we can provide it. We were glad to see so many people turning up for the event," said Chaugle. Founder of 'Borderless Babasaheb', a think tank to popularise Dr B R Ambedkar's ideas internationally, Rajendra Jadhav, was among those who attended the event.
