Panthic outrage over songs and dance at Guru Tegh Bahadur ji martyrdom anniversary
Singer Bir Singh tenders apology; SGPC demands public apology from Punjab Govt
Amritsar, July 26 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – The officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Singh Sahib Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, has taken serious notice of widespread Sikh outrage over a controversial cultural programme held by the Punjab Government in Srinagar to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. In this regard Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and the Director of the Punjab State Language Department, Jaswant Singh Zafar, have been summoned to appear before the assembly of the five Singh Sahiban on August 1, 2025, at Sri Akal Takht Sahib to present their clarifications.
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that despite the gravity of the issue, neither the minister nor the language department director has so far clarified their role or issued an apology for the programme, which hurt Sikh sentiments. He stressed that those holding constitutional and administrative responsibilities have a higher moral obligation towards the Panth and society. “It is for the first time in history that an event dedicated to the sacred martyrdom of a Guru Sahib began with songs, dance, and entertainment. Such acts are unacceptable and cannot be ignored,” he remarked.
He further stated that the Panthic congregation on August 1 would deliberate on the matter and hear the responses of the summoned officials. He noted that prominent Sikh singer Bir Singh, whose performance at the event was also criticised, appeared at Sri Akal Takht Sahib yesterday, humbly apologised for the incident, and explained that it was due to a management lapse. Bir Singh admitted he was unaware of the full context of the event, having flown in from abroad the same day, but accepted full responsibility. As part of the directive from the Singh Sahiban, he has been asked to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Minister Bains to Appear Before Singh Sahiban
Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, in a written statement, has acknowledged the call of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and expressed his submission to the Guru’s throne. Citing his devotion to the Sixth Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, and the sanctity of Akal Takht, Bains said, “Whatever happened during this event was an unintentional oversight by the organisers. As a Sikh and a humble servant of the Guru Panth, I seek forgiveness. I will present myself barefoot at Sri Akal Takht Sahib and accept every hukam with folded hands.”
SGPC Condemn Cultural Event
The incident has sparked a sharp backlash from Sikh religious institutions. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami condemned the organisers, calling the inclusion of entertainment performances during a solemn tribute to the Ninth Guru a violation of Sikh values. “This was a direct affront to the sanctity of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s supreme sacrifice. The Punjab Government must issue a public apology and ensure such disrespect never occurs again,” Dhami said, urging strict guidelines for future commemorations.
Meanwhile, Sri Akal Takht Sahib’s secretariat in-charge, Bagicha Singh, confirmed that official letters have been dispatched to both Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Director Jaswant Singh Zafar, summoning them to clarify their positions. The Panthic assembly on August 1 is expected to take a final decision after hearing all sides.
This controversy has once again highlighted the deep reverence Sikhs hold for their Gurus’ martyrdom and the expectation that any state or community event tied to such sacred occasions must uphold the highest standards of Maryada and respect.
