Sydney: What was expected to be a night of celebration for Punjabi music lovers turned into a controversy when several Sikh attendees were denied entry to Diljit Dosanjh’s concert in Sydney for carrying the kirpan, a sacred symbol of the Sikh faith. The incident has triggered widespread outrage among fans and the Sikh community in Australia.
The concert, held at CommBank (Parramatta) Stadium in western Sydney, drew a crowd of nearly 25,000 fans, many of whom were members of the Sikh diaspora. However, according to eyewitnesses, several Sikh concertgoers were stopped during security checks and told they could not enter the venue with their kirpans — one of the five articles of faith worn by baptized Sikhs.
Fans Denied Entry and Forced to Leave
Among those affected was Paramveer Singh Bimwal, a Sydney resident, who attended the event with his wife, Sona Bimwal. They had each paid 200 Australian dollars (approximately Rs 11,000) for their tickets. Despite recovering from a spinal injury, Singh said he was eager to attend the concert — but was turned away after his kirpan triggered a metal detector.
Security officials allegedly told him to remove the kirpan and deposit it for safekeeping before entering. Singh refused, saying it was against his faith to part with the religious article. “I’ve been to schools, football matches, and other public events with my kirpan and never faced such discrimination,” he told local media. “It was deeply upsetting that this happened at a concert by a Sikh artist like Diljit Dosanjh.”
The couple said they waited outside the venue until 8 p.m., hoping for clarification or a resolution, but received no communication or refund. They eventually returned home, disappointed.
“A Sacred Symbol, Not a Weapon”
Speaking to reporters, Paramveer emphasized that the kirpan should not be mistaken for a knife or weapon. “This isn’t a blade meant to harm anyone — it’s a sacred article of our religion, a reminder to stand for justice and truth. If we’re asked to abandon it, we’d rather not attend the event,” he said.
His wife, Sona, echoed the sentiment, adding that the incident had left a lasting emotional impact on many in the community. “We came to celebrate our culture and our artist, not to be humiliated,” she said.
Fans Walk Out in Protest
Reports suggest that a number of Sikh fans left the venue in solidarity with those denied entry. Social media posts and videos from the night showed angry attendees voicing frustration, questioning how a concert by a Sikh performer could enforce rules that excluded Sikhs observing their faith.
Organizers and Authorities Yet to Respond
As of now, neither the concert organizers nor Diljit Dosanjh’s management have issued an official statement addressing the controversy. It remains unclear whether the restrictions were enforced under stadium security policies or by local law enforcement guidelines concerning sharp objects at large events.
Community Leaders Call for Dialogue
Sikh community representatives in Australia have since called for an open dialogue with event organizers and local authorities to clarify kirpan protocols at public gatherings. Many have urged greater cultural sensitivity and awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future.
What began as one of Diljit Dosanjh’s biggest international performances has now sparked a wider debate on religious freedom, security protocols, and cultural respect, leaving many fans questioning how a celebration of Punjabi identity turned into a moment of exclusion for members of the same community.
