Amritsar: Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains appeared before the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, on Tuesday to present his clarification over the recent controversy surrounding an official event in Srinagar commemorating the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
The event, organized by the Punjab Government, drew criticism after video clips emerged showing people performing Bhangra during the commemoration, accompanied by songs from singer Bir Singh. Many Sikh groups and leaders had called this act disrespectful to the solemnity of the occasion.
During his appearance before the five Singh Sahibans at the Akal Takht, Bains admitted to the mistake and acknowledged that he failed to intervene or stop the inappropriate proceedings at the event. “I apologize to the entire Sikh community for the hurt caused by my actions and inactions,” Harjot Bains stated.
After reviewing the situation, the Singh Sahibans announced religious penalties (Tankhah) for Harjot Bains and others involved. The directives emphasize that while the government is free to organize seminars or awareness programs on the lives of Sikh Gurus, it must ensure that events uphold the sanctity and values of Sikh tradition. To ensure this, the Akal Takht has advised that future events be organized in consultation with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
As part of his penance, Harjot Bains has been directed to undertake several religious services:
- He will walk on foot to the sacred palace of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and oversee the repair of the road leading to the site.
- He must walk 100 meters from Gurdwara Kotha Sahib and ensure the construction and repair of access roads.
- Bains will also visit Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib in Delhi and contribute a deg (community meal offering) worth Rs 1,100.
- He has been assigned seva (voluntary religious service) at the couple’s house in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
In addition to Bains, Ranjit Singh from Jammu, along with Gopal Singh and Som Nath Singh, have also been held accountable. Ranjit Singh has been directed to:
- Sweep the premises of a Gurdwara Sahib for 11 days,
- Recite daily Nitnem (prayers) for 11 days,
- Contribute Rs 1,100 each to both the Deg and the Guru’s Golak (donation box).
These actions are seen as both spiritual accountability and a public reaffirmation of maintaining respect for Sikh traditions during official and religious gatherings.
The Akal Takht’s ruling sends a strong message regarding the need for cultural sensitivity and religious discipline, especially from public representatives.
