Chandigarh: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Friday condemned the entertainment performances involving singing and dancing organised during an event held by the Punjab government’s language department in Srinagar, commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur.
The SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said in a statement that the manner in which the event was conducted went against the sanctity of Guru’s supreme sacrifice and was a direct affront to Sikh religious values and the core philosophy of Guru Teg Bahadur. He stated that the presentation at the government’s event struck a blow to both the concept of martyrdom and the revered Sikh code of conduct (Gurmat Maryada)
Dhami emphasised that any event organized to mark this centenary must align strictly with Sikh traditions, reverence, restraint, and the spirit of Gurbani. However, by turning this solemn occasion into an entertainment affair, the Language Department of Punjab has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.
Dhami further said that Sikh Gurpurbs and commemorative events are not casual celebrations or entertainment festivals but spiritual occasions dedicated to the teachings of Sikh faith.
They include holy activities such as Shabad Kirtan, Gurmat Vichar, Gurbani recitation, community service and sewa.
He called on the Punjab government to issue a public apology for this serious misstep and to issue clear and strict guidelines to prevent such occurrences in the future.
