Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains Rebuked by Akal Takht Over Bhangra Row at Sikh Martyrdom Event

Amritsar (The Uttam Hindu): In a strong assertion of Sikh religious discipline, the Five Singh Sahibans have declared Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains as a “wage-earning offender” after he admitted to violating Sikh code of conduct. The controversy arose after a bhangra performance was held during the 350th birth anniversary ceremony of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, organized by the Punjab Government in Srinagar, where Akal Takht Sahib’s sanctity was allegedly compromised.

Minister Bains appeared before the Akal Takht and accepted responsibility for allowing cultural performances including dance and music during a solemn Sikh martyrdom event. As a religious punishment, he has been ordered to walk on foot from Shri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) to Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal—Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's birthplace—and to ensure the repair of roads and lanes along this sacred route.

He is further instructed to walk 100 meters on foot before reaching Gurdwara Kotha Sahib Wala and Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib, both significant Sikh heritage sites, and oversee infrastructure improvements there as well. Additionally, he must visit Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi and serve at the Joda Ghar (shoe service area) of Sri Anandpur Sahib for two days, where he is also required to prepare Karah Prasad.

The Singh Sahibans have directed the Punjab Government to focus future centenary celebrations on spiritual seminars and religious discourses, while entrusting Nagar Kirtan arrangements solely to Sikh institutions in accordance with the code of conduct. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee's religious preaching committee has been asked to assist in these matters.

On this occasion, three Sikhs from Jammu and Kashmir – Ranjit Singh, Jagpal Singh, and Somanath Singh – were honored with religious recognition for their services.