Sri Amritsar-Speaking to the media in Sri Amritsar today, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, the Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, shared detailed information about the events being organised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) with the support of the Khalsa Panth from 23 to 29 November at Sri Anandpur Sahib. These programs commemorate the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar and his devoted Sikhs—Bhai Sati Das Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji and Bhai Diala Ji.
He said that under the centenary programmes at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib, the 350th Guruship Day of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji will be observed on 23 November; the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar and his Sikhs on 25 November; and the Sis Saskar Diwas (Head Cremation Day) of the Ninth Guru on 29 November. He added that since the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar and his Sikhs took place in Delhi, special Gurmat Samagams (religious congregations) will also be held on 25 November at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Delhi.
He further said that the Shaheedi Nagar Kirtan, beginning from Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi on 25 November, will reach Gurdwara Bibangarh Sahib, Sri Kiratpur Sahib, on 28 November, where the entire Khalsa Panth will offer a grand welcome and pay obeisance to the Guru. This Nagar Kirtan will resume from Gurdwara Bibangarh Sahib on 29 November and conclude at Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Jathedar Gargajj invited the entire Khalsa Panth to participate in large numbers, just as devotees reach Sri Anandpur Sahib during Hola Mohalla with their own resources and tractors-trolleys displaying the Khalsa Nishan Sahib. He appealed that from 23 to 29 November, all Sikh households and business establishments should also hoist the Khalsa Nishan Sahib to express Khalsa spirit and chardi kala.
Sharing further information, Jathedar Gargajj said that Punjab Government’s Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, and the department’s director have been asked by Sri Akal Takht Sahib to provide clarification regarding the presentation made at the Bhai Jeevan Singh (Bhai Jaita Ji) Memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib which goes against Sikh principles, traditions, and maryada. He said that the Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh has been directed to personally appear at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib within one week to provide his clarification, while the Director of the department will send a written clarification.
He stated that based on complaints received at Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the statement issued by the SGPC President, it has emerged that certain pictures created by the Punjab Government at the Bhai Jeevan Singh Memorial misrepresent Sikh principles, maryada, traditions, and sentiments. He said that one such picture incorrectly shows Sri Guru Gobind Singh wearing footwear while administering Amrit to the Panj Piaras. It also fails to depict the Sikh receiving Amrit in the proper “Bir Asan, ” which goes against the maryada of Amrit Sanchar. Additionally, the depiction of the baata (Amrit bowl), the khanda, the meaning of the two palanquins shown, and even the Nishan (flag) painted in the picture do not conform to Sikh tradition.
Reacting to the posters and banners installed by the Punjab Government regarding the 350th celebrations, Jathedar Gargajj said that public money has been used for such publicity and that the sangat should not be given incomplete information through them. He said it would have been better if the government had provided full details of the centenary events scheduled from 23 to 29 November. Though the government publicised its events for 23 to 25 November, the Khalsa Panth is observing the centenary until 29 November because the sacred Cremation Day of the Ninth Guru’s head also fall under this centenary and is observed on 29 November. He questioned the intention behind the government sharing incomplete information with the people.
Regarding the repeated objectionable comments made in the past by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader from Tarn Taran, Harmeet Singh Sandhu, against the Guru’s golak (offering box) and the Sikh institution SGPC, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that complaints regarding these comments have reached Sri Akal Takht Sahib and that the matter will be seriously considered in an assembly of the five Singh Sahiban in the coming days.
He said that since Guru’s time, the tradition of dasvandh has existed in Sikh faith, where the sangat contributes to the Guru’s house according to their capacity and devotion. He said the golaks in Gurdwaras are part of Sikh tradition, and the SGPC is a democratically elected representative body of the Sikhs—formed through many sacrifices—and manages Gurdwaras in accordance with the sentiments of the Khalsa Panth and the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925. He said making baseless comments against the Guru’s golak and the SGPC is unfortunate and reflects the atheistic mindset of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He added that the post of Chief Minister carries immense responsibility and represents all communities of the state.
Speaking about the ban on the animation film Hind Di Chadar, Jathedar Gargajj said that guidelines regarding films had already been issued earlier. He said the ban has been imposed on the film based on the SGPC Dharam Prachar Committee’s resolution passed on 13 December 2022, the special meeting of Sikh scholars and intellectuals at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on 2 May 2025, and the negative report of the sub-committee formed regarding the film. He said the SGPC has been directed to correspond with the filmmakers and the government to stop the release of this film, and the Khalsa Panth will not allow its release because it goes against Sikh sentiments, principles, and history.
Regarding the woman who did not return to India after travelling to Pakistan with Sikh pilgrims, Jathedar Gargajj said that her act is extremely unfortunate and has deeply hurt Sikh sentiments. He said that according to information received, there are criminal cases against the woman, and it must be clarified how she was given clearance to travel with the jatha and how her passport was issued. He said this is a matter for the government and that targeting Sikh jathas and pilgrims over this incident is completely wrong. He said he has spoken to S. Ramesh Singh Arora, President of the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Minister there, who assured that their government is making efforts to send the woman back to India soon. He said that the Pakistan government should also ensure her return so that upcoming jathas are not negatively affected.