Sri Amritsar- Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, has taken strong notice of the objectionable fancy-dress competitions ordered by the Child Welfare Council, Punjab—affiliated with the Indian Child Welfare Council—dedicated to the martyrdom day of the Sahibzadas, the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh. The Jathedar said that these events be cancelled immediately. He said it is extremely concerning that both the Centre and Punjab governments show little seriousness or understanding of Sikh principles, sentiments and traditions, resulting in officials of government departments issuing arbitrary and anti-Sikh directives.
It is noteworthy that an order dated 12 November 2025, issued by the Punjab Child Welfare Council to all Deputy Commissioners and Presidents of District Child Welfare Council, recently surfaced on social media. The order clearly instructed districts across Punjab to organise fancy-dress competitions on themes related to the Sahibzadas, Mata Gujar Kaur Ji and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Jathedar Gargajj said government representatives must have the awareness and understanding that all forms of depiction or imitation of Sikh Gurus, their family members, the four Sahibzadas and Sikh martyrs are strictly prohibited, and those violating this principle face legal action.
He questioned how the government intends to pay homage with respect by asking children to dress up as the Sahibzadas, Mata Gujar Kaur Ji or Baba Banda Singh Bahadur in fancy-dress contests—an act that deeply hurts Sikh sentiments and violates Sikh tenets. He said Sikh traditions do not permit any imitation of the Gurus, their families or the Sahibzadas. The history connected to the Gurus and the Sahibzadas is eternal truth and does not need the medium of fancy-dress competitions for propagation.
Jathedar Gargajj has instructed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to correspond with the Child Welfare Council, Punjab and ensure immediate cancellation of these objectionable events.
The Jathedar said that while the Centre Government’s decision to commemorate the younger Sahibzadas’ martyrdom with a national observance is a welcome step, the day must be officially declared as “Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas”, not “Veer Bal Diwas.” The government must respect Sikh sentiments, principles and terminology rather than imposing its own vocabulary upon the Sikh community. He made it clear that the name “Veer Bal Diwas” is not approved by Sri Akal Takht Sahib; therefore, no gurdwara committee, Sikh organisation or body anywhere in the world should hold events under this name. Only the term “Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas” should be used.
He also directed the SGPC to hold high-level talks with the Centre Government to ensure that the name is officially changed. Jathedar Gargajj asked all Sikh members of Indian Parliament to raise the issue strongly in Parliament and press the Centre Government to change the name.
The Jathedar further issued a stern warning to the Punjab Government, stating that no district or school in the state should conduct fancy-dress competitions on themes related to the Sahibzadas, Mata Gujar Kaur Ji or Baba Banda Singh Bahadur as per the Child Welfare Council’s orders. He asked the Punjab Government to officially record its objection to the Council’s directions by citing Sikh sentiments.
He appealed to the Sikh community to remain vigilant and, if any such event involving imitation of the Sahibzadas is held anywhere, to oppose and stop it peacefully and within the framework of law. He emphasized that Sikhs will never tolerate any conduct that hurts their religious sentiments.