Adv. Dhami reiterates that holding religious centenary events is not government's responsibility, demands public apology from Punjab Govt

Punjab Government’s Language Department 350th Martyrdom Centenary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami strongly condemned the Punjab Government’s Language Department for organizing entertainment performances, including dancing and singing, during a seminar held in Srinagar dedicated to the 350th Martyrdom Centenary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

Advocate Dhami stated that such performances at a government-organized event gravely hurt sentiments associated with the sacred martyrdom of Guru Sahib and severely damaged Gurmat principles and ideology. Advocate Dhami further emphasized that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s martyrdom holds unparalleled significance in world religious history. Therefore, every event commemorating his martyrdom must strictly adhere to Sikh traditions and should embody respect, solemnity, and reverence toward Gurbani.

However, the Language Department of the Punjab Government turned the event into an entertainment spectacle, deeply hurting Sikh sentiments. He noted that the SGPC has consistently clarified that centenary events and Gurpurab celebrations related to the Guru Sahibs should exclusively be managed by Sikh institutions, as governments and official departments often find it difficult to correctly uphold Gurmat protocols.

The recent action of Punjab’s Language Department has confirmed the concerns already expressed by the SGPC. Advocate Dhami urged the Chief Minister to immediately acknowledge this and limit government responsibilities strictly to developmental activities. Advocate Dhami stressed that Sikh Gurpurabs are not ordinary celebrations or entertainment festivals; rather, they are spiritual occasions dedicated to Gurmat principles, encompassing sacred activities such as Shabad Kirtan, Gurmat contemplation, Gurbani recitation, Sewa (selfless service), and Simran (meditation).

Dancing, music, or entertainment performances at such events violate Gurmat principles and constitute disrespect toward Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s martyrdom. Advocate Dhami demanded a public apology from the Punjab Government for this serious negligence and urged it to issue clear and strict guidelines to prevent such incidents in the future. He asserted that the Sikh community would never tolerate any disrespect toward the sacred traditions of the Sikh faith and the sanctity of the Guru Sahibs.

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