Both directed to undergo Gurmat training, perform morning and evening langar sewa and appear before Akal Takht Secretariat with certificates.
Sri Amritsar, November 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Sri Akal Takht Sahib has barred the kirtani jathas led by Bhai Jagjeet Singh Babiha and Bhai Kulwinder Singh Kharar from performing Gurbani kirtan before the sangat for one month, from November 13 to December 12, 2026, following complaints over an ongoing dispute between the two groups.
The directions were issued by the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib on the orders of its officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj.
The action follows repeated complaints received from members of the Sikh community regarding the conduct of the two kirtani jathas, including allegations of violations of Gurbani kirtan maryada and objectionable exchanges against each other through social media.
Both Directed to Undergo Gurmat Training
According to the Secretariat’s order, both kirtaniyas have been directed to undergo one month of religious instruction to deepen their understanding of Sikh Rehat Maryada, conduct before the sangat and the principles of Gurmat Sangeet.
Bhai Jagjeet Singh Babiha has been directed to attend Shaheed Sikh Missionary College, Sri Amritsar Sahib, while Bhai Kulwinder Singh Kharar will undergo training at Gurmat Sangeet Academy, Sri Anandpur Sahib.
The two have also been instructed to perform sewa in the langar hall every morning and evening as part of the directions intended to encourage humility and discipline.
After completing the prescribed training, both must personally appear before the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, carrying certificates issued by their respective institutions.
Dispute and Social Media Exchanges Prompted Action
The Secretariat expressed concern over the conduct of the two jathas during their recent dispute.
According to the order, both had violated the prescribed maryada of Gurbani kirtan and engaged in disparaging exchanges against each other through social media, including from the diwan halls of gurdwaras.
The Secretariat stated that such conduct had hurt the sentiments of traditional kirtaniyas as well as members of the sangat.
Complaints regarding the dispute had been reaching Sri Akal Takht Sahib over the past several days, prompting the intervention of the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs.
Akal Takht Emphasises Sanctity of Gurbani Kirtan
In its directions, the Secretariat emphasised that Gurbani kirtan is a sacred gift bestowed by the Guru and a source of spiritual nourishment.
It stated that those performing Gurbani kirtan must demonstrate reverence for the Guru, humility, knowledge of Sikh Rehat Maryada and an understanding of the traditional Gurbani musical system.
The order underlined the responsibility of kirtaniyas to maintain the dignity and discipline associated with Gurbani kirtan, particularly while performing before congregations in gurdwaras.
The directions combine a temporary restriction on public kirtan performances with religious education, voluntary service and a requirement to report back to the Secretariat.
The one-month restriction will remain in effect until December 12, while both kirtaniyas have been directed to appear before the Secretariat after completing their training and sewa.
FOLLOW NOW
