Bathinda/Amritsar, August 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Sri Akal Takht Sahib will speak up, summon individuals and initiate action according to Sikh traditions if anyone interferes in Panthic affairs or violates the dignity of Sikh institutions, said Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Singh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, on Monday.
Addressing devotees during the Miri-Piri Khalsa March, which started from Gurdwara Haji Rattan Sahib in Bathinda for Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Giani Gargajj said that Sri Akal Takht Sahib would continue to discharge its responsibility of protecting Panthic principles.
“If anyone interferes in Panthic matters, Sri Akal Takht Sahib will speak, summon those concerned, and if they agree but later go back on their commitment, action will also be taken according to Panthic maryada,” he said.
The Akal Takht Jathedar said the concept of “Guru’s Sangat” is a sacred and spiritual institution in Sikhism and cannot be compared with gatherings organised by political parties or their supporters.
He expressed concern over attempts by some political figures to use religious terminology for political purposes, saying that every institution and position has its own defined role. Political leaders should perform their constitutional responsibilities, while decisions concerning Panthic matters and Sikh religious affairs fall under the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Referring to the issue of legislation related to sacrilege cases, Giani Gargajj said the Sikh community has a clear stand that objectionable provisions and amendments pointed out earlier should be removed. Until those provisions are addressed, such legislation would not be acceptable to the Sikh community, he said.
The Jathedar also criticised remarks made by some individuals regarding Nagar Kirtans and other Sikh traditions, saying such views reflected a mindset that had earlier been seen in relation to sacred symbols and historic Sikh places. He said the Sikh community would never accept disrespect towards Guru traditions.
He urged Sikhs to maintain complete respect and proper maryada for the sacred saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. If anyone is unable to maintain the required religious discipline at home, the sacred saroop should be respectfully handed over to a Gurdwara Sahib, he said.
Meanwhile, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said the purpose of the Miri-Piri Khalsa March was to spread the teachings and principles of Guru Sahib among the Sikh community.
Dhami said some people questioning the march lacked understanding of Gurmat and Punjab’s religious and cultural traditions. He said the word “Sangat” holds a special spiritual meaning in Sikhism and cannot be used for political or ordinary gatherings.
He warned the community against attempts to shift Panthic decision-making authority towards political institutions, saying such a move would pose a serious threat to Sikh autonomy. He added that governments may change, but Gurmat principles remain eternal.
Dhami said the Miri-Piri Khalsa March was not organised for any political purpose but as a Panthic initiative under the guidance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He said the participation of families and children reflected devotion towards Guru Sahib rather than a political gathering.
Before the march departed from Gurdwara Haji Rattan Sahib, Amritsar’s Sri Harmandir Sahib granthi Singh Sahib Giani Kewal Singh delivered religious discourse, while head preacher Bhai Sarabjit Singh Dhotian shared historical perspectives with the gathering.
The departure ardas was performed by Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, while Giani Kewal Singh carried out the service of placing the sacred saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the palki sahib.
At various locations along the route, devotees welcomed the Khalsa March with enthusiasm. Despite heavy rain and waterlogging, large numbers of devotees participated and expressed their reverence towards Guru Sahib.
Several prominent personalities, including senior Akali leader Sikandar Singh Maluka, Baba Jagjit Singh Baru Sahib, SGPC members Navtej Singh Kauni, Mohan Singh Bhangi, Avtar Singh Vanwala and others, were present on the occasion.
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