Sri Muktsar Sahib/Amritsar, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Miri-Piri Khalsa March is a manifestation of the Sikh principle of Miri-Piri and traditional Panthic values, and should not be viewed through a political lens, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said on Monday.
Addressing the sangat at Gurdwara Patshahi Dasvin Thehri Sahib at the commencement of the march, Dhami said the march was not a political roadshow but a reflection of the principles bestowed by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib.
He said that throughout Sikh history, major religious movements and Nagar Kirtans had been organised under the guidance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib during challenging times to unite the community.
Reacting to descriptions of the march as a “roadshow”, Dhami said such remarks reflected a lack of understanding of Sikh traditions and could hurt the religious sentiments of the sangat. He said Sikh institutions and devotees should respond appropriately to statements that undermine the dignity of Guru Ghar and Panthic traditions.
Dhami said Sri Akal Takht Sahib had always stood for the welfare of humanity, justice and the progress of the Sikh community. He added that the SGPC and Shiromani Akali Dal were also established under the guidance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and had remained dedicated to Panthic service.
He said the large response being received by the Miri-Piri Khalsa March from Sikh devotees across India and abroad was not acceptable to some people, leading them to criticise a religious tradition by giving it a political colour.
Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, while addressing the gathering, said Sri Akal Takht Sahib had guided the Sikh community for centuries whenever Sikh principles, traditions or institutions faced challenges.
He said Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib established Sri Akal Takht Sahib and gave the Sikh community the concept of Miri-Piri, highlighting the balance of devotion and power, and the ideals of a saint-soldier.
Giani Gargajj said the Khalsa March was carrying the message of Sikh values, spiritual awareness and community unity at a time when Punjab was facing concerns such as drug abuse, disconnect among youth from their heritage and questions being raised about Sikh institutions.
He added that criticism by some individuals could not stop efforts aimed at religious awareness and Sikh propagation. He appealed to the community to remain cautious of attempts to question Sikh traditions and the sanctity of Guru Ghar.
During the march, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Tek Singh also participated.
The march began after religious programmes at Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Muktsar Sahib, where Head Preacher Bhai Sarabjit Singh Dhotian spoke about the objectives of the Miri-Piri Khalsa March and Sikh principles. The Ardas was followed by the recitation of the holy Hukamnama by Giani Kewal Singh, Granthi Singh of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib.
The march received a warm welcome at several locations, including Tharajwala, Lalbai, Channu, Lambi, Kheowali, Badal, Kaljharani, Chak Attar Singh Wala, Nandgarh, Ghudda, Bahoyatri, Tiwana, Multania, Kishan Chowk and Bathinda.
At village Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, Member of Parliament Harsimrat Kaur Badal and a large number of devotees welcomed the march. Sukhbir Badal paid obeisance by offering a Rumala Sahib to Sri Guru Granth Sahib and honoured the Panj Pyare, Jathedars and other prominent personalities.
The march will halt for the night at Gurdwara Haji Rattan Sahib in Bathinda and will continue its next phase on Tuesday.
FOLLOW NOW
