Dance gig at guru's martyrdom event in Srinagar sparks outrage, SGPC demands apology from Punjab Government

A programme to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur held in Srinagar on Thursday has drawn criticism from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) after attendees were seen dancing to a Punjabi song.

The event was organised by the Language Department of Punjab, in association with J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, at Tagore Hall, Srinagar.

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami today condemned the entertainment performances “involving singing and dancing” organised during the event.

He said that the manner in which the event was conducted went against the sanctity of Guru Teg Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice. He said it was a direct affront to Sikh religious values and the core philosophy of the guru.

Dhami stated that the presentation at the government’s event struck a blow to both the concept of martyrdom and the revered Sikh code of conduct (Gurmat Maryada).

He emphasised that the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur held a unique and unparalleled place in the religious history of the world. Therefore, any event organised to mark this occasion should align strictly with Sikh traditions, reverence, restraint and the spirit of Gurbani.

By turning this solemn occasion into an entertainment affair, the Language Department of Punjab “has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community”, said Dhami.

He said that this was why the SGPC had always maintained that Sikh centenary events and festivals should be organised by Sikh institutions, not governments, as official departments lack the sensitivity and understanding to follow the Sikh code of conduct appropriately.

The wrongful act by the Punjab Language Department validates “SGPC’s concerns” and demands immediate attention of Punjab Chief Minister, he said, urging the government to restrict itself to developmental and supportive responsibilities.

Dhami further said that Gurpurbs and other Sikh commemorative events were not casual celebrations or entertainment festivals but spiritual occasions dedicated to the teachings of Sikh faith.

They should include holy activities such as Shabad Kirtan, Gurmat Vichar, Gurbani recitation, community service and sewa, said the SGPC president.

“Activities such as dancing and singing performances are not only violations of Sikh principles but also disrespectful to the martyrdom of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur,” he added.

He called upon the Punjab Government “to issue a public apology for this serious misstep and to issue clear and strict guidelines to prevent such occurrences in the future”.