Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains gets religious punishment for code violation during martyrdom centenary event
PTC Web Desk: Punjab Cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains has got religious punishment for violating the sanctity of a Sikh religious event commemorating the martyrdom centenary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. As part of the spiritual atonement, he will undertake a barefoot pilgrimage from Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) to Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal in Amritsar, acing Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj confirmed this on Wednesday.
Notably, Punjab Cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains appeared before Panj Singh Sahibaan at the Akal Takht on Wednesday to provide a clarification regarding the violation of religious conduct during a recent event held in Srinagar. The programme was organised by the Punjab Government to mark the martyrdom centenary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Harjot Singh Bains was summoned by Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, to explain his role and offer a clarification regarding the allegations of allowing or failing to prevent singing and dancing at the solemn religious gathering.
Punjab Cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains has been directed to undertake a series of religious tasks as a form of spiritual atonement for violating Sikh maryada (code of conduct) during the martyrdom centenary event of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
As part of the religious punishment, Bains will begin his journey on foot to Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal in Amritsar. In addition, he will walk 100 metre barefoot to Gurdwara Valla Sahib.
His atonement journey will also include a visit to Baba Bakala Sahib, followed by travel to Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi. Bains will also visit Sri Anandpur Sahib, where he will perform two days of voluntary service (sewa), including cleaning footwear and sweeping the gurdwara premises at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib located there.
Upon completion of his sewa, the minister will offer a deg (religious offering) of Rs 1,100 and participate in an ardas (prayer) seeking forgiveness.
Bains has also acknowledged his mistake of not objecting to the playing of songs and dancing during a religious programme—an act considered a violation of Sikh religious conduct and maryada (code of conduct).
This disciplinary action comes after widespread criticism over the breach of protocol during the centenary event dedicated to the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Meanwhile, three organisers from Jammu—Ranjit Singh, Iqbal Singh, and Somnath Singh—have been handed religious punishment for their involvement in the violation of Sikh religious protocol during the event.
As part of the penance, they are required to perform one hour of daily voluntary service (sewa) for 11 consecutive days at the nearest gurdwara Sahib. Their duties will include cleaning footwear, washing utensils, and participating in daily prayers (Nitnem).
After completing the 11 days of sewa, they must visit Sri Akal Takht Sahib to offer an ardas (prayer) seeking forgiveness.
- PTC NEWS
