Akal Takht Warns Against Portrayal of Sikh Gurus’ Families, Seeks Withdrawal of Govt Order

Sri Amritsar, December 3 — Sri Akal Takht Sahib’s acting Jathedar, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, has issued a sharp objection to the fancy-dress competitions announced by the Child Welfare Council, Punjab, in relation to the martyrdom day of the Sahibzadas, the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He has demanded that the events be cancelled without delay, calling them disrespectful and against Sikh religious principles. The Jathedar said it was worrying that officials working under both the central and state governments continue to show a lack of awareness about Sikh sentiments and traditions, allowing such directives to be issued.

The controversy intensified after an order dated November 12, 2025, surfaced on social media. The order instructed Deputy Commissioners and District Child Welfare Council presidents across Punjab to conduct fancy-dress contests themed around the Sahibzadas, Mata Gujar Kaur Ji and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Jathedar Gargajj said no government official should ignore the long-established Sikh principle that forbids any imitation or portrayal of Sikh Gurus, their families, the four Sahibzadas or Sikh martyrs. He noted that anyone attempting such portrayals could face legal consequences, as these practices are strictly prohibited in Sikh tradition.

He questioned how the government expected to pay genuine respect by asking children to dress as revered Sikh figures, a move he said would hurt the sentiments of the entire community. He reminded authorities that Sikh history stands on eternal truth and does not need symbolic or theatrical presentations for its preservation. He has directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to take up the matter with the Child Welfare Council, Punjab, and ensure the immediate cancellation of the events.

The Jathedar also raised strong objections to the Centre Government’s chosen terminology for the national observance dedicated to the younger Sahibzadas. While welcoming the idea of marking their martyrdom day across the country, he insisted that the day must be officially recognised as “Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas” rather than “Veer Bal Diwas.” He said the government must respect Sikh religious vocabulary instead of imposing terminology that has not been approved by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He made it clear that Sikh organisations, gurdwara bodies and committees anywhere in the world should avoid using the Centre’s term and instead refer only to “Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas.”

He has instructed the SGPC to engage with the Centre through a high-level delegation to press for the change in nomenclature. He has also urged all Sikh parliamentarians to raise the issue forcefully in Parliament to ensure the correction is made.

Issuing a stern warning, the Jathedar told the Punjab Government that no school or district in the state should implement the Child Welfare Council’s order to hold fancy-dress competitions on Sikh historical figures. He asked the state to lodge its objections formally, citing Sikh beliefs and sentiments. He appealed to the Sikh community to remain alert and to oppose any such event peacefully and lawfully wherever it takes place. He said Sikhs will not tolerate actions that violate or disrespect their religious values.