The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has filed a police complaint against Instagram influencer Archana Makwana for performing yoga at Sri Darbar Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, on June 21, International Day of Yoga. The incident has sparked significant outrage within the Sikh community.
According to SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, the act of performing yoga in the sacred space of the Golden Temple has deeply hurt Sikh sentiments. He emphasized that some individuals deliberately ignore the sanctity of holy places, causing distress to the community. Dhami appealed to the ‘sangat’ (congregation), highlighting the respect the Golden Temple commands among Sikhs and pilgrims from all religions and countries who come to pay their obeisance.
In light of the incident, the SGPC has taken disciplinary action against three ‘sewadars’ (employees) for neglecting their duties by allowing the yoga exercises in the temple’s ‘Parikrama’ area—a marble walkway where pilgrims perform circumambulation, offering prayers and respects.
An inquiry committee, constituted by the SGPC, questioned the ‘sewadars’ about their dereliction of duty. The Golden Temple’s General Manager, Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, explained that Archana Makwana had posted photos of her yoga session on social media, which went viral. CCTV footage confirmed that she entered the premises at 6:57 a.m. and began performing yoga exercises at 7:04 a.m. She stayed in the ‘Parikrama’ for almost an hour without paying reverence during her visit.
In response to the uproar, Makwana issued a public apology, expressing regret for her actions.
Sources By Agencies
