Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains Completes Religious Penalty at Akal Takht

August 13, 2025

Amritsar: Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has completed his religious punishment (tankhaah) by offering ardas (Sikh prayer) at the Akal Takht, the highest seat of Sikh temporal authority in the Golden Temple complex.

This marked the conclusion of a series of atonement tasks assigned by the Sikh clergy for violating Sikh maryada (code of conduct) during a government event in Srinagar.

Controversy Over Dance Performance
The issue arose from a July 24, 2025, event in Srinagar organized by the Punjab Language Department to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

A dance and music performance by Punjabi singer Bir Singh, including bhangra, was deemed inappropriate for the solemn occasion. Viral videos of the performance triggered strong criticism from Sikh bodies and devotees.

Declaration as Tankhaiya and Apology
On August 6, Bains appeared before the Panj Singh Sahibaan led by acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj at the Akal Takht.

He was declared tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) and accepted full responsibility. Publicly apologizing, Bains said, “I sincerely apologize for not stopping the performance and humbly accept the punishment.”

Assigned Atonement Tasks
The Akal Takht directed Bains to perform a series of religious duties, including:

• Barefoot pilgrimage from the Golden Temple to Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, ensuring path cleanliness.

• Walking barefoot to Gurdwara Kotha Sahib and Gurdwara Patshahi Nauvin in Valla, and overseeing road repairs.

• Visiting Baba Bakala Sahib (40 km from Amritsar) and Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi.

• Two days of sewa at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, cleaning footwear and sweeping premises.

• Offering a deg (holy food) worth ₹1,100 and participating in ardas.

Completion of Tankhah
Over the past week, Bains fulfilled these tasks, including road repair work and voluntary service at Anandpur Sahib. Today, he completed his atonement by offering ardas before the Panj Pyaras at the Akal Takht, in front of several devotees.

Expressing gratitude, Bains said, “As a Sikh, I have sought redemption in the Guru’s court and will continue to serve the community with sincerity.”

Akal Takht Issues Advisory to Punjab Government
The Akal Takht also urged the Punjab government to involve the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in future Guru-related events to ensure adherence to Sikh religious protocols.

The clergy stressed the need to protect the sanctity of Sikh heritage and maintain unity among Sikh organizations.