Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) filed a police complaint on Saturday against an Instagram influencer for performing yoga at Sri Darbar Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple.
The incident has provoked strong reactions within the Sikh community. Additionally, the SGPC has taken disciplinary action against three ‘sewadars’ (employees) for negligence in allowing the woman to perform yoga in the Darbar Sahib ‘Parikrama’ on the morning of June 21, which is observed as International Day of Yoga.
The ‘Parikrama’ is a marble walkway where pilgrims offer prayers and pay their respects through circumambulation.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami expressed that the sanctity of the holy site was deliberately ignored, hurting Sikh sentiments. He appealed to the ‘sangat’ (congregation) to maintain respect for Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, a revered site for Sikhs and pilgrims of all religions worldwide.
An inquiry committee formed by the SGPC questioned the ‘sewadars’ for their dereliction of duty.
The Instagram influencer, Archana Makwana, whose yoga photos went viral, has since issued a public apology expressing regret for her actions.
Golden Temple General Manager Bhagwant Singh Dhangera stated that Makwana entered the premises at 6.57 a.m. and performed yoga at 7.04 a.m. She spent almost an hour in the ‘Parikrama’ without paying reverence.
The SGPC is regarded as the ‘Mini Parliament’ of the Sikh religion.
