Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains was given “tankhah,” a religious punishment, by five Sikh high priests after his participation in a controversial dance performance at an event commemorating Guru Teg Bahadur’s 350th martyrdom day in Srinagar. The performance, held at Tagore Hall last month, was viewed by many in the Sikh community as disrespectful and against Sikh maryada (religious conduct).
The five high priests—Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Giani Sultan Singh, Giani Kewal Singh, Giani Tek Singh, and Giani Mangal Singh—assembled at the Akal Takht and pronounced the punishment. Minister Bains was directed to undertake a barefoot pilgrimage from the Golden Temple to Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, visit Baba Bakala and Delhi’s Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, perform two days of sewa including cleaning footwear and sweeping a gurdwara premises in Anandpur Sahib, offer karah parshad worth Rs 1,100, and participate in ardas seeking forgiveness. He was also asked to visit historical Sikh sites and oversee development and sanitation work.
Following the announcement, Bains accepted the punishment with humility and committed to fulfilling the religious tasks to atone for his actions. Prior to this, he had publicly apologized on social media, acknowledging the mistake either knowingly or unknowingly made by the event organizers.
The Sikh clergy condemned the inclusion of the dance and musical program at the religious event, expressing deep hurt and emphasizing that future government programs should strictly focus on seminars, discussions, and lectures that reflect Sikh values, avoiding any form of entertainment that violates Sikh conduct. Meanwhile, Language Department Director Jaswant Singh, who was also present at the event, is expected to face similar disciplinary proceedings after returning to India.
This episode underscores the importance placed on respecting religious traditions within Sikhism and the accountability expected of public figures in maintaining the sanctity of religious commemorations.