AMRITSAR Setting up of a pandal replicating Central Sikh shrine, Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar, for Ganpati Utsav, a Hindu festival, in the camp area of Pune, Maharashtra (India) has hurt the Sikh sentiments. 

Ironically, the management committee of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Camp Area of the city played a leading role in this work, which is even more painful, according to the Sikh Sangat of Pune. 

Taking serious note of the objectionable act, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami termed it as an act of inciting Sikh sentiments.

He said that according to the information received from the Pune Sikh Sangat, this pandal has been built for Ganapati Pooja in the camp area of Pune city, which is exactly on the pattern of Sri Harmandar Sahib (Sri Darbar Sahib). 

He said that some people knowingly replicate the historical Sikh sacred places, which hurts the religious sentiments of the community. The SGPC President said that the action is against Sikh traditions, customs and principles and has hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community. “Sri Harmandar Sahib cannot be replicated. Those who did this should have understood the Sikh traditions, beliefs and sentiments of the community”, he added. 

Dhami said that in this regard, the SGPC is sending a team to Pune for investigation. He also expressed concern over such anti-Sikh activities in the present time and asked the local Gurdwara Committees to try to stop such activities on the spot and not to become participants in the same.

He said that the matter will be investigated and if the Gurdwara Committee is also found guilty, communication will be made to Akal Takht Sahib for further action. He also appealed to the Sikh Sangat that such matters should be immediately brought to the notice of the Sikh organisation SGPC.