Sri Akal Takht Sahib imposes one-month ban on two kirtani jathas
Following a mutual dispute, Sri Akal Takht Sahib has banned ragi jathas from performing kirtan before the congregation from November 13. Both parties have been ordered to acquire gurmat education and perform sewa in the langar.
Sri Akal Takht Sahib has imposed a one-month ban on two kirtani jathas from performing before the congregation. This restriction will remain in effect from November 13 until December 12, 2026. The decision covers kirtanis Bhai Jagjit Singh Babiha and Bhai Kulwinder Singh Kharar.
According to the Sri Akal Takht Sahib secretariat, this action was taken under instructions issued by acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. Friction had been going on between these two factions for the past few days, regarding which complaints were continuously being sent by the Sikh sangat.
The issued orders stated that both jathas violated the maryada of Gurbani kirtan and made objectionable allegations against each other through social media from the divan halls of Gurdwara Sahibs. According to the secretariat, this attitude has hurt the sentiments of traditional ragis and the sangat.
To rebuild understanding of Sikh Rehat Maryada and the kirtan tradition, both have been ordered to attend religious institutions. Bhai Babiha will receive education at Shaheed Sikh Missionary College located in Amritsar. On the other hand, Bhai Kharar will have to take training at the Gurmat Sangeet Academy in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
The secretariat has directed that to instill humility within their minds, both kirtanis will also perform sewa inside the langar hall morning and evening.
After the expiry of the one-month period, both parties will obtain certificates from their respective institutions and then appear personally before the Sri Akal Takht Sahib secretariat.
Key developments
- Sri Akal Takht Sahib banned two kirtani jathas from performing kirtan from November 13 to December 12.
- Action was taken following complaints of mutual mudslinging on social media and violation of maryada.
- Bhai Jagjit Singh Babiha will take religious education from Amritsar and Bhai Kulwinder Singh Kharar from Anandpur Sahib.
- Both were directed to perform morning and evening sewa in the langar halls of the institutions.
- After one month, they will have to appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib with certificates.
