In a move underscoring the commitment to traditional Sikh values, the Panj Pyare -the Five Beloved Ones -the seniormost Sikh religious leaders at Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib, Nanded have passed a Gurmata –resolution made in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, and arrived at after thorough discussion and debate, which aims to reaffirm and preserve the sanctity of Sikh marriage customs, addressing recent departures from tradition observed among Sikh communities. WSN reports.

In a concerted step to reset the traditional customs inside a Gurdwara Sahib during Sikh weddings and to address the deviations being currently witnessed extensively, signalling a renewed commitment to traditional Sikh matrimonial customs, the Panj Pyare at Takht Sachkhand Hazur Sahib -one of the five highest temporal seats of the Sikhs, has recently passed a Gurmata about Sikh wedding ceremonies and have ordered strict adherence by all.

The Panj Pyare -Kulwant Singh, Jathedar Takht Hazur Sahib, Jyotinder Singh -Associate Jathedar, Kashmir Singh-Head Granthi, Gurmeet Singh -Associate Granthi and Ram Singh -Dhupia have categorically stated that “This Gurmata is a response to the growing trends among Sikh couples and their families who are veering away from traditional Sikh marriage practices, indulging in activities that are nonconformist within Sikhism.”

The Singh Sahibans observed that “During the Lavaan Phere -four circumambulations around Guru Granth Sahib in a Gurdwara), girls are dressed in fashionable dresses (like Ghagras).” Not only that, “During wedding ceremonies, incomplete names of the boy and girl are being printed on the wedding cards.”

Citing Sikh tradition, the five seniormost religious heads remarked that, these are incorrect and wrong practices and have to be stopped. They declared, “Considering all the points, we reiterate that every Sikh brother and sister has to conduct all their life’s tasks according to Sikh customs and traditions.”

“Considering all the points, we reiterate that every Sikh brother and sister has to conduct all their life’s tasks according to Sikh customs and traditions.”

Panj Pyare, Takht Sri Abchalnagar Hazur Sahib, Nanded

The Gurmatas are clear, unambiguous, and direct.

Gurmata 1:  During Sikh marriage ceremonies, the complete names of the boy and girl, including Singh and Kaur, should be printed on the wedding invitations.

Gurmata 2:  During the Lavaan Phere, the girl should wear a complete Salwar Kameez suit and cover her head with a Chunni (traditional Sikh head scarf).

Gurmata 3:  When bringing the girl to the Lavaan Phere, there should be no overhead Chunni held by other people to create a canopy in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

In recent times, there has been a noticeable shift among Sikh would-be couples and their families, gradually moving away from the core tenets of Sikhism in their marriage celebrations. Extravagance, adopting non-Sikh customs, and neglecting essential Sikh practices have raised concerns among the devout. The Gurmata passed is a response to these growing deviations, reinforcing the importance of adhering to traditional practices that are in harmony with Sikh principles.

Speaking exclusively to The World Sikh News, Jathedar Bhai Jyotinder Singh Ji -Associate Jathedar, Takht Hazur said, “Jathedar Kulwant Singh Ji, other Panj Pyaras, and myself were deeply disturbed by the growing trend of bringing in a culture which is alien to Sikh traditions and customs. After deliberations, it was decided to take the step of issuance of a Gurmata.”

“We are not going to stop only at the issuance of this Gurmata. We will ensure that this is transmitted through all available means to Gurdwaras, Sikh institutions, and every single Sikh household so that its proper customs can again become a norm,” he added.

He told WSN that he has received many messages from Sangat across Maharashtra and other states also in appreciation of the step taken. He was hopeful that the Sikh world would receive this in a positive spirit as it is meant to uphold civility and tradition in Gurdwaras.

When told about the possible negative reaction by a section of Sikh society who want to be fashionable and modern, he remarked, “We have the right and authority to regulate the customs inside Gurdwaras. We will disseminate the right knowledge about Sikh customs to our own Sikh brethren about the need for the implementation of Sikh customs and practices. We will be missionary and persuasive in our approach.”

“This Gurmata is not just a directive but a spiritual and cultural touchstone, aimed at guiding the Sikh community back to its roots,” observed Sikh social activist Sukhdev Singh Laaj.

“The Gurmata emphasizes the necessity for Sikh families to ensure that wedding invitations carry the names ‘Singh’ and ‘Kaur’, honouring the identity bestowed upon Sikhs by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It addresses the decorum to be maintained during the Anand Karaj (the Sikh wedding ceremony), specifically pointing out the recent trends of wearing extravagant attire and use of non-traditional elements like flower canopies, which are inappropriate for the solemnity of the occasion,” he added.

Commenting on the key aspect of this proclamation about the instruction for Sikh brides to adhere to traditional attire, such as a Kameez-Salwar and a Chunni –head cover, during the Anand Karaj, a young lady activist remarked, “This directive serves as a reminder of the modesty and grace that Sikhism espouses, especially in sacred ceremonies and I urge all young ladies to follow the same.”

The Five Jathedars have maintained that the Gurmata is not merely an advisory but carries a weight of spiritual and community responsibility. They have stated that “non-adherence to these guidelines is cautioned against, with implications of strict actions for violations.”

Undoubtedly, the stern stance of the Singh Sahibans for strict compliance of the Gurmata underscores the gravity of the issue and the community’s commitment to preserving its religious and cultural ethos.

Sukhdev Singh Laaj, Social Activist

“Undoubtedly, this stern stance underscores the gravity of the issue and the community’s commitment to preserving its religious and cultural ethos,” observed Sukhdev Singh Laaj.

The comments received by many news sites reporting the story, including the above, clearly show that this step has been received with overwhelming enthusiasm by Sikhs.

In a world where modern influences are continually altering traditional practices, this Gurmata by the Panj Pyare is a significant step in reaffirming the Sikh community’s dedication to its heritage. It serves as a reminder to the Sikh world to uphold the values and customs that are the bedrock of Sikhism. The proclamation is a call to action for Sikhs worldwide to embrace their identity and practice their faith with renewed fervour and adherence to the teachings of the Gurus.