Press Release & Sangat Update
UK, 3 September 2011
Anand Karaj at Banqueting Suites and Party at Gurdwara Hall re-arranged
Anti-Sikh practice re-emerging in the UK
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Over the past two weeks, the UK Sikh Sangat has worked with wedding organisers, venues and family members to successfully re-arrange two weddings where the sacred saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaaj was to be taken to Banqueting Suites. The weddings were scheduled for 27th August and 4th September in Berkshire and Surrey. We are grateful to those who co-operated and realised the importance of maintaining Sikh Rehit Maryada (Sikh religious protocol) and avoiding further offence to Sikh sentiments.
It is disheartening to realise that this anti-Sikh practice is re-emerging, the UK Sikh Sangat are urged to continue to promote wider awareness of the 1998 Hukamnama release by Sri Akal Takht Sahib forbidding the worldwide Sikh community to tolerate the sacred saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaaj being taken to hotels, clubs, pubs, banqueting halls and other places where meat, alcohol & cigarettes are served and consumed. Additionally, the 2006 Sandesh states that Anand Karajs must be performed in Gurdwaras in accordance to Gurmat and the Panthic accepted Sikh Rehit Maryada.
It is also the Sikh Granthi (priest) and Gurdwara committee's responsiblity to be aware of Sikh Rehit Maryada and advise families against doing an Anand Karaj outside of the Gurdwara. As previously experienced, there are a small number of Granthis who are willing to take the sacred saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaaj to party halls and banqueting suites for solely monetary gains. We have also received unconfirmed reports of an Anand Karaj that took place at a banqueting hall in Ilford, around 4 weeks ago, which we are currently investigating.
Further, the Satkaar Campaign was informed about a booking for a party taken by a Gurdwara committee which had previously publically announced its decision to stop the consumption of meat and alcohol on Gurdwara property. Sevadaars undertook discussions and negotiations with the President and General Secretary of the Gurdwara committee. Through involvement from the Gurdwara committee, this oversight was rectified and the family re-arranged their party to another venue. Again we would like to thank all those involved who co-operated and realised the importance of maintaining Sikh Rehit Maryada.
The Satkaar Campaign's Sevadaars feel that it is now more important than ever that the UK Sikh Sangat unites to voice its concern that the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib is being undermined and Satkaar for Sri Guru Granth Ji Maharaaj is deteriorating. As we have said all along, it is the duty of every Sikh to be alert on these issues. Collectively, nothing can stop the UK Sangat on this issue, since Gurmat is firmly on our side.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
