Akal Takht Bars Two Kirtan Jathas For A Month Over Conduct Row, Orders Gurmat Training

The Akal Takht has barred the kirtan jathas (troupes of Sikh devotional singers) led by Jagjeet Singh Babiha and Kulwinder Singh Kharar from performing before congregations for a month over alleged violations of Sikh religious conduct and disparaging exchanges on social media.

The restriction will remain in force from November 13 to December 12, following directions from Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj. The decision comes amid an ongoing dispute between the two groups and repeated complaints received from members of the Sikh community.

According to an edict issued by the Akal Takht Secretariat, Babiha has been directed to undergo a one-month Gurmat training course at Shaheed Sikh Missionary College in Amritsar, while Kharar will attend a similar programme at Gurmat Sangeet Academy in Anandpur Sahib.

The training will focus on the Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct), appropriate behaviour within the sangat (congregation) and the principles of Gurmat Sangeet.

Both singers have also been instructed to perform sewa (voluntary service) in community kitchens every morning and evening as part of the disciplinary action, aimed at cultivating humility.

After completing the month-long training, they must appear in person before the Akal Takht Secretariat and submit certificates issued by their respective institutions.

The Secretariat, in its edict, emphasised that Gurbani kirtan is a divine gift bestowed by the Guru and serves as spiritual nourishment for the soul. It said those performing devotional hymns must demonstrate reverence, humility, knowledge of Sikh religious practices and an understanding of the traditional Gurbani musical system.

The edict further noted that both Babiha and Kharar had allegedly violated the prescribed norms of Gurbani kirtan and engaged in disparaging exchanges against each other on social media, including from the diwan halls of gurdwaras.

Such conduct, it said, had hurt the sentiments of traditional kirtaniyas and members of the sangat.