The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has filed a police complaint against fashion designer and lifestyle influencer Archana Makwana for performing yoga at the Golden Temple and sharing photos on social media. Makwana has apologized for her actions, but SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the act hurt Sikh sentiments and their religious "maryada" (conduct). Moreover, the general manager of Darbar Sahib, Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, claimed that the woman's action hurt the sentiments of Sikhs and the 'sangat'.
Designer Archana Makwana's Yoga at Golden Temple Sparks Controversy
Background:
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is the chief religious body managing Sikh gurdwaras (temples) in India. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. It is considered a place of worship and reverence, where strict protocols and conduct are observed.
Incident:
On January 4, 2023, fashion designer and lifestyle influencer Archana Makwana performed yoga postures inside the Golden Temple's complex. She then shared photos of her practice on social media,引发争议.
SGPC Response:
The SGPC filed a police complaint against Makwana, accusing her of disrespecting Sikh religious sentiments. SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami condemned her actions, stating that they violated the temple's "maryada" (conduct). The general manager of Darbar Sahib, Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, also expressed concern over how Makwana's act had hurt the emotions of Sikh devotees.
Makwana's Apology:
Makwana apologized for her actions, stating that she had "no intention of disrespecting the sanctity of the Golden Temple." She claimed that she had performed yoga solely for health purposes and had not realized it was considered disrespectful.
Consequences:
The Amritsar police have registered a case against Makwana under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with offenses that intend to outrage religious feelings. Makwana has been summoned for questioning.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Golden Temple? Answer: The Golden Temple is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion, considered a place of worship, pilgrimage, and spiritual significance.
2. Why was Makwana's yoga practice considered disrespectful? Answer: Yoga is a form of physical exercise, and its practice within the Golden Temple complex was seen as inappropriate and disrespectful to the temple's sacred atmosphere.
3. What is the SGPC? Answer: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee is a statutory body responsible for the management of Sikh gurdwaras in India.
4. Has there been a similar incident before? Answer: In 2019, a woman was arrested for posing for a photoshoot wearing inappropriate clothing inside the Golden Temple.
5. What action has been taken against Makwana? Answer: The Amritsar police have registered a case against Makwana under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code, and she has been summoned for questioning.
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