Amritsar: In an unusual disciplinary measure aimed at restoring decorum in Gurbani kirtan, the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs, has directed the kirtani jathas of Bhai Jagjeet Singh Babiha and Bhai Kulwinder Singh Kharar to undergo month-long Gurmat training at designated Sikh institutions and furnish certificates of completion to its secretariat before resuming religious duties.The directions, issued by the Akal Takht Secretariat under the orders of officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, note that both jathas allegedly violated the prescribed maryada (code of Sikh religious conduct) governing Gurbani kirtan. The secretariat also expressed concern over the public exchange of disparaging remarks between the two groups on social media, including comments made from the diwan halls of gurdwaras.Under the order, Bhai Jagjeet Singh Babiha will undergo training at Shaheed Sikh Missionary College, Amritsar, while Bhai Kulwinder Singh Kharar has been directed to attend a course at the Gurmat Sangeet Academy, Anandpur Sahib.Both have been asked to appear in person before the Akal Takht Secretariat after completing the training and submit certificates issued by their respective institutions.The month-long programme is intended to familiarise the two jathas with Sikh religious discipline, appropriate conduct in the presence of the sangat, and the principles of Gurmat Sangeet, the order said.Pending completion of the training, both jathas have also been barred from performing kirtan. In addition, they have been directed to perform sewa in the langar hall every morning and evening during the training period as an exercise to inculcate humility and reinforce Sikh values.The order underlined that Gurbani kirtan is a divine gift bestowed by the Guru and serves as spiritual nourishment for the soul. It stressed that those entrusted with performing kirtan must demonstrate reverence for the Guru, humility, familiarity with the Sikh Rehat Maryada, and an understanding of the traditional Gurbani musical system.
