Kamal Ghorui
AMBALA: A wedding ceremony in the family of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann has triggered a widespread debate within the Sikh community after a video from the event went viral on social media, drawing objections over the use of religious symbols traditionally now reserved for Sri Guru Granth Sahib.The video shows Govind Singh Sandhu, son of Simranjit Singh Mann’s daughter and a descendant of the Shahzadpur Riyasat family of Sandhu Jatts in present-day Ambala district of Haryana, during his wedding rituals. In the viral video, a Chaur (fly whisk) is seen being waved over Govind Singh Sandhu’s head, while another person holds a Chhatar(umbrella – as mark of royalty), with the sound of drums and pipes at the background. Two turbaned Sikh men are also seen escorting him with spears, in keeping with what was described as a traditional princely custom of the erstwhile Shahzadpur Riyasat.However, the visuals soon sparked criticism from a section of the Sikh community. In the present Sikh tradition, the Chaur and Chhatar are symbols of sovereignty and reverence exclusively associated with the movement and presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the living Sikh Guru. Critics alleged that performing such a “royal” ritual for an individual, even as part of a family tradition, amounted to disrespect towards the Sikh faith and its highest spiritual authority.Sikh users on social media not only questioned the conduct of Govind Singh Sandhu but also sought clarification from his relative, Simranjit Singh Mann, known for raising Sikh religious and political concerns. The issue gained momentum as the video continued to circulate widely, intensifying the debate on the limits between cultural heritage and religious sanctity.Amid the growing criticism, on Sunday, Govind Singh Sandhu himself came forward to issue a public apology. In a detailed social media post, he acknowledged the objections raised regarding the use of the Chaur and Chhatar during his wedding ceremony and emphasized that the concerns were linked to the authority of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Sikh sentiments.Explaining his position, Govind Singh Sandhu stated that the holding of Chhatar and the waving of Chaur had historically been part of ancient princely wedding ceremonies, followed by his family for generations as descendants of the Shahzadpur princely state. He said the ritual was performed during the Janjh (marriage procession led by bridegroom) departure ceremony as a cultural tradition and mark of respect, without any intention to undermine Sikh beliefs.At the same time, Sandhu categorically acknowledged that in the present era, such reverence is reserved solely for Sri Guru Granth Sahib. “The owner of the Chaur, Chhatar and Takht of the Sikhs is only the revered Sri Guru Granth Sahib,” he wrote, adding that it is only due to the Guru’s blessings that Sikhs enjoy happiness and spiritual fulfillment.Govind Singh Sandhu clarified that the brief ritual should not be seen as equating any individual with the eternal greatness of the Gurus. Taking full responsibility, he admitted that waving the Chaur in this context was a mistake and apologized to the entire Sikh community with folded hands. He also expressed his intention to seek forgiveness at the feet of the Guru, hoping that the community would pardon what he described as an unintentional error.The incident has once again highlighted the sensitivity surrounding Sikh religious symbols and the ongoing conversation about preserving cultural traditions without crossing boundaries that may hurt religious sentiments.
