Sikh Groups Oppose Renovation At Anandpur Sahib Gurdwara

Various Panjab-based Sikh organizations, heritage lovers, and community members have raised concerns over a renovation and beautification project at the historic Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, Panjab. The project, undertaken by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in collaboration with the UK-based Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Birmingham and Kar Sewa Qila Anandgarh Sahib, plans to cover the walls of the old structure, adorned with artistic work, with stone or marble. Community members argue that this will compromise the site’s historical integrity and authenticity, as the Gurdwara is considered the oldest structure in Anandpur Sahib. A gathering of Sikh bodies, activists, and historians took place at the Gurdwara on 10 Oct to protest the project and discuss steps to preserve heritage. In response, Malkeet Singh, the Gurdwara manager and Baba Satnam Singh, leader of the Kar Sewa organization, stated that the work has not yet started, and they are seeking advice from heritage and archaeological experts, assuring that they will proceed according to the wishes of the sangat (community). Meanwhile, the SGPC announced the establishment of special counters within Gurdwaras in Panjab where devotees can donate rumala (special cloth) offerings to honor Guru Granth Sahib. SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that this initiative addresses the issues of poor-quality rumalas and their safekeeping due to their abundance, particularly at Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) and other historic Gurdwaras. Devotees are encouraged to obtain receipts at these counters and present them for prayers.