On 21 Jun, International Yoga Day, Insta blogger Archana Makwana from Vadodara, Gujarat shared a picture of her doing the handstand in the parikrama (circumambulation) of the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple). The post, intended to promote the power of yoga, sparked backlash for offending religious sentiments. Through CCTV footage the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) found that Makwana had spent an hour at the premises but did not even visit the sanctum sanctorum. Reacting to the incident, the Jathedar of Akal Takht (Leader of the Sikh political seat), Giani Raghbir Singh clarified that yoga holds no significance in Sikh religion. Initially Makwana apologized on Instagram (reel now removed) saying. ‘I did not mean any harm to anyone. I sincerely apologize for any hurt I may have caused.’ After SGPC complaint, the Amritsar police has filed a First Information Report against her under Section 295-A (deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class) of the Indian Penal Code. Makwana has called for the cancellation of the complaint against her and is raising public support in her favor. The Panjab police has issued her a notice to join the investigation until 30 Jun but she has not shown up. According to the police, the next step will be to arrest her. Meanwhile, the Gujarat police has provided protection to her, though Makwana claims she never asked for it. The issue is akin to one in 2016 when AAP's manifesto cover page had the Darbar Sahib on it with the party’s election symbol, the ‘broom,’ on top.
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