In a move to uphold the sanctity of Sikh religious rituals, the Akal Takht — the highest temporal seat of Sikhism — has issued a ban on destination weddings involving Anand Karaj ceremonies on beaches and at resorts. The directive is aimed at addressing the concerns over the violation of maryada, the religious protocol of Sikhs.

The decision came following a meeting of the Panj Singh Sahiban (five high priests), led by the Akal Takht Jathedar (head priest) Giani Raghbir Singh — the first such meeting ever since he assumed his role as Akal Takht Jathedar.

Nowadays, the trend of conducting Sikh marriages at picturesque locations, including beaches, resorts, and natural sites, has been gaining popularity. To organize these weddings in accordance with Sikh rituals, scriptures from the Guru Granth Sahib are brought from gurdwaras to these destinations. However, the Akal Takht had previously banned taking the saroop of Guru Granth Sahib to marriage palaces, banquet halls, and hotels for Anand Karaj ceremonies.

In addition to the ban on destination weddings, the meeting also addressed the issue of the same-sex marriage of two girls conducted at Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib in Bathinda on September 18 in the presence of their families. The Akal Takht has disqualified the managing committee of the gurdwara, ensuring that its members cannot participate in the administration of any gurdwara in the future.

Furthermore, individuals involved in the controversial same-sex marriage, including head granthi Hardev Singh, granthi Ajaib Singh, raagi Sikander Singh, and tabla player Satnam Singh, have been blacklisted for five years, preventing them from performing religious duties in any gurdwara.

The decision aims to reinforce the principles and sanctity of Sikh rituals and uphold the respect and integrity of the faith in the face of evolving marriage practices.

Sikhism is a religion rich in tradition and deeply rooted in reverence for the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture. Anand Karaj, the Sikh wedding ceremony, holds significant spiritual and cultural importance within the Sikh community. The presence of the Guru Granth Sahib during this ceremony is a crucial aspect of Sikh weddings. The decision to prohibit destination weddings involving the installation of Guru Granth Sahib outside of gurdwaras reflects the Sikh community's commitment to preserving the sanctity of their religious customs.

While destination weddings have gained popularity due to their scenic backdrops and unique settings, the Akal Takht's decision underscores the need to respect the sacredness of the Anand Karaj ceremony and Guru Granth Sahib. This measure seeks to ensure that Sikh marriages are conducted in line with the principles outlined in Sikh religious practices.

Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh said that the decision was taken by the five high priests after many complaints were received at the Akal Takht Secretariat that a new trend of outdoor destination weddings has emerged where the persons have been grossly violating the Sikh Principles by carrying the saroop to the sea side resorts or beach side to perform the Anand Karaj. 

Though, the Akal Takht had already put a ban on carrying the ‘saroop’ outside the gurdwaras for Anand Karaj to a hotel, banqueting suite, club, marriage places generally having orchestra with dancers, pub or bar, yet it was seldom followed.

The saroop must not be present where the alcohol, non-vegetarian food or tobacco would be served or consumed.

Sikhs around the world regard the Guru Granth Sahib with the utmost reverence as their “living guru” and adherence to maryada, which embodies the code of conduct and religious decorum essential in Sikhism. The Akal Takht's decision underscores the paramount importance of maintaining these traditions and adhering to the sanctity of religious rituals.

This move by the Akal Takht aligns with ongoing efforts within the Sikh community to safeguard and protect the religious customs and traditions that hold profound significance. It highlights the dedication of Sikhs to preserving their faith's cherished practices and ensuring that Sikh ceremonies are carried out with the utmost respect and reverence.