Toronto, Ontario: The Ontario Gurdwaras Committee (OGC) and Ontario Sikhs and Gurudwara Council (OSGC) are deeply disturbed by recent reports of Anand Karaj ceremonies taking place in Banquet Facilities, Golf Courses and Hotel Resorts.
“We strongly reaffirm the Hukumnama issued by Akal Takhat Sahib on March 16, 1998, and signed by all five Punj Pyare, that explicitly prohibits Anand Karaj Ceremonies from taking place in Banquet Facilities, Golf Courses and Hotel Resorts. The Hukamnama, with translation, is attached as Appendices”, reads statement issued by OGC and OSGC.
“When in these situations, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj is not given proper dignity and respect in these facilities where the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is a common practice. This Beadbi (disrespect) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not tolerable for any Sikh of the Guru”, reads the statement.
“We appeal to Gurdwaras in Canada to immediately stop allowing Saroops of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to be taken for Anand Karaj Ceremonies in Banquet Facilities, Golf Courses and Hotel Resorts and we ask the Sangat to also remain vigilant when such Beadbi occurs. We ask the Sangat to report such incidents to their local Gurdwara Committee, and to the OGC and OSGC so that appropriate action can be taken”, the statement reads further.