SGPC files complaint against fashion designer who performed yoga at Golden Temple

The SGPC has filed a police complaint against the fashion designer and lifestyle influencer for “hurting religious sentiments” by performing yoga at the Golden Temple and sharing the photos on social media.

Archana Makwana, however, apologised for his actions and said he had no intention of hurting anyone’s religious sentiments.

On International Yoga Day on June 21, Makwana visited the Golden Temple and performed yoga on the ‘Prakrama’ (pilgrimage) path.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body of the gurdwara, has also suspended three staff members for not discharging their duties duly.

SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami said a complaint had been sent to the Commissioner of Police regarding the action taken against Makwana.

“While no one will be tolerated for any action against Sikhs at the Golden Temple, some people are deliberately disregarding the sanctity and historical importance of this holy place and carrying out objectionable acts,” he said in a statement.

“We have filed a police complaint as the sentiments of Sikhs and ‘mariada’ (act) have been hurt due to this act,” he said.

In his appeal, Dhami said Harmandir Sahib is highly revered among Sikhs and pilgrims of all religions and classes come here to pay their respects. In view of that, the ‘Maryada’ of this place should be followed.

Durbar Sahib general manager Bhagwant Singh Dhangera said the woman’s actions had hurt the sentiments of Sikhs and the ‘Sangha’.

Makwana later apologised for her actions in a story posted on her Instagram account, saying, “I posted without any intention to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments. I was not aware that performing yoga on the premises of Gurdwara Sahib could cause offence to some people. I was just paying my respects to him and did not intend to hurt anyone,” she said. “I sincerely apologise for any hurt I may have caused and promise to be more careful in future. Please accept my sincere apology,” she said.