Amritsar, October 20: Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj is likely to deliver the traditional address to the Sikh community from the Takht’s rostrum on the occasion of Bandi Chhor Diwas on October 21, sources said.
The decision holds significance as Gargaj had refrained from giving his ceremonial address on June 6 — the anniversary of Operation Bluestar — following opposition from several Sikh bodies, including Nihang groups, who questioned his appointment process.
In March this year, Gargaj was appointed officiating Jathedar after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), dominated by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), removed the temporal heads of the Akal Takht and Takht Damdama Sahib. The move had triggered controversy, with opposing groups claiming the appointment was made without the approval of the entire Panth and contrary to the Sikh code of conduct.
According to sources, senior SAD leaders recently met with heads of Nihang Sikh bodies, requesting them to ceremonially tie a “dastar” (turban) on Gargaj — a gesture seen as symbolic approval of his position. If permitted to deliver the address on Sunday, it would be viewed as tacit endorsement from the Nihang sects.
Meanwhile, the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) is witnessing a surge in devotees ahead of Bandi Chhor Diwas. “Around three lakh devotees are expected to pay obeisance,” said Golden Temple general manager Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, adding that the SGPC task force has been strengthened for crowd management.
