Amritsar/Srinagar, July 25: Punjabi sufi singer and performer Bir Singh has issued a public and formal apology to Sri Akal Takht Sahib after a dance performance during a commemorative event for Guru Teg Bahadur in Srinagar drew strong backlash from Sikh bodies, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
The incident occurred on Thursday during a government-organised seminar to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur. Videos from the event showed attendees dancing to a Punjabi song, sparking outrage among Sikh groups who called the act disrespectful.
Organised by the Punjab Government’s Language Department, the event was intended as a solemn tribute to the Guru’s legacy and supreme sacrifice.
In response, Bir Singh issued a heartfelt apology, both in a written letter to Akal Takht and through a video on Instagram. “This letter is to inform you about the mistake that occurred during the event in Srinagar,” he wrote in his letter, expressing deep regret.
“I arrived in Srinagar directly from Australia. Our phones and services stopped working. The biggest mistake was made by my management, who didn’t provide me accurate details of the programme. We had earlier performed at commercial events with the Punjabi Sahit Academy and began this one in the same spirit,” Singh said.
He acknowledged that he had failed to realise the solemn nature of the event until it was too late. “All my attention was on the audience, and I didn’t notice the banner behind the stage. When we realised the programme was dedicated to Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib’s martyrdom, we stopped, apologised to the sangat, removed our shoes, and recited Salok Mahalla Nauvan,” he added.
Singh said he had dismissed his management team over the incident and vowed to be more mindful in the future. “I am ready to accept any seva that the Akal Takht and Sikh panth consider appropriate. I am a Sikh child; Guru Sahib and the Sikh Sangat are forgiving. Such mistakes will not happen again,” he said.
The director of the Language Department was unavailable for comment but released a copy of the invitation sent to Bir Singh, stating he was asked to perform sufi songs and recite Guru Teg Bahadur’s bani. The department also shared the apology letter issued by the singer.
The SGPC, which had criticised the programme, has not yet responded to Singh’s apology.
