After ‘shirshasan’ row, SGPC bans filming videos at Golden Temple

GS Paul

Amritsar, July 8

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has imposed a blanket ban on the use of the Golden Temple premises for the promotion of films or videos, usually done by entertainment industry artistes. There, however, will be relaxation for common devotees to click their pictures or ‘selfies’ in the ‘parikrama’ (circumambulatory) around the holy ‘sarovar’ as a token of remembrance, but they will have to refrain from making “videos of their movement”.

The action follows a recent controversy involving social media influencer Archana Makwana, who performed ‘shirshasan’ at the shrine on June 21 to mark the International Yoga Day and posted her pictures online, which went viral. The SGPC lodged an FIR even as Archana apologised for her act after she received threats and abuses on social media.

The SGPC also plans to enhance its ‘parikrama task force’ by recruiting around 100 more personnel to ensure compliance with the ban. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said the faith of the devotees visiting the Golden Temple was paramount, but restrictions had to be imposed as a few mischievous elements were flouting the ban to hog the limelight. “Everyone is welcome to pay obeisance, but the code of conduct must be maintained,” he said.

Shrine general manager Bhagwant Singh Dhangera said the ban had been implemented with immediate effect.