Why Can’t Women Perform Kirtan at Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar?

This is a question that mischievous individuals have occasionally raised, and even now, some continue to bring it up. These people, often influenced by anti-Sikh forces, aim to stir baseless controversies. This is not an accusation but an undeniable truth. The following lines attempt to briefly shed light on this reality.

These individuals are well aware that many Sikh families, both in India and abroad, have been influenced by Western education and culture. They exploit this influence by creating confusion around such issues, aiming to sow divisions among Sikhs. Their goal is to question Sikh principles, heritage, traditions, history, the sacrifices of early Gursikhs, and their achievements.

When Sikhs themselves start questioning the sacrifices made by their ancestors to uphold Sikh values and traditions, it signals the beginning of internal division. Some will stand against such narratives, while others may support them, leading to the formation of factions. These factions often engage in mutual criticism, each claiming allegiance to Guru Granth Sahib Ji while labelling the other as misguided or straying from Sikh principles. Unfortunately, we are witnessing such divisions today.

Must think of this, the harm caused is to Sikhs themselves, and Sikhs are responsible for it. Meanwhile, anti-Sikh forces benefit from this internal discord. These adversaries understand that if the unity of Sikhs remains intact, nothing can stop them from establishing Sikh sovereignty. This divisive strategy is their ultimate goal.

Playing into the hands of these adversaries, some people use various issues to harm the Sikh Panth. Whether it’s raising the topic of women performing kirtan at Sri Harmandir Sahib, opposing the Dasam Granth, criticizing traditional Sikh institutions, or using derogatory language about sacred Sikh sites and religious leaders, the goal is the same: to weaken Sikh unity.

Ordinary Sikhs, engrossed in meeting the needs of their families, often lack the time to study Sikh history and Gurbani deeply. As a result, they become victims of these manipulative tactics. These individuals exploit emotional appeals like women’s rights to misguide ordinary Sikhs and use their sentiments against the very fabric of Sikhism, causing divisions within the community.

Until the Sikh community identifies and rejects such malicious propaganda, these individuals will continue to succeed in their schemes.

Those advocating for women’s rights in this context often lack an understanding of Sikh history. More than 200 years Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the succeeding nine Gurus undertook countless efforts to uplift women and fight for their rights. Guru Nanak Dev Ji famously proclaimed:

"ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਮੰਦਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਜੰਮਹਿ ਰਾਜਾਨ ||" 

*"So why call her inferior, she who gives birth to kings?"*

On the same time when governments and religious leaders in the West had taken no significant steps to ensure women’s safety and equality, the Sikh Gurus were already fighting for their rights. History bears testimony to this fact.

However, these adversaries intentionally withhold such golden aspects of Sikh history from the sangat (community). Even if they mention them, they do so in a way that diminishes the significance of the Gurus' contributions. Gurbani refers to such behavior as ungratefulness.

Sikhs must decide whether to follow the wisdom of Gurbani and receive divine blessings or to align with these manipulative individuals and risk becoming enemies of the Guru ghar (Guru’s house).

The Creator designed men and women as complementary to each other. Neither can fulfil the world’s purpose alone. Both have unique roles and responsibilities. For example, a mother’s duties can only be fulfilled by a woman; a father cannot take her place.

From a spiritual and societal perspective, no religion grants as much respect, freedom, and equality to women as Sikhism. 

The ten Gurus were men, not women. However, women gave birth to the Gurus, which is why Gurbani highlights the high status of women.

The Panj Pyare were all men. When Guru Gobind Singh Ji called Sikhs who willing to sacrifice their heads, he did not specify that it must be men, yet no women stepped forward at that moment. This doesn’t mean women are inferior but rather signifies that the Divine assigns different responsibilities to individuals.

Similarly, while the 40 Mukte (liberated ones) were men, they achieved greatness with the support of Mai Bhago (Mata Bhag Kaur ji). 

The Amrit prepared by Guru Gobind Singh Ji was sweetened by a woman adding patasas (sugar crystals). 

Guru Sahib also entrusted Mata Sahib Kaur with the responsibility of overseeing the Khalsa Panth.

The maryada (code of conduct) of Sri Harmandir Sahib, as established by Guru Ram Das Ji and Guru Arjan Dev Ji, has been followed for centuries. This maryada was upheld by countless Gursikhs, both men and women, who respected and protected it.

If we attempt to alter this longstanding maryada to suit modern conveniences, we are not only questioning the tradition but also dishonoring the Gurus and the sacrifices made by early Sikhs to establish it. 

Mistakes can be forgiven, but deliberate offenses invite consequences.

These mischievous individuals will face consequences for their actions, but they also risk dragging others into their schemes, making them complicit in opposing the Guru Ghar (Guru’s house).

Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant and reject such divisive narratives. Let us reflect sincerely and ensure we remain aligned with the teachings of Gurbani.  

Thank you.  

Arvinder Singh, UK