Political parties in Punjab will not be able to bestow the honour of ‘siropa’ on its guests and other dignitaries with the Akal Takht virtually ordering a blanket ban.
Sikhs’ highest temporal seat, Akal Takht, in its latest meeting of five high priests (jathedars), has decided to restrict all political outfits from “using” siropas — the robe of honour — during their programmes and rallies.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said that the political parties should, instead, make use of their party symbols if any person joined them rather than honouring them with a siropa. “Siropas hold a very high place in Sikh tradition…presenting a siropa is equal to betowing Guru’s blessings...”