Punjabi singer and performer Bir Singh has apologised to the Akal Takht for a dance performance during an event held in Srinagar to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur.
The event was organised by the Punjab Government’s Language Department to honour the life and sacrifice of Guru Teg Bahadur. However the event drew criticism when some attendees were seen dancing to a Punjabi song. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) also raised objections.
Bir Singh said he was invited to sing Guru Teg Bahadur’s verses and perform sufi songs. He shared an official invite and an apology letter he had sent to the Akal Takht.
In his letter Bir Singh said, “A mistake happened at the Srinagar event. I deeply regret it.” He also posted a video apology on Instagram.
In the video he explained that he had just arrived from Australia and was unaware of the full details of the programme due to network issues and poor communication from his team. “My focus was on the audience. I didn’t notice the banner or realise it was a tribute event. Once we understood the mistake, we apologised, removed our shoes, and recited ‘Salok Mahalla Nauvan’.”
He added, I take full responsibility and have removed the team responsible. I promise to respect the decorum of events related to Sikh gurus in the future. I request forgiveness from the Akal Takht and the Sikh community. I will accept any service or action they decide.
Reporting by Adil Akhzar in Srinagar, Mohit Khanna in Patiala and Neeraj Bagga in Amritsar.
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