Complaint filed against fashion designer for performing yoga at Golden Temple

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has filed a police complaint against fashion designer and lifestyle influencer Archana Makwana for “hurting religious sentiments” by performing yoga at the Golden Temple and sharing the photographs on social media.

Makwana has since apologized, stating she never intended to hurt anyone's religious sentiments.

On the International Day of Yoga, Makwana visited the Golden Temple and performed yoga on the 'parkrama' (circumambulation) path. The SGPC, the apex gurdwara body, also suspended three of its employees for not diligently performing their duties.

SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami announced that a complaint has been sent to the police commissioner to take action against Makwana. "No one can be allowed to act against Sikh conduct at the Golden Temple, but some people deliberately ignore the sanctity and historical importance of this holy place and commit objectionable acts," he said in a statement. "Sikh sentiments and 'maryada' (conduct) have been hurt by the act, so a complaint has been filed with the police."

Darbar Sahib general manager Bhagwant Singh Dhangera also expressed that Makwana's actions hurt the sentiments of Sikhs and the 'sangat.'

In response, Makwana posted an apology on her Instagram story, stating, "I posted something without intending to harm anyone’s religious sentiments. I was unaware that practising yoga in the Gurdwara Sahib premises could be offensive to some as I was just paying my respect and did not mean any harm to anyone." She continued, "I sincerely apologise for any hurt I may have caused and promise to be more mindful in the future. Please accept my sincere apologies."