A video allegedly showing a bride taking her pet dog around Sri Guru Granth Sahib during an Anand Karaj ceremony has gone viral on social media. The clip has sparked a debate about religious sensitivity and Sikh traditions.
The video, whose date and location have not been independently verified, shows a bride and groom performing the laavaan, the four ceremonial rounds around Sri Guru Granth Sahib that form part of a Sikh wedding. Their pet dog can also be seen walking alongside them.
The footage has triggered strong reactions online. Many users questioned how the dog was allowed to be part of the ceremony and whether it violated Sikh maryada, or religious code of conduct. One user commented, "The dog got married too," while another called the scene "a joke."
Several people described the act as disrespectful to Sikh traditions. They said Anand Karaj is a sacred ceremony conducted in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and should follow established religious guidelines.
Others urged people not to rush to judgment. They said the full context of the video should be known before drawing conclusions. Anand Karaj, which means "blissful union," is the Sikh marriage ceremony performed in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. During the ceremony, the couple walks around the holy scripture four times while hymns known as Laavaan are recited. Gurdwaras generally follow strict guidelines regarding conduct, dress and decorum during the ceremony.
The viral clip has also reignited a wider discussion about personalising weddings. Many social media users said personal choices should not compromise the sanctity of religious ceremonies. Others felt a more balanced discussion was needed.
Former Akal Takht Jathedar condemns video
Reacting to the controversy, former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh, strongly criticised the video. He said the footage appears to show a couple in Pakistan performing Anand Karaj while taking their pet dog around Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which he described as a serious violation of Sikh maryada.
He called on the current Akal Takht Jathedar to take strict religious and legal action against the couple. He also urged a religious and social boycott of those who allegedly organised the ceremony and provided the Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib for the wedding.
"The respect and sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib are of utmost importance in Sikhism and cannot be compromised under any circumstances," he said. He added that such incidents hurt the sentiments of Sikhs across the world.
His remarks come as outrage continues to grow online. Many users have questioned how the ceremony was allowed to take place and demanded action against those responsible. However, the exact location of the event and the authenticity of the viral video remain unverified.
Also read: Forensic evidence shows person in video is not Mann: AAP
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