Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj officially took charge as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib and later as the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht in Amritsar.
His appointment comes amid controversy over the removal of previous Takht jathedars, sparking opposition from Sikh and Nihang organisations.
According to Sikh tradition, the head granthi of the Golden Temple is responsible for presenting a "dastar" (turban) to a newly appointed Jathedar during the installation ceremony. If the head granthi is unavailable, they must appoint another granthi from the Golden Temple to carry out the ritual.
After this, representatives from various Sikh and Nihang organizations, along with the SGPC president and senior officials, also present the "dastar" to the new Jathedar as a mark of respect.
However, the head granthi of the Golden Temple, Giani Raghbir Singh, and granthi Giani Sultan Singh—both removed from their roles as Jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, respectively—did not attend the ceremony. Additionally, no representatives from Sikh organizations were present.
While the SGPC had publicly announced the installation ceremony at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, the ceremony at Akal Takht took place in the evening without prior notice, which led to criticism.
At Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, the event was conducted much earlier than planned due to threats from Nihang and Damdami Taksal groups who opposed the appointment. Originally set for 10 am, the ceremony was held around 2:30 am instead.
Giani Joginder Singh, the head granthi of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, led the prayers (ardas), and the Panj Pyaras presented the "dastar" to Giani Kuldeep Singh before he officially assumed his role.
Some Sikh intellectuals pointed out another issue—the ceremony took place before the "parkash" (installation) of the Guru Granth Sahib, which usually happens at 4:15 am at the Takht. However, the SGPC maintained that the event was conducted in the presence of the holy scripture.
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Later in the evening, Giani Kuldeep Singh visited the Golden Temple to pay his respects before heading to Akal Takht. There, the Panj Pyaras conducted prayers and presented him with the "dastar" before he took over his new position.
Giani Harpreet Singh responded to the developments in a video message, stating that neither the Sikh scriptures nor the Sikh community was present at the ceremonies.
He criticised the SGPC for violating Sikh traditions and practices, emphasising that this was the first time in 100 years that a Takht Jathedar had taken charge without the presence of the head granthis from the Golden Temple and Akal Takht.
Giani Harpreet Singh himself had been removed as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib by the SGPC on February 10, citing "moral turpitude." On March 7, the SGPC appointed Giani Kuldeep Singh as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and gave him additional charge as the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht.
This decision came after the SGPC dismissed Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh from their roles as Jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, respectively.
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