SGPC takes objection to Ganesh pandal replicating The Golden Temple in Pune

THE Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) has taken objection to a Ganesh Pandal in Camp area of Pune which replicates the Shri Harmandar Sahib or The Golden Temple in Amritsar. A press release issued by Harjinder Singh Dhami, president SGPC on Tuesday said the SGPC will soon be sending a delegation to Pune to investigate the matter.

The press release said the SGPC had received information from the Sikh Sangat in Pune about the pandal. “According to the Sikh Sangat of Pune, the management committee of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Camp Area of the city is playing a leading role in this work, which is even more painful” the release read. According to the release, replication of the Shri Harmandar Sahib is prohibited. The release went on to say, that replication of the historical Sikh scared places hurts the religious sentiments of the community.

The release added that the SGPC will soon be sending a team to Pune to investigate the matter. ”Advocate Dhami said the matter will be investigated and if the local Gurdwara committee is found guilty, communication will be made to Akal Takht Sahib for further action. He also appealed to the local Sikh Sangat that such matters should be immediately brought to the notice of the Sikh organization SGPC,” the release read.

Ganesh Mandals across Pune replicate famous and historical temples and structures for their pandal. The 10-day festival is to start on September 7.