. AMBALA: A wedding ceremony in the family of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann has triggered a widespread debate within the Sikh community after a video from the event went viral on social media, drawing objections over the use of religious symbols traditionally now reserved for Sri Guru Granth Sahib.The video shows Govind Singh Sandhu, son of Simranjit Singh Mann’s daughter and a descendant of the Shahzadpur Riyasat family of Sandhu Jatts in present-day Ambala district of Haryana, during his wedding rituals. In the viral video, a Chaur (fly whisk) is seen being waved over Govind Singh Sandhu’s head, while another person holds a Chhatar(umbrella – as mark of royalty), with the sound of drums and pipes at the background. Two turbaned Sikh men are also seen escorting him with spears, in keeping with what was described as a traditional princely custom of the erstwhile Shahzadpur Riyasat.Budget 2026’Nothing for common man, Bengal’: Mamata slams Centre’s ‘Humpty Dumpty’ budgetUnion Budget 2026-27: What gets cheaper, what gets costlierLatest income tax slabs FY 2026-27: What are the income tax slabs, rates under new and old tax regime after Budget 2026? Check full details & FAQsHowever, the visuals soon sparked criticism from a section of the Sikh community. In the present Sikh tradition, the Chaur and Chhatar are symbols of sovereignty and reverence exclusively associated with the movement and presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the living Sikh Guru. Critics alleged that performing such a “royal” ritual for an individual, even as part of a family tradition, amounted to disrespect towards the Sikh faith and its highest spiritual authority.Sikh users on social media not only questioned the conduct of Govind Singh Sandhu but also sought clarification from his relative, Simranjit Singh Mann, known for raising Sikh religious and political concerns. The issue gained momentum as the video continued to circulate widely, intensifying the debate on the limits between cultural heritage and religious sanctity.Amid the growing criticism, on Sunday, Govind Singh Sandhu himself came forward to issue a public apology. In a detailed social media post, he acknowledged the objections raised regarding the use of the Chaur and Chhatar during his wedding ceremony and emphasized that the concerns were linked to the authority of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Sikh sentiments.Explaining his position, Govind Singh Sandhu stated that the holding of Chhatar and the waving of Chaur had historically been part of ancient princely wedding ceremonies, followed by his family for generations as descendants of the Shahzadpur princely state. He said the ritual was performed during the Janjh (marriage procession led by bridegroom) departure ceremony as a cultural tradition and mark of respect, without any intention to undermine Sikh beliefs.At the same time, Sandhu categorically acknowledged that in the present era, such reverence is reserved solely for Sri Guru Granth Sahib. “The owner of the Chaur, Chhatar and Takht of the Sikhs is only the revered Sri Guru Granth Sahib,” he wrote, adding that it is only due to the Guru’s blessings that Sikhs enjoy happiness and spiritual fulfillment.Govind Singh Sandhu clarified that the brief ritual should not be seen as equating any individual with the eternal greatness of the Gurus. Taking full responsibility, he admitted that waving the Chaur in this context was a mistake and apologized to the entire Sikh community with folded hands. He also expressed his intention to seek forgiveness at the feet of the Guru, hoping that the community would pardon what he described as an unintentional error.The incident has once again highlighted the sensitivity surrounding Sikh religious symbols and the ongoing conversation about preserving cultural traditions without crossing boundaries that may hurt religious sentiments.About the AuthorJaskaran SinghDaily news reporting from the field of agriculture, farmers, crime, health, environment, education, politics, and feature articles from Ambala (with coverage of Kurukshetra & Yamunanagar).Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBudget 2026 Overview: What Citizens And Businesses Should KnowBudget 2026 Sets Long-Term Direction For India’s Economic Growth: KidwaiGrowth Momentum Will Continue Says FM Sitharaman As Budget 2026 Bets On Tech Cities And Reforms“All Talk, No Solutions” Oppn Slams Centre Over Economy, JobsUnion Budget 2026: FM Sitharaman Announces Key Customs Duty Relief Across Key SectorsPM Modi Calls Budget 2026 Historic As Reforms Empower Youth Women And India’s Growth Push’Nothing For Bengal’: Mamata Banerjee Attacks ‘Humpty Dumpty’ Union Budget 2026 As Markets TumbleIn First Budget Since Sindoor, FM Sends Signal On Security As Defence Outlay Jumps To ₹7.85L CroreTax Holidays, Safe Harbour, Incentives: Budget 2026 Pushes Investment In India, Boosts IT SectorBudget 2026 Brings New Income Tax Act From April With No Slab Change But Major Compliance Reset123Photostories6 tips to bake a perfect cake in an air fryerUnion Budget 2026: Complete list of commodities that will get cheaper and costlier in the food and beverage industryUnion Budget 2026: 6 nuts that got attention of the government and whyRohit Shetty, Salman Khan, Rakesh Roshan: Bollywood celebs who faced gunshot incidentsNo one Killed Jessica’, ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’, ‘Veer-Zaara’: 5 fearless roles that prove Rani Mukerji is Bollywood’s ultimate Mardani!Union Budget 2026: From coconut to chocolate, things which have got attention in this year’s budget and whyTaylor Swift’s 7 most expensive possessionsCJ Roy death case: What remains unclear as the probe continues7 most memorable Grammy moments to rewind before the 2026 awardsBudget-friendly destinations in 2026: 8 Indian places that should be on every traveller’s wish list this year123Hot PicksBudget highlights 2026Budget Income Tax SlabUnion Budget 2026February 2026 bank changesIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingNirmala Sitharaman SareeMany Pacquiao vs Conor Height DifferenceBengaluru Worker Dead NewsMLB Trade RumorsDwyane Wade WifeSnowboarder Ryan Wedding CaseUnion Budget Speech LiveStock Market BudgetUnion Budget SpeechGold Silver Rate Today
AMBALA: A wedding ceremony in the family of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann has triggered a widespread debate within the Sikh community after a video from the event went viral on social media, drawing objections over the use of religious symbols traditionally now reserved for Sri Guru Granth Sahib.The video shows Govind Singh Sandhu, son of Simranjit Singh Mann’s daughter and a descendant of the Shahzadpur Riyasat family of Sandhu Jatts in present-day Ambala district of Haryana, during his wedding rituals. In the viral video, a Chaur (fly whisk) is seen being waved over Govind Singh Sandhu’s head, while another person holds a Chhatar(umbrella – as mark of royalty), with the sound of drums and pipes at the background. Two turbaned Sikh men are also seen escorting him with spears, in keeping with what was described as a traditional princely custom of the erstwhile Shahzadpur Riyasat.However, the visuals soon sparked criticism from a section of the Sikh community. In the present Sikh tradition, the Chaur and Chhatar are symbols of sovereignty and reverence exclusively associated with the movement and presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the living Sikh Guru. Critics alleged that performing such a “royal” ritual for an individual, even as part of a family tradition, amounted to disrespect towards the Sikh faith and its highest spiritual authority.Sikh users on social media not only questioned the conduct of Govind Singh Sandhu but also sought clarification from his relative, Simranjit Singh Mann, known for raising Sikh religious and political concerns. The issue gained momentum as the video continued to circulate widely, intensifying the debate on the limits between cultural heritage and religious sanctity.Amid the growing criticism, on Sunday, Govind Singh Sandhu himself came forward to issue a public apology. In a detailed social media post, he acknowledged the objections raised regarding the use of the Chaur and Chhatar during his wedding ceremony and emphasized that the concerns were linked to the authority of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Sikh sentiments.Explaining his position, Govind Singh Sandhu stated that the holding of Chhatar and the waving of Chaur had historically been part of ancient princely wedding ceremonies, followed by his family for generations as descendants of the Shahzadpur princely state. He said the ritual was performed during the Janjh (marriage procession led by bridegroom) departure ceremony as a cultural tradition and mark of respect, without any intention to undermine Sikh beliefs.At the same time, Sandhu categorically acknowledged that in the present era, such reverence is reserved solely for Sri Guru Granth Sahib. “The owner of the Chaur, Chhatar and Takht of the Sikhs is only the revered Sri Guru Granth Sahib,” he wrote, adding that it is only due to the Guru’s blessings that Sikhs enjoy happiness and spiritual fulfillment.Govind Singh Sandhu clarified that the brief ritual should not be seen as equating any individual with the eternal greatness of the Gurus. Taking full responsibility, he admitted that waving the Chaur in this context was a mistake and apologized to the entire Sikh community with folded hands. He also expressed his intention to seek forgiveness at the feet of the Guru, hoping that the community would pardon what he described as an unintentional error.The incident has once again highlighted the sensitivity surrounding Sikh religious symbols and the ongoing conversation about preserving cultural traditions without crossing boundaries that may hurt religious sentiments.
