Liquor and Sikh Scripture cannot co-exist under same roof

Amritsar, Punjab: The Sikh clergy has made it clear that the holy scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and a liquor bar cannot co-exist under one roof. “Those Sikh families that maintain a liquor bar are directed that the Guru Granth Sahib be moved to the gurdwara nearest to their homes,” Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh told the media here on Friday, after chairing a meeting attended by jathedars of all holy seats of the Sikh religion.

Those in attendance were Giani Tirlochan Singh (Takht Kesgarh Sahib), Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh (Takht Damdama Sahi), Giani Iqbal Singh (Takht Patna Sahib); and the assistant jathedar of Takht Hazoor Sahib, Giani Partap Singh. Head granthi of Harmandar Sahib, Giani Mal Singh, was also present.

However, it was clarified that the order would not cover ‘gutkas’ (pocket-sized prayer books) and abridged versions of the scripture.

The clergy also held a meeting with certain publishers and printers of religious books, and listed precautions to be adopted while transporting such books. Each packet should weigh between 20 and 25 kg, and the words ‘handle with care’ must be written on top. Such literature should be transported preferably in covered vehicles, said the clergy.