Sikh scholars warn against cake cutting in gurdwaras

Amritsar: The growing practice of cutting cakes during Sikh religious commemorations has triggered serious concern within the community, with scholars and religious observers warning that the trend has no basis in Sikhism and directly violates established Sikh principles and maryada.Bhai Ranjit Singh, president of the Sikh Youth Federation (Bhindranwale), on Friday said in recent years, cakes increasingly replaced traditional forms of Sikh observance during the birth anniversaries of Sikh Gurus, martyrs, and historical figures.He said large, decorative cakes were cut inside gurdwaras, often after ardas, accompanied by cheering and distribution resembling social celebrations rather than spiritual remembrance.Ranjit Singh further said the religious authorities described this as "manmat" — conduct shaped by personal impulse rather than Sikh doctrine.A Sikh scholar and social commentator, Ranjit Singh, said the trend reflected a growing disconnect from Sikh teachings. "Cake-cutting is not a Sikh tradition. Our faith does not recognise such rituals, especially inside gurdwaras. Sikh celebrations are rooted in Gurbani, seva and humility…not borrowed customs," he said."When we forget Deg-Tegh and replace it with display and spectacle, we weaken the very foundations of Sikh identity," Ranjit Singh added.The concern intensified following images and videos circulating on social media showing cakes being cut inside sacred spaces, sometimes even by individuals in religious attire.Ranjit Singh said in several instances, supporters transported cakes in large vehicles and openly competed over size, weight and design, shifting attention away from the spiritual significance of the occasion.Observers warned that such behaviour turned sacred remembrance into a performance driven by publicity and social validation and the time was not far when the Sikh organisations would start protesting the cake cutting ceremonies in gurdwaras."Sikh tradition clearly outlines how moments of joy and remembrance are to be marked…through path, kirtan, katha, kavishri, dhadi vaaran, ardas, karah prasad, and langar served in pangat," said Ranjit Sigh, adding that introducing practices associated with the western or non-Sikh rituals erodes discipline and compromises the sanctity of gurdwara spaces.MSID:: 127801572 413 |