Golden Temple and other religious places allowed to serve prasad, langar services resume

Amritsar's Golden Temple recommenced its langar service on June 8 and served prasad to the devotees. It has led to raised eyebrows, considering that the nation is battling the highly contagious Coronavirus.

On the other hand, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh stated that his government does not believe in intervening with the practices and customs of any religion. Reportedly, the CM said the call was taken by the Centre, of which the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), is a significant part.
News has it that Punjab’s Home Department issued an order on June 9, announcing that all langars and community kitchens in the state shall be allowed to function, provided all social distancing rules and hygiene precautions are observed while preparing food and its distribution.

Reportedly, on June 7, Gobind Singh Longowal, President, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had requested the union government to revise its guideline prohibiting distribution of prasad and langar food stating that it is a part of code of conduct in the Sikh community. News also has it that the city administration never asked the SGPC to stop religious activities at the Golden Temple; therefore, the devotees continued to visit the gurudwara even during the lockdown. It was only on June 6 that the policemen had to intervene to prevent devotees from entering the gurudwara premises.

A spokesperson from SGPC reportedly told a news daily that the Golden Temple served prasad and langar food throughout the lockdown and curfew. They had not received any official instructions to avoid offering prasad.

Kulwinder Singh, SGPC secretary, told the news daily that it is surprising that the government was asking SGPC and religious institutions to provide food to the poor and needy, especially when SGPC did not stop the langar during the lockdown.

The Golden Temple authorities ensured devotees undergo thermal screening at the entrance gate of the shrine. In addition, teams of medical experts were deployed at the entry points.