Amritsar: In an importance directive issued from Akal Takht, five Sikh Jathedars on Wednesday issued a directing prohibition on use of mobile phone during the Akhand Paath or recital of Kirtan by the Granthis (priests). Terming the increasing trend of the widespread use of the mobile phones during the ‘path’ (uninterrupted reading of Guru Granth Sahib), as against the Rehat Maryada (Sikh code of conduct), they said reading of Gurbani from screen of mobile phone while sitting in the ‘Tabia’ of Guru Granth Sahib is prohibited and violators will be facing religious punishment.
The Sikh high priests on Wednesday (May 27) met at Sikh’s highest temporal seat, Akal Takht here under the headship of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh in which the important decision was taken leading to the issuing of a directive from the Takht.
Giani Gurbachan Singh said they had received numerous complaints regarding the use of mobile phones.
“In many cases the phones are used to watch movies or listen to the musical clips when the path is in progress. This is against the Maryada and violators will have to face action from Takht,” said he.
He further elaborated that many Ragis often use the mobile phone for the recital of the Kirtan which is also against the Maryada.
“The Gurbani verses must be crammed and devotionally delivered instead of using the screen to read the same and the sing the kirtan,” said Jathedar.