Fashion designer did yoga in Golden Temple, got rape and murder threats

On International Yoga Day, fashion designer Archana Makwana has apologised for hurting religious sentiments by performing yoga at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has filed a police complaint against Makwana. Makwana, in her defence, said she apologises for her action as she did not intend to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments.

getting threats

Meanwhile, she shared on her social account that she is constantly receiving threats. People are also threatening to kill and rape her. Sharing screenshots of these, the influencer has sought help from the police of the concerned areas.

What is the whole matter?

The incident happened when Makwana went to visit the Golden Temple and performed yoga on the ‘parikrama’ path. As soon as the pictures and videos surfaced, a complaint was filed against the influencer.

At the same time, SGPC has also suspended three of its employees for not performing their duties properly. SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami said in a statement that a complaint has been sent to the Police Commissioner to take action against Makwana.

he/she said in a statement, ‘No one can be allowed to act against Sikh ethics in the Golden Temple, but some people deliberately ignore the sanctity and historical importance of this holy place and commit objectionable acts.’ he/she further said, ‘Sikh sentiments and ‘maryada’ (code of conduct) have been hurt by this act, so a complaint has been lodged with the police.’

Dhami stressed the importance of Harmandir Sahib, which is a revered place in the Sikh community and attracts pilgrims from every religion and class. he/she appealed to everyone to follow the ‘maryaada’ of this place. Darbar Sahib’s general manager Bhagwant Singh Dhanghera also said that Makwana’s actions have hurt the sentiments of Sikhs and ‘sangat’.

Makwana apologized

In response, Makwana apologized on her Instagram story, writing, ‘This post was not intended to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments. I did not know that practicing yoga in the Gurudwara Sahib premises could be considered objectionable, because I was just expressing respect for yoga and I did not intend to hurt anyone.’

She further said, ‘I sincerely apologize for any emotional harm caused. I promise to be more careful in the future. Please accept my apology.’