In a major development, the Akal Takht Sahib on Monday banned destination weddings for Sikh marriage with Anand Karaj ceremonies on beaches and at resorts with beaches. Apart from Anand Karaj ceremonies on beaches, a special ban has also been imposed on conducting the Prakash of Guru Granth Sahib Ji on beaches or at resorts.
Anand Karaj ceremonies from beach and resorts with beaches ban came during a meeting chaired by Jathedar Giani Raghubir Singh. Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh in his address said that he was getting complaints from India and across the world. "Some people violate the decorum and enjoy the 'Prakash' of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on beach resorts. Due to this destination weddings are banned."
Apart from destination weddings, the Akal Takht also nullified the marriage of a lesbian couple in Bathinda gurdwara. Dimple, 27 - who uses the pronoun he - and Manisha, 21, married in Bathinda city on 18 September with the blessings of their families.
However, what was even more unusual was that their marriage was solemnised in a gurdwara with the bride and groom performing all traditional rituals. After the matter came to the fore, the wedding was criticised by some religious leaders, including Giani Raghbir Singh who declared that "same-sex marriage was unnatural and contrary to Sikh ethics".
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