Video Of Youth Washing Hands, Feet In Golden Temple’s Amrit Sarovar Goes Viral; SGPC Condemns Act

Last Updated:January 17, 2026, 07:09 IST

SGPC condemned a viral video of a youth washing in Amrit Sarovar, announced a probe, and urged respect. The youth apologized; SGPC will verify it.

Screengrab of the viral video. (X/@MeghUpdates)

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) strongly condemned a viral video showing a youth washing his hands and feet in the Amrit Sarovar at the Golden Temple, calling it a violation of the Sikh code of conduct.

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami announced a probe and appealed to visitors to respect the shrine’s ‘maryada’ (code of conduct).

Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that all religions must be respected, and acts like those seen in the video from the Darbar Sahib should be avoided, as they hurt the faith and sentiments of other religious communities.

“We should respect all religions. The video of the Darbar Sahib… You should not hurt the faith of other religions like this,” he said.

Responding to the controversy, the youth said he had acted unintentionally and acknowledged his mistake, United News of India reported.

In a statement, he said he visited the Golden Temple with reverence but was unaware of the complete religious protocol, expressing sincere regret and apologising to the Sikh community. He also said he plans to visit Sri Harmandir Sahib in person to seek forgiveness.

Meanwhile, as the controversy escalated, SGPC chief secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan confirmed that the committee has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident.

He said the SGPC would examine whether the viral video is authentic or has been created or altered using artificial intelligence. He also raised concerns about the presence and role of on-duty sewadars at the time of the incident.

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