Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 7

A conflict has erupted between the ‘dhadis’ and the SGPC over the remuneration and performance hours at the Akal Takht.

Dhadis (balladeers) are traditional performers who stage traditional ‘diwan’ and sing ballads with a ‘sarangi’, a string instrument, and a ‘dhad’, a small drum.

The tradition was started by sixth Sikh master Guru Hargobind at Akal Takht. They earn their income from donations by pilgrims.

Two factions — Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Shiromani Dhadi Sabha and Miri Piri Shiromani Dhadi Sabha — have been performing at the Takht, which had set separate timing.

Baldev Singh MA from Sri Guru Hargobind dhadi group said: “Amid the Covid-19 crisis, the SGPC has withdrawn the remuneration of Rs 7,500 to each jatha that was earlier being paid on every occasion of ‘sangrandh’ and ‘masya’.” The performance timing was reduced by three hours. Besides, if any jatha member was absent owing to domestic or medical reasons, the entire jatha was denied permission to perform,” he said. The Takht has constituted a three-member panel of SGPC’s Dharam Parchar Committee to resolve the issue.

The ‘dhadis’ staged a protest outside the residence of SGPC panel member Sukhwarsh Singh Pannu peacefully by reciting ‘jaap’ from 11 am to 1 pm.

SGPC’s Dharam Parchar committee members Ajaib Singh Abhiyaasi and Pannu said: “Since both Dhadi factions engaged in altercations, they were dissolved. As per Takht directions, a test was conducted. Of 60 jathas, only 31 qualified. As per the norms, they could be allowed to perform. They would have to comply with the dress code and perform as per the time allotted to them.”

Meanwhile, Miri Piri Dhadi group head Kulwinder Singh agreed to the Takht decision, but demanded restoration of remuneration.