Surrey, Canada: In recent times, the issue of sending holy Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji abroad has frequently arisen within Sikh circles regarding Maryada (code of conduct) and utmost respect. However, due to the failure of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Sri Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat to find a solid and permanent solution, the situation has once again become complicated.
In June, the management of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Sahib, 132 Street, Surrey, imported 225 holy Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji via shipping containers. Upon learning of this, the Sikh Sangat of Surrey and across Canada expressed grave concern, pointing out a major lapse in the respect and preservation of the holy Saroops due to them being kept in a container for an extended period. Regarding this, three Canadian Gurdwara management organizations—the BC Gurdwaras Council, Ontario Gurdwaras Committee, and Quebec Sikh Council—sent a written letter on July 1, 2026, to the SGPC-appointed acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj. Following this, the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib advised the Sangat to maintain restraint and wait for a response from Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Subsequently, on July 5, the BC Gurdwaras Council, Ontario Gurdwaras Committee, and Quebec Sikh Council sent another letter apprising Sri Akal Takht Sahib of the ongoing violations and requested immediate, concrete action.
However, on July 7, 2026, Sri Akal Takht Sahib sent a written reply to the BC Gurdwaras Council, Ontario Gurdwaras Committee, and Quebec Sikh Council stating that the Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib were sent to the Surrey Gurdwara Sahib in accordance with the SGPC’s decision and that no violation of Maryada or respect had occurred. It was also advised to strictly avoid creating any confusion among the Sangat.
Following this, on July 8, 2026, a response letter was sent to Sri Akal Takht Sahib by the three councils, sharing the decisions made by the Sangat. They requested that in the future, Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji should not be sent via sea, as the Canadian Sikh Sangat does not agree with this practice. The Sangat further appealed that a clear decision should be made after extensive consultation with Panthic scholars, the Takhts, and the Sangat.
Yet, no clear action or decision regarding this matter has been presented to the Sangat, which has become a matter of deep concern.
According to information shared by the Sikh Sangat of Surrey (Canada) with Sikh Siyasat, another video surfaced this past Sunday, September 20, in which holy Saroops were being transported in the back of a cargo van on a very low mattress. Shoes, food items, and other miscellaneous goods were also visible inside the van. Reportedly, these holy Saroops were being dispatched to other cities, including Toronto in Canada and locations in the United States.
This incident sparked massive outrage among the Sangat, leading to a large community gathering on September 21, 2026. During the gathering, the Sangat put forward the following three demands:
Complete Information on the 225 Holy Saroops: Out of the 225 holy Saroops brought to Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Sahib, how many have been sent to which locations, how many remain at the Gurdwara Sahib, and where are the remaining ones destined to go? A complete and verifiable list must be provided to the Sangat. The Sangat wants to ascertain exactly where all the holy Saroops are currently located and in what condition.
Remaining Holy Saroops to be Handed Over to Sangati Gurdwaras: All holy Saroops currently present at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Sahib should be transferred with complete Maryada and respect to Sangati Gurdwara Sahibs designated by the Sangat. From there, the holy Saroops should only be forwarded after verifying the need, Maryada, and appropriate arrangements.
Public Apology from the Management Committee and Concerned Sewadars: For the grave lapses in maintaining the respect of the holy Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the entire management committee of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Sahib, the concerned Granthi Singhs, and the responsible Sewadars must publicly admit their mistakes and seek forgiveness in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and before the Sangat.
The information shared with Sikh Siyasat emphasizes that these demands by the Sangat are not driven by personal opposition, but are solely to ensure the reverence and respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, uphold Sikh Rehat Maryada, and prevent such incidents in the future. An impartial investigation into this matter should be conducted, and all findings must be presented transparently before the Sangat.
The documents received by Sikh Siyasat concerning the shipment of 225 saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib to Surrey, Canada, by container are shared below for the information of readers and the Sangat:
Letter sent to Akal Takht Sahib by Canadian Gurdwara management organizations on July 1, 2026:
Initial response (email) sent by the Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat to the Canadian Gurdwara management organizations:
Second letter sent to Akal Takht Sahib by Canadian Gurdwara management organizations on July 5, 2026:
Letter sent by the Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat to Canadian Gurdwara management organizations on July 7, 2026:
Third letter sent to Akal Takht Sahib by Canadian Gurdwara management organizations on July 8, 2026:
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