Crime
Youth Issues Public Apology After Viral Video of Ablution at Golden Temple’s Amrit Sarovar
A young man who recently sparked a social media storm by recording himself performing ablutions at the sacred Amrit Sarovar of the Golden Temple has issued a formal public apology. The individual, identified as Subhan Rangreez, released a video statement expressing profound regret for his actions, which many members of the Sikh community and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) condemned as a serious violation of religious decorum.
The controversy began on January 16, 2026, when a 25-second video clip went viral showing the youth sitting at the edge of the holy tank at Sri Harmandir Sahib. In the footage, he was seen performing Wazu (Islamic pre-prayer cleansing), which included rinsing his mouth and washing his hands and feet, with some of the water falling back into the Sarovar. While the Sarovar is open for a ceremonial holy dip, the Sikh Maryada (code of conduct) strictly prohibits gargling, rinsing, or using soap in the water, as it is considered a site of spiritual purity rather than a place for personal washing.
The SGPC was quick to react, with President Harjinder Singh Dhami ordering an immediate probe into the incident. The committee expressed concern over how such an act took place despite the presence of on-duty sewadars (volunteers). SGPC Chief Secretary Kulwant Singh also stated that the inquiry would investigate whether the video was a genuine recording or one that had been manipulated using artificial intelligence.
In his video apology, Rangreez clarified that his intentions were not to disrespect the shrine, but rather stemmed from a lack of awareness regarding the specific protocols of the Golden Temple. He mentioned that he had long cherished a desire to visit the holy site and was moved by its inclusive atmosphere, but did not realize that performing Wazu in the Sarovar water was prohibited.
“I visited the Golden Temple with deep respect, but I was not aware of the full religious protocol. I sincerely apologize to my Sikh brothers and sisters for unintentionally hurting their sentiments,” Rangreez stated. He further announced his intention to return to Sri Harmandir Sahib in person to perform Sewa (service) and officially seek forgiveness from the community and the management.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for better visitor orientation at major religious landmarks. Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa commented on the situation, emphasizing that while India is a land of diverse faiths, visitors must be mindful of the unique traditions of each place of worship to avoid hurting religious sentiments.
The SGPC has since appealed to all pilgrims and tourists to familiarize themselves with the shrine’s rules, which include covering one’s head, removing shoes, and washing hands and feet at the designated running-water stations before approaching the Sarovar or the main sanctum. The committee reiterated that the rules of the Maryada apply equally to everyone, regardless of their background, to maintain the sanctity of the world-renowned spiritual cente