The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has issued a strong appeal to Shri Akal Takhat Sahib, Amritsar, urging immediate action to stop idol-worship–like practices in the Sikh community. The appeal was made in a formal letter sent by NAPA’s Executive Director, Satnam Singh Chahal, highlighting concerns about the growing trend of Sikhs bowing before photographs and paintings of Guru Sahiban and the commercialization of these images.
Chahal stated that Sikhism, from the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, rejected idol worship and emphasized the worship of the formless Creator (Nirankar). He cited Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s directive bestowing eternal Guruship on Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Guru Khalsa Panth, and noted that no image, idol, or human being can take the place of the Shabad Guru. “Most images of the Guru Sahiban are artist impressions created centuries after their time, yet Sikhs mistakenly treat them as authentic and sacred,” he said.
NAPA’s letter also pointed to the commercialization of these images, with calendars, posters, and decorative items being sold openly by shopkeepers. “This practice is misleading the Sangat and normalizing idol-like reverence, especially among the younger generation,” Chahal added.
In its appeal, NAPA urged Shri Akal Takhat Sahib to act immediately on the following:
First, Shri Akal Takhat Sahib should issue a clear Hukamnama (edict) that explains to the Sikh community that the images and paintings of Guru Sahiban available today are not historically authentic. These artist impressions, created centuries after the lifetimes of the Guru Sahiban, should not be treated as sacred objects or worshipped in any way. This clarification will guide the Sikh Panth back to the fundamental principle that the eternal Guru is Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji alone.
Second, NAPA has requested a global educational campaign for the Sikh community. This would include awareness programs in gurdwaras, schools, and Panthic media, reminding Sikhs that Gurbani strictly rejects idol worship. Such initiatives would help sangat, especially the youth, to understand that the Shabad Guru (Word of the Guru) is the true source of spiritual guidance—not any physical images or representations.
Third, the unchecked commercialization of faith must be stopped. The large-scale printing and sale of calendars, posters, and decorative items with Guru Sahiban’s images has become common practice, encouraging idol-like reverence and financial exploitation of Sikh sentiments. NAPA has asked that SGPC and other responsible institutions regulate or ban such practices to preserve the sanctity of Sikh principles.
Fourth, it is essential to strengthen adherence to the Sikh Rehat Maryada worldwide. NAPA has appealed for strict enforcement in all gurdwaras to ensure that no photographs or images are placed on the same platform as Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, or in any position that could encourage worship-like reverence. Panthic leaders and local committees must educate sangat on these guidelines so that future generations follow Sikh traditions in their original form.
Chahal said the Sikh Panth has a historic responsibility to protect the spiritual purity of the faith. He reminded the community of the Singh Sabha Movement, which successfully removed idols from gurdwaras in the 19th century. “We must act now with the same spirit to ensure future generations remain connected to the core principles of Sikhism,” he stressed.