• Source:PTI
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The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) strongly objected to the construction of a pandal resembling the Golden Temple for Ganpati Utsav in Pune's camp area, calling it an act that incites Sikh sentiments. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, in a statement, condemned the replication of the sacred Sikh site, stating that such actions hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.

According to information received from local Sikhs in Pune, the pandal was constructed for Ganpati celebrations, closely mimicking the design of Harmandir Sahib. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that this act is against Sikh traditions, customs and principles, and that the Golden Temple should not be replicated under any circumstances.

Harjinder Singh Dhami urged those involved to consider the deep significance of Sikh traditions and beliefs. He announced that the SGPC is sending a team to Pune to investigate the matter. He also appealed to the Sikh community to report similar incidents to the SGPC immediately. 

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The Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib, located in Amritsar, Punjab, is one of the holiest sites in Sikhism. The SGPC, responsible for managing Sikh places of worship in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh, oversees the administration of Golden Temple in Amritsar as well.