Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj took charge as the jathedar (head priest) of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab’s Rupnagar district, on Monday. The ceremony occurred in the presence of the Takht’s ‘Panj Piaras’ (five beloved ones), marking his appointment by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on March 7. Alongside this role, Gargaj will also serve as the acting jathedar of the Akal Takht in Amritsar, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism.

The SGPC’s decision to appoint Gargaj followed the controversial removal of Giani Raghbir Singh as Akal Takht jathedar and Giani Sultan Singh as Takht Kesgarh Sahib jathedar. This move sparked widespread criticism from Sikh leaders, Akali figures, and politicians, including senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia and several party colleagues, who condemned the SGPC executive committee’s actions.

Before assuming his duties, Gargaj paid obeisance at Takht Kesgarh Sahib. The head Granthi, Giani Joginder Singh, offered ‘ardas’ (Sikh prayer), after which the ‘Panj Piaras’ presented him with a ceremonial turban. SGPC secretary Partap Singh and Takht manager Malkit Singh also honored him with turbans, while the Takht’s granthis bestowed ‘siropas’ (robes of honor).

In his address, Gargaj urged the Sikh community to unite under one ‘Nishan Sahib’ amid the ongoing ‘Panthic’ challenges. He expressed gratitude to the 10 Sikh Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib for entrusting him with this responsibility, emphasizing his humble origins in a simple Sikh family. Reflecting on his journey, he noted his beginnings as a ‘Pathi’ and his dedication to religious preaching, a mission he pledged to uphold in service of the Guru’s Panth.

The Akal Takht and Takht Kesgarh Sahib remain two of Sikhism’s five key temporal authorities, making Gargaj’s dual role significant amid the current unrest.