Bhai Randhir Singh da Jatha/Akhand Kirtani Jatha cont'd

Like the many religious fanatical cults around the world, the A.K.J. too believe that the cinema and television are 'corrupting influences' to be avoided at all costs. Punctuality in reading their prescribed Sikh liturgy is considered the most important of virtues. If one should break the routine, then he/she is advised to confess their sin to the A.K.J. ‘Panj Piyarey’ (5 Khalsa elect).

Panj Piyarey
The venerated '5 Beloved' affiliated with the A.K.J.,
dressed in gold, seated singing 'Kirtan' during a 'Samagam'

The AKJ are forbidden from removing any of the 5K’s from the body at any time (please note, the A.K.J. consider ‘Keski’ (small turban) to be one of the K’s and not the hair). Delving further into this practice, it is common knowledge to hear of fanatical A.K.J. Sikhs washing their hair with yogurt (as they do not agree with the use of shampoo/soap) and then binding the ‘Keski’ without allowing their hair to fully dry. To remain bare-headed is the greatest of sins according to them.

Keski
Women of the A.K.J. adorned with the 'Keski' engrossed in singing 'Kirtan'

Furthermore, with regards to their practice of ‘Amrit Sanchar’ (Khalsa initiation), the A.K.J. believe that no one in the world can find salvation if they have not been initiated by them. As stated earlier the A.K.J. believe in ‘Naam Dhrir’, this they claim can only be ‘given’ by their own ‘Panj Piyarey’.

Therefore, one can conclude that in A.K.J. eyes, all other Khalsa Sikhs are not 'Khalsa' - for they have not been given ‘Naam Dhrir’ by A.K.J.

Akali Nihang Singh Khalsa
The '5 beloved' of the Akali Nihang Singh Khalsa prepare 'Amrit' during a Khalsa initiation ceremony in Punjab