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Summary of Question:	Observers At Amrit Ceremony
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Monday, 8/02/2004 1:19 AM MDT

I am a bit confused about the Amrit Ceremony. Last April my wife took Amrit.I am going to this August. During my wife's Amrit Ceremony there were around 15 others sikh brothers and sisters also present to take Amrit. We had all gathered in the Darbar Sahib awaiting the Panj Pyara.They arived and soon after inquired as to how many of us were going to take Amrit . Out of the 15 present 3 of us were there just to observe. I for one was very proud of the fact that my wife had taken such a serious step in life. I was there to support her in any way I could and at the same time observe how the ceremony is actually coducted.This was to prepare myself so that when I was ready I would know what to do.But to my surprise I and another 2 other people present were asked to leave the Darbar Sahib. I felt shocked and hurt as to be asked to leave GOD'S house.I was told that we could not be part of this ceremony. Since we were all adults, I was confused as to in which way were we disturbing the ceremony. As to the best of my knowledge the Amrit Ceremony is to be conducted in an area in front of the Darbar Sahib away from the movement of human traffic. It in not something that we should shy from and conduct in hiding. I dont thing this is what our Guru Ji had in mind when he conducted this ceremony. People should be allowed to observe the ceremony and this in return my encourage others to also take Amrit. I am sorry if I am wrong in my thinking and do seek your advice .

Wahe guru ji ka khalsa Wahe guru ji ki fateh

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Wahe guru ji ka khalsa Wahe guru ji ki fateh
You are correct. It is really helpful to have those folks there to support the newly baptized, and it has a way of reinforcing for the baptized observer his or her own vows. It is also helpful for those who are not amritdhari - when I took amrit there were a couple of people there who wanted to observe to learn more about the ceremony. Our panj was completely in accord with that, as we believe no one should take amrit before they feel ready to do so.

However, ONCE the ceremony is begun, NO ONE is allowed to enter the Darbar or to leave (medical emergency aside). This is to maintain the ceremony without disruption. Since you were already in the Darbar, asking you to leave was inappropriate. I'm sorry more protest didn't occur then; had those about to be baptized protested, you might have been able to stay, but I realize the element of surprise worked against that. Have you talked to the panj at the Darbar about this? A letter of protest might be in order too.
Guru ang sang
-DKK