Siropao literally means “a dress from sir (head) to pao (feet). It is like a western cloak, embroidered, decorated and finely stitched so as to give it a royal outlook. It is a special honour given to some one for his/her contribution in some field or for some other cause. During the Moghul period a Siropao was usually given to those who had shown exemplary bravery in some battle or had contributed to the State or the ruler in any manner. It was also presented to spiritual personalities, statesmen and diplomats.
The tradition of Siropao in Sikhism is very old. Though there is no particular reference from the life history of Guru Nanak Sahib but it seems likely that the tradition might have begun during that period. The first clear reference to Siropao, however, dates to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, who, at the time of judging the credentials of the Masands, presented Siropao to those who were honest missionaries.
Siropao is a special honour, it is recognition of the services or contribution of some personality, and hence it must be given to a few persons only and that even with great caution. Since the early period of the twentieth century, when Darbar Sahib Amritsar and other Gurdwaras came under the control of the Mahants, who were mostly Hindus, they began presenting Siropaos to English officers, the kings, the princes, feudal and other rich persons who made offerings of a lot of money or valuables. The Mahants, however, changed Siropao from a cloak/dress to a blue turban (later, under the Hindu tradition, they changed the colour from blue to saffron, the colour of the Udasi ascetics. They also changed the colour of the Sikh flag from blue to saffron. The Nihangs, however, continued the original colour). Sometimes later, the size of the Siropao turban was reduced from five yards to about two yards. With the passage of time, these Mahants fixed an amount of rupees 100 for grant of a Siropao at Harimandir Sahib Amritsar. This was a big amount in the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1920, the Sikhs took control of the management of Harimandir Sahib. The reformers stopped several UN-Sikh traditions and activities being performed by the Mahants in the Gurdwaras but some such traditions did not catch the attention of the reformers. These UN-Sikh traditions included presentation of a Siropao to those who offered 100 rupees, burning of light (Jyoti) with Desi Ghee (this light was burnt simply for light during those days when there was no electricity in the Darbar Sahib complex, otherwise it has nothing to do with Harimandir Sahib); washing of the floor of the Harimandir Sahib and the causeway between Harimandir Sahib and Darshani Deodi with milk; disallowing women from performing various services at Harimandir Sahib etc. Even today the tradition of “selling” these so-called Siropao is still continuing. This is like selling a Siropao because it is not presented to a Sikh for his contribution but it is given for 100 rupees. It is like the Sikhiof Malik Bhago. It is against Sikh ideology, hence a shameful tradition. There has been an attempt to stop it. In 1999 this tradition was stopped but in 2001 it was revived by the new management. It is hoped that this and other UN-Sikh traditions shall be stopped in near future.
In Sikhism, only those persons have a right to Siropao who have made some contribution to the Sikh nation, it may be sacrificing life (in that case it will be presented to some kin of the martyr), participation in national struggle, performing Sewa (service) or for making some remarkable contribution in some sphere: missionary, literary, organisational, social, scientific, academic, economic etc.
The most honourable presentation of a Siropao is made at Harimandir Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib. No non-Sikh can be presented a Siropao at Akal Takht Sahib. In 1936, when Baba Visakha Singh was the caretaker of Akal Takht Sahib, the management of the Darbar Sahib presented a Siropao to a non-Sikh. As a result Baba Visakha Singh resigned his post in protest. But, Puran Singh, who has so far been, the worst caretaker of Akal Takht Sahib, presented a so-called Siropaoto some Hindus, in April 1999, against the tradition of Akal Takht Sahib. These Hindus raised slogans of the Hindu religion at Takht Sahib and made a sacrilege of the Takht Sahib. Such shameful activities are expected to happen because incapable persons are being granted such high status seats, and, some leaders have made Siropao a formality, a farce and are responsible for insult to this tradition.
It is also wrong to present Siropao to visitor to a Gurdwara, whosoever the visitor may be. A politician, statesman or any other prominent person visiting a Gurdwara does not add to the honour of a Gurdwara, it is rather he who gets the honour of visiting a Gurdwara. There is no reason as to why should he/she be given a Siropao ? If the Gurdwara Committee or the politicians want to make a formal “show” of welcome (though this too is not proper), such a visitor may be given a bouquet of flowers or some other item as a present in the office of the managing committee and not in the congregation hall. Similarly, another unSikh like tradition has also begun recently i.e. presentation of a Siropao to that person who has arranged some function at his home or in a Gurdwara. Presentation of Siropaos to the politicians or other prominent persons when they visit the residence of some one, is also a new, but wrong, tradition. All these activities are insult to the sanctity of Siropao. A Siropao is not a garland, it is not a piece of cloth. Its sanctity must be maintained.
There should be a formal “Committee” of the Sikh scholars and the leaders, which should approve presentation of Siropaos, otherwise Siropao will loose its meaning, respect and sanctity.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)