Friends, let me share an extraordinary moment from Sikh history that unfolded at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib. This is the story of Bibi Krishna Kaur Ji, an African-American Sikh from Los Angeles and a Kundalini Yoga teacher, who made history on August 26, 1980.
On the Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji, after the completion of an Akhand Path, Bibi Ji was given the rare opportunity to perform Kirtan inside Darbar Sahib. But the path wasn’t smooth—as she began singing Gurbani, some SGPC sevadars tried to stop her.
Then came a defining moment: Baba Nihal Singh Ji, the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, along with Nihang Singhs, firmly declared: “There is no discrimination in the Guru’s court—this is how it should be.” With their support, Bibi Krishna Kaur Khalsa became the first and only woman to date to perform Kirtan inside the Golden Temple.
Yet, decades later, her groundbreaking moment remains unmatched—no other woman has been permitted to sing Kirtan in Harmandir Sahib since. Her story stands as a powerful reminder of the Guru’s timeless message of equality—and the work still ahead.
“Jo bole so nihal, Sat Sri Akal!” 🙏
