The 'Siropa', also known as 'Sirpao' is the Sikh robe of honour. According to Bhai Kahn Singh Ji Nabha, the Siropa symbolises a physical robe worn from head to feet, it epitomises an absolute honour. In Sikhi, the Siropa is considered the highest award for one's temporal as well as spiritual efforts (sewa).
Gurbani says:
ਸੁਣੀ ਪੁਕਾਰ ਸਮਰਥ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਬੰਧਨ ਕਾਟਿ ਸਵਾਰੇ ॥
ਪਹਿਰਿ ਸਿਰਪਾਉ ਸੇਵਕ ਜਨ ਮੇਲੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਪਹਾਰੇ ॥੨॥੨੯॥੯੩॥
"The Almighty Lord and Master heard my prayer; cutting away my bonds, He has adorned me. He dressed me in a 'Sirpao', robes of honour, and blended His servant with Himself; Nanak is revealed in glory throughout the world. ||2||29||93||"
(631)
To the ones receiving the robes of honour by false pretences, Gurbani clearly says:
ਸਾਕਤ ਸਿਰਪਾਉ ਰੇਸਮੀ ਪਹਿਰਤ ਪਤਿ ਖੋਈ ॥੩॥
"But by putting on the Sirpao, silk clothes, of the faithless cynic, one loses one's honour. ||3||"
(811).
When a Siropa is presented to a person it is placed around their neck, however the purpose of the Siropa is to be worn a Dastaar (turban). From the name "Siropa", the word "Sir" means "head", illustrating that the Siropa is meant to be worn as a Dastaar however is usually placed around the neck when it is being presented to a person. Guru Amar Daas Sahib Ji used to receive a Siropa every year from Guru Angad Dev Ji (in total eight) and it is said he would wear it on his head every day.
Youths queue up to receive Siropas at an Akali political function in Panjab
Unfortunately, the tradition of the Siropa has been watered down, like most other things, and has lost its original intended value and importance. In the army, only a person who has achieved something remarkable receives an award medal. However, someone who is wearing a tattered army uniform, looking like a mess or not complying with the army discipline, does not qualify to receive the reward. An army award medal will only be awarded to someone who shows an act worth praising, is dressed in full uniform and practices strict discipline. However, in Sikhi today, someone who has disfigured their God-given appearance, doesn't keep basic Rehit (discipline), hasn't committed themselves to the Guru through taking Amrit are being given Siropas without a thought.
Nowadays anyone and everyone are presented Siropas, which have become part of a business. Someone "pays" to do an Akhand Paath and on Sunday on the completion of the Akhand Paath they receive a Siropa regardless of whether they listened to the Paath, did Sewa or whether the night before the person had been drinking alcohol or shaven off their God given hair before they came to the Gurdwara. Sometimes even atheists, smokers and those who don't believe in Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji receive Siropas from Gurdwara Management Committees in order to have photo opportunities and impress others. However the bigger question is, "Well the Guru be impressed by the Caretakers of Guru Nanak's House honouring those who turn their backs to the Hukam of Guru Sahib?"
According to Gurmat the gift of presenting a Siropa is reserved for special cases when someone has done special sewa for the Panth and humanity and the Sangat wishes to recognize their efforts. For example Baba Kharak Singh was honoured a Siropa from Sri Akal Takht on 8th June 1927 for his sacrifices to the Panth, and Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh Ji received a Siropa from Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji on 15th September 1931 for his seva and dedication to the Panth and propagating Gurmat to the Sikh masses. However, there has been a gradual decline in the Sikh Spirit and pride. In recent years the mass murderers of Sikhs like Jagdish Tytler and butcher KP Gill have received Siropas from Sikh institutions.
In 2004 the DSGMC President Prahlad Singh Chandok honoured the mass killers of Sikhs Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar with a Siropa.
At the Sikh Centre, Sri Harmandar Sahib Ji, Amritsar, the Siropa has lost the Panthik importance to honour the achievements of the servants of the Panth for their achievements and contributions irrespective of their economic or social status. Instead Siropas are handed out to those who can "afford" paying 100 rupees for Karhah Parshaad. This clearly discriminatory and illustrates that we have not escaped from the clutches of Brahmanism and that our Gurdwaras are gradually going back to the Mahant run mentality before the Singh Sabha Movement.
If a Gurdwara, Jathedaar, Committee or politician wish to show appreciation to someone then instead of giving a Siropa without thinking, alternative ways of honouring someone need to be used. One could present a Gurmat book, souvenir, trophy, painting, or flowers. However, the trend towards giving everyone and anyone a Siropa has been the point where Sikhs have given up their stand on Sikh values, character and discipline in pursuit to win favouritism and support for personal gain.
