Fans Mourn Diljit Dosanjh’s Concert Cancellation Due to Dagger Ban

Attendees from the Sikh community reported being denied entry because they carried their kirpans, despite having valid tickets for the event. Security checks at the venue flagged these religious symbols, leading to a recommendation to leave them at the entrance.

Diljit is currently touring Australia, where he is celebrated as the first Indian artist to headline major stadiums and arenas.

This situation arose during the initial stadium concert in Parramatta. The affected fans included Paramvir Singh Bimwal and his wife, who expressed their disappointment at being denied entry despite their efforts to attend the concert. Bimwal described the incident as disrespectful and emphasized the significance of the kirpan in Sikh culture.

The NSW Police clarified that while carrying a knife in public is generally prohibited, exceptions are made for genuine religious practices. However, Bimwal claims there was a lack of communication regarding refunds post-incident. Other attendees faced similar challenges, highlighting the cultural significance of the kirpan within Sikh traditions.

The United Sikhs Australia group addressed the issue, stressing the necessity of respecting religious symbols like the kirpan. Community support for the ban varied, with some asserting that rules must be adhered to, while others stood by the Sikh attendees’ right to wear their religious daggers.