Who Is Archana Makwana? Social Media Influencer Whose Yoga Day Post From Golden Temple Sparked Outrage

Lifestyle influencer and fashion designer Archana Makwana was booked by the Punjab police on Saturday for allegedly “hurting religious sentiments” by performing yoga at Amritsar’s Golden Temple complex.

The case was registered on Saturday after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) lodged a complaint against the influencer, following which she was booked under Section 295-A (deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

On the International Day of Yoga on Friday, Makwana visited the Golden Temple and performed yoga in the ‘parikrama’ (circumambulation) path.

Who Is Archana Makwana?’

• Makwana is an Instagram influencer and entrepreneur who runs a fashion design brand named House of Archana in Gujarat’s Vadodara.
• The influencer also has a brand named ‘Healing Tattvas’ where she documents her travel experiences as a blogger.
• She has almost 140k followers on Instagram and she describes herself as a fashion designer, entrepreneur, influencer and travel and fashion blogger.
• The designer cum influencer is dedicated to promoting yoga and wellness which was acknowledged after she received an award on International Yoga Day for her significant contributions to the field, reports stated.

Gurudwara’s Apex Body Releases Statement

“No one can be allowed to act against Sikh conduct at the Golden Temple but some people deliberately ignore the sanctity and historical importance of this holy place and commit objectionable acts,” SGPC president HS Dhami had said in a statement.

“Sikh sentiments and ‘maryada’ (conduct) have been hurt by the act, so a complaint has been filed with the police,” he added.

The SGPC, the apex gurdwara body  suspended its three employees for not diligently performing their duties.

Influencer Issues Apology

Makwana had apologised for her conduct later in a story posted on her Instagram handle.

“I posted something without intending to harm anyone’s religious sentiments. I was unaware that practising yoga in the Gurdwara Sahib premises could be offensive to some as I was just paying my respect to him and did not mean any harm to anyone,” said Makwana.

“I sincerely apologise for any hurt I may have caused and promise to be more mindful in the future. Please accept my sincere apologies,” she added.