Ajit Karn
A Sikh man claims he was denied entry to an American basketball game because he was carrying a kirpan. Notably, a ‘kirpan’ is a tiny weapon worn on a strap or waist with a sheath. It is a religious article that all initiated Sikhs are required to wear at all times.
The incident occurred in Sacramento, California during a basketball game involving the Sacramento Kings of the professional North American basketball league NBA. On Twitter, a man named Mandeep Singh referred to the incident as “religious discrimination,” alleging he was denied entry due to his ‘kirpan’ In addition, he shared photographs from outside the stadium and the security room. He added that he had spoken with multiple individuals about the matter to no avail.
“Unfortunate to encounter religious discrimination and be denied entry to tonight’s @SacramentoKings game because I am #Sikh. I was denied entry due to #kirpan. Multiple conversations with higher-ups in the security hierarchy have yielded no understanding. A supporter since 1996. Not so much any longer,” tweeted Mandeep Singh.
View the post here:
Unfortunate experiencing religious discrimination and being denied entry at the @SacramentoKings game tonight b/c Im #Sikh. Wouldn't let me in bc of #kirpan. Spoke w/ multiple people up the security chain and none seem to understand. Been a fan since 96. Not so much anymore. #nba pic.twitter.com/1qG3sNzDf2
— Mandeep Singh (@Light0fMind) March 14, 2023
Twitter users had varied reactions to the tweet.
One user stated, “It will never be our land, and their laws will always be in effect.” Another commentator stated, “The Kings were the first NBA club to have a Sikh athlete on their roster, and Sikh nights have doubts that they are being discriminatory.” The Kirpan has never been permitted inside NBA arenas unless prior accommodations have been made. Every Kings Sikh night this comes up.”
A third individual cited public safety concerns and stated, “I trust the Monarchs do not discriminate on the basis of religion.” I’ve witnessed the Monarchs represent the Sikh community during Sikh Heritage Night, and I believe it’s fantastic. I believe the Monarchs denied entry to your Kirpan due to public safety concerns, not religious discrimination.
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Kirpan is one of the five Sikh Kakars’ essential components.
According to the website of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the five symbols of the Khalsa, all beginning with the letter K, are the kesh, or long hair and beard, Kangha, a comb in the kesh to keep it tidy as opposed to the recluses who kept it matted as a symbol of their renunciation of the world, Kara, a steel bracelet, Kachch, short breeches, and Kirpan,
