However, several Sikh attendees were stopped at the entrance by security officials, who cited stadium safety regulations prohibiting the carrying of blades or sharp objects. Despite showing valid tickets, fans were reportedly refused entry, sparking outrage and disappointment among the Sikh diaspora.
Among those affected were Paramvir Singh Bimwal and his wife, Sona Bimwal, Sydney residents who had each paid over 200 Australian Dollars (₹11,000) for their tickets. Paramvir, who was wearing a Kripan, said he was asked to remove and deposit it in a box before entry. Feeling disrespected, he chose to leave. “Kripan is not a knife, it’s a symbol of faith. We can lose money, not our religion,” he told local media.
Other attendees, including Harman Singh and Manmohan Singh, were also barred entry. They expressed frustration that the restriction had not been mentioned when tickets were sold.
The New South Wales Police confirmed that security asked attendees to cloak their Kripans and leave peacefully if they refused. Venues New South Wales, which manages the stadium, said its decade-old policy restricts certain items for safety reasons. Officials claimed five Sikh attendees complied and attended the concert, while one who refused was offered a refund.
The incident has reignited debate on religious freedom and cultural sensitivity in public events across Australia, especially when involving artists like Diljit Dosanjh, who represent Sikh identity globally.
.jpg)
