Tankhaiya which means in the Sikh sect, a declared criminal who commits anti-religious activities. If any Sikh does anything wrong religiously, there is a provision for him to appear in front of the nearest Sikh Sangat and apologize for his mistake.
Tankhaiya: Religious boycott in Sikhism
According to Sikhism, Tankhaiya means one who is expelled from the religion. If the accused does not follow the punishment, he is excommunicated from the religion. In such a situation, he is not allowed to come to any Gurudwara. Also, they are not allowed to take part in any lesson or worship. This means that no Sikh should have any contact or relationship with him. Neither go to his place's functions like wedding nor invite him. That means complete social exclusion. In common language, its hookah-pani band.
What is the provision of forgiveness in Tankhaiya?
If a person is declared guilty of committing an anti-religious act, then his crime will be reviewed by the Sangat in the presence of the Holy Guru Granth Sahib and then punishment will be decided for him accordingly. Under this, the accused are given punishments like cleaning utensils, shoes and floors in Gurudwaras. Besides, compensation is also decided. The punishment given under this is basically of service nature.
Under the belief of Sikhism, Sikh Sangat's stance towards granting forgiveness is not very strict. It is also important that the accused should not argue in any way regarding the punishment. After completion of the sentence, the person is no longer unemployed. That means he returns to religious and social life. When the punishment ends this process is completed with Ardaas.
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