Archana Makwana, an Instagram influencer and entrepreneur, has made a name for herself in the realms of fashion, wellness, and social media. As the founder of the fashion brand House of Archana, based in Vadodara, she has garnered a substantial following, amassing nearly 140,000 followers on Instagram. She is also associated with the wellness brand Healing Tattvas and is known for sharing her travel experiences and insights as a travel and fashion blogger. Makwana proudly identifies as a Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur, Influencer, and Blogger.
Makwana’s dedication to promoting yoga and wellness has not gone unnoticed. Her efforts were formally recognized on International Yoga Day 2024, celebrated on June 21, when she received an award for her significant contributions to the field of yoga and wellness.
However, Makwana’s journey hit a controversial bump when she decided to perform yoga within the premises of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Her post featuring a yoga pose, Shashankasana, at the sacred site went viral, leading to a significant backlash. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) filed a police complaint against her, alleging that her actions hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.
In response to the backlash, Makwana issued a video apology on Instagram. She explained that her visit to the Golden Temple on June 19, following an award ceremony in Delhi, was meant to express her gratitude. She emphasized that she did not intend to offend anyone’s religious feelings and sincerely apologized for any distress her actions may have caused. Despite her apology, she has faced severe online abuse and death threats.
Makwana expressed that she felt misrepresented and insisted that her actions were impulsive and emotionally driven, with no malice intended. She promised never to repeat her mistake, acknowledging her ignorance of the rules regarding religious sanctity at the Golden Temple. Nonetheless, the SGPC proceeded with their complaint, maintaining that her actions were inappropriate for the revered site.
Archana Makwana’s story highlights the complexities of social media influence, cultural sensitivity, and the repercussions of actions in the digital age. Her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting religious sentiments and the potential impact of public actions on diverse communities.