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The Golden Temple in Amritsar has been beautifully illuminated in celebration of Parkash Purab, the anniversary of the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib. This significant event in Sikhism marks the day in 1604 when the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs, was first installed at the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).
On the eve of this important occasion, the Golden Temple is adorned with flowers and lights, creating a stunning and spiritually uplifting sight. The Punjab Government has also declared a local holiday on September 4, 2024, in the Amritsar district to mark the "First Parkash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji."
Here's how the Golden Temple celebrates this auspicious event:
Celebrations at the Golden Temple
1. Akhand Path: The celebration begins with Akhand Path, which is a continuous and uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib. This reading starts several days before the anniversary and continues until the day of the celebration.
2. Kirtan Darbars: Throughout the day, devotional singing of hymns, known as kirtan, takes place. Renowned ragis (hymn singers) perform at the Golden Temple, creating a spiritually enriching atmosphere for all visitors.
3. Nagar Kirtan: A grand procession called Nagar Kirtan is organized. This procession features singing of hymns, performances of traditional Sikh martial arts known as gatka, and floats that depict scenes from Sikh history. Sikh youth perform gatka, an ancient form of martial arts, during this procession. Devotees participate in the procession, celebrating the anniversary with great enthusiasm and devotion.
4. Langar: The community kitchen, or langar, serves free meals to thousands of devotees. This practice highlights the Sikh principles of equality, community service, and humility, as everyone, regardless of their background, is welcome to share in the meal.
5. Decorations and Illumination: The Golden Temple complex is spectacularly decorated with flowers and lights. The temple and its surroundings are illuminated, making it a mesmerizing sight, especially at night.
6. Holy Dip: Many devotees take a holy dip in the sarovar, the sacred pool at the Golden Temple, as part of the rituals. This act is believed to bring spiritual purification and is an important part of the celebrations.
These celebrations not only honor the historical importance of the Guru Granth Sahib but also strengthen the sense of community and devotion among the Sikh faithful. The Golden Temple, with its vibrant decorations and spiritually uplifting activities, offers a profound experience for all who visit during this special time.
