Golden Temple illuminated to mark Bandi Chhor Diwas, Diwali
Chandigarh, Oct 20
The Golden Temple complex, where the holiest of Sikh shrines, Harmandar Sahib, is located, was illuminated on Monday to mark the Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali.
There has been a festive spirit at the Golden Temple complex in Punjab’s Amritsar since early Monday morning as tens of thousands of people came there to offer prayers and seek blessings.
However, there is confusion about the date of the festival. The Punjab government’s official calendar has declared a holiday for Diwali on October 20, while a large number of religious organisations will observe the festival on October 21.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann extended warm greetings to the people on the historic Bandi Chhor Diwas, to mark the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other princes with him, in 1619.
The guru and the princes arrived in Amritsar during Diwali festivities. Since then, the Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali celebrations have coincided at the Golden Temple complex.
Elsewhere in Punjab, gurdwaras and markets wore a festive look. Hundreds of people thronged various markets in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar, and other towns.
The festival spirit for Diwali could also be seen in Chandigarh and towns and cities in Haryana.
In a message, Punjab Cabinet ministers said Diwali symbolises the victory of truth over falsehood, righteousness over evil, and light over darkness. It reflects the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India, celebrating universal values of goodness and harmony.
They appealed to the people to celebrate a pollution-free green Diwali, emphasising that environmental protection is a shared responsibility. They noted that pollution is a serious concern affecting everyone and urged citizens to minimize the use of firecrackers and adopt eco-friendly practices during the festivities.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This date confusion happens every year. Why can't the government and religious organizations coordinate properly? It creates unnecessary chaos for working people planning holidays.
Beautiful to see our traditions being celebrated with such enthusiasm! The message about green Diwali is much needed. We should definitely reduce firecrackers and focus more on diyas and family time.
As someone visiting from abroad, I'm amazed by the rich cultural heritage and how beautifully different traditions coexist in India. The Golden Temple during festivals is truly a sight to behold!
The historical significance of Bandi Chhor Diwas is so important for our younger generation to understand. Guru Hargobind ji's message of liberation and equality resonates even today. ðŸ™
While I appreciate the celebrations, I wish the government would focus more on practical issues like traffic management and crowd control during these festivals. The experience gets ruined by overcrowding.
The way Punjab celebrates both Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali together shows the beautiful diversity of our country. May the light of these festivals bring peace and happiness to all! ✨
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