Huge Crowd gathers at Golden Temple for Guru Ram Das Ji Gurpurb celebrations, laser show and fireworks
Golden Temple has been decorated with a stunning array of flowers, adding to its divine ambiance
Amritsar, October 19: The holy city of Amritsar is witnessing a grand celebration of Gurpurb of Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru and the founder of the city, at the historic Golden Temple. The sacred Gurdwara Sahib is seeing a massive influx of devotees from all corners of the world, gathering to commemorate the life and teachings of Guru Ram Das Ji.
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, has a rich history intertwined with the legacy of Guru Ram Das Ji. It was Guru Ram Das Ji who laid the foundation of Amritsar, originally called 'Guru Ka Chak,' and envisioned the construction of a sacred pool (Amrit Sarovar) around which the gurdwara stands today. Completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Golden Temple symbolises humility and equality, welcoming people of all faiths to experience the peace and serenity it offers.
For the Gurpurb, the Golden Temple has been decorated with a stunning array of flowers, adding to its divine ambiance. The intricate floral arrangements around the sanctum sanctorum and throughout the parikarma (circumambulatory path) is enhancing the gurdwara sahib's beauty. The combination of vibrant flowers and the temple's golden facade created a breathtaking sight for devotees, leaving them in awe of the visual and spiritual appeal of the occasion.
The SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) ensured that the decorations reflected the spirit of the celebration, with flowers arranged in patterns symbolising love and devotion towards Guru Ram Das Ji.
Adding to the grandeur of the celebrations, a mesmerising laser show was organised at the Golden Temple complex last evening. The laser lights danced across the holy sarovar, casting colourful reflections on the gurdwara sahib's gold-plated walls. The laser show illuminated the night sky, turning it into a vibrant canvas of colours and patterns.
The laser display was followed by a spectacular fireworks show that lit up the Amritsar sky. The fireworks, ranging from dazzling rockets to sparkling aerial bursts, created a captivating display of colours and lights over the Golden Temple.
Earlier, on the eve of the Gurpurb, a grand Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) was organised by the SGPC, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Sikh community. The procession was led by the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones) dressed in traditional attire, carrying the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag). Devotees sang hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, accompanied by the beats of the nagaras (drums), creating an atmosphere filled with devotion and reverence.
The Nagar Kirtan also featured performances by gatka (Sikh martial art) groups, who displayed their skills and captivated the crowd with their rhythmic moves and weaponry demonstrations. The event drew thousands of onlookers, who lined up along the streets to pay their respects and join in the devotional singing.
The SGPC made special arrangements to ensure that the celebrations proceeded smoothly. Extensive measures were taken for crowd management, cleanliness, and security, considering the large number of devotees visiting the Golden Temple.
Guru Ram Das Ji: A Legacy of Humility and Service
Born in Lahore in 1534, Guru Ram Das Ji was known for his humility, devotion, and commitment to service. He became the fourth Guru of the Sikhs in 1574, following in the footsteps of Guru Amar Das Ji. His contributions to the Sikh community include the establishment of Amritsar as a spiritual centre and the initiation of the construction of the Amrit Sarovar, around which the Golden Temple was later built. Guru Ram Das Ji composed numerous hymns that emphasise love, devotion, and the importance of community service.
He also formalised the Sikh wedding ceremony, Anand Karaj, and stressed the importance of leading a simple, honest life. His life and teachings continue to inspire millions of Sikhs around the world, making his Gurpurb a significant occasion for reflection and celebration.