AI Generated Summary
- The holy city of Amritsar is taking on a vibrant festive appearance as elaborate floral arrangements and decorative illuminations transform prominent landmarks ahead of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru and founder of the city.
- According to Swindarpal Singh, the endeavour is rooted in the spirit of seva, or selfless service, with volunteers seeking to extend a heartfelt welcome to every visitor entering the sacred city.
- Artistic representations of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji and a miniature model of the Golden Temple have also been incorporated into the displays, adding a spiritual dimension to the elaborate decorations.
The holy city of Amritsar is taking on a vibrant festive appearance as elaborate floral arrangements and decorative illuminations transform prominent landmarks ahead of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru and founder of the city.
The celebrations, traditionally centred around the revered Golden Temple, have extended to major public spaces, including Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport, the railway station, bus terminal and several important intersections, creating an atmosphere of devotion and festivity across the city.
At the heart of the preparations is a dedicated group of nearly 100 volunteers from the Nishkam Jatha, who have undertaken the extensive task of adorning these locations with fresh flowers. The volunteers are associated with the daily palki sahib seva, during which the sacred Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially carried between Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the Golden Temple.
Under the guidance of Swindarpal Singh, a longstanding participant in the sacred palanquin service, the volunteers have been working to give the city’s public spaces a distinctive festive character.
An assortment of approximately 25 to 30 varieties of flowers, sourced from India and abroad, is being used for the decorations. Anthuriums, marigolds, daisies and African floral varieties feature prominently in the arrangements, bringing together a rich combination of colours, textures and fragrances.
The international airport has emerged as one of the focal points of the initiative. From entrance gates and passenger terminals to arrival and departure sections and immigration counters, floral installations have been arranged to greet travellers arriving in the city for the religious occasion.
Artistic representations of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji and a miniature model of the Golden Temple have also been incorporated into the displays, adding a spiritual dimension to the elaborate decorations.
According to Swindarpal Singh, the endeavour is rooted in the spirit of seva, or selfless service, with volunteers seeking to extend a heartfelt welcome to every visitor entering the sacred city. The floral arrangements are intended not merely as ornamentation but as an expression of reverence and hospitality associated with the occasion.
Meanwhile, preparations within the Golden Temple complex are equally elaborate. The sanctum sanctorum, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the surrounding parikrama and Manji Sahib Diwan Hall are being embellished with flowers and decorative lighting, enhancing the spiritual ambience of the historic shrine.
The festivities hold particular importance for Amritsar, whose origins are closely intertwined with the life and legacy of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji. The fourth Sikh Guru laid the foundations of the settlement that eventually developed into one of the most significant spiritual centres of Sikhism.
Every year, the Guru’s Parkash Purab brings together devotees from different parts of India and overseas, who visit Sri Harmandir Sahib to offer prayers and participate in the commemorations.
Beyond the shrine precincts, the festive transformation of markets, road junctions and transportation facilities reflects the city’s collective participation in honouring its founder.
As flowers brighten public spaces and decorative lights illuminate historic surroundings, Amritsar is preparing to welcome pilgrims and visitors in an atmosphere that brings together faith, community service and the enduring legacy of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji.
