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- Amritsar is observing the birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in a subdued yet traditional manner at the Golden Temple todfay, with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) deciding against the use of fireworks on the occasion.
- As the community continues to grapple with these calendrical issues, the focus at the Golden Temple today will remain on prayer, reflection, and the enduring legacy of the tenth Guru.
- At the same time, they acknowledged the sentiments of devotees by allowing them the flexibility to celebrate the occasion a day earlier or later if they so wished.
Amritsar is observing the birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in a subdued yet traditional manner at the Golden Temple todfay, with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) deciding against the use of fireworks on the occasion.
Officials said the decision was taken keeping in mind the ongoing remembrance of the martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas. Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, chief manager of the Golden Temple, explained that the SGPC felt it was appropriate to maintain solemnity during this period of reflection and sacrifice.
Despite the absence of fireworks, religious observances at the shrine will continue in accordance with established traditions. An akhand path will be held, and the customary “Jalau,” or ceremonial display of splendour, will take place. The Golden Temple complex will also be illuminated, maintaining the visual and spiritual sanctity associated with major Sikh occasions.
The observance comes amid broader discussions within the Sikh community regarding the dates of religious events. Recently, the five Sikh high priests reaffirmed that Guru Gobind Singh’s Parkash Purb would be observed on its pre-decided date. At the same time, they acknowledged the sentiments of devotees by allowing them the flexibility to celebrate the occasion a day earlier or later if they so wished.
Alongside these decisions, the long-standing debate over the Nanakshahi Calendar has resurfaced. Amendments introduced in 2010 led to situations where the Parkash Purb of Guru Gobind Singh was observed twice in the same year, a development that also affected several other gurpurbs. This has resulted in confusion and renewed discussion within the Sikh Panth over uniformity in religious observances.
Before the 2010 changes, the original Nanakshahi Calendar had fixed dates for most gurpurbs, with Guru Gobind Singh’s birth anniversary traditionally observed every year in January. As the community continues to grapple with these calendrical issues, the focus at the Golden Temple today will remain on prayer, reflection, and the enduring legacy of the tenth Guru.
