Amritsar, Dec 27: There will be no fireworks at the Golden Temple on the Parkash Purb of Guru Gobind Singh this year, with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) opting for a subdued observance in view of the ongoingor Sahibzada martyrdom period.
Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, chief manager of Sri Darbar Sahib, said the decision was taken keeping in mind the solemnity associated with the remembrance of Guru Gobind Singh’s younger sons.
“In view of the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas, fireworks will not be held at Sri Darbar Sahib this year,” Dhangera said.
Despite the decision, religious observances at the shrine will continue as per tradition. An akhand path will be performed, and the Golden Temple complex will be illuminated. The customary display of Jalau, symbolising spiritual grandeur, will also be held.
The Parkash Purb will be observed on its scheduled date following a recent decision by the five Sikh high priests. At the same time, devotees have been given the flexibility to observe the occasion a day before or after, based on personal belief.
The observance has once again brought attention to differences surrounding the Nanakshahi Calendar. Amendments made to the calendar in 2010 resulted in the birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh master being marked twice in some years.
These revisions have also affected the dates of several other gurpurbs, sparking continued debate within the Sikh community.
Under the original Nanakshahi Calendar introduced earlier, most gurpurbs had fixed dates, with Guru Gobind Singh’s Parkash Purb falling in January each year.
