No lighting at Golden Temple this Diwali

Amritsar, October 27 : The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has decided to celebrate a subdued Diwali at the Golden Temple and other gurdwaras under its control this year in the wake of incidents of the Guru Granth Sahib’s sacrilege. Avtar Singh Makkar, SGPC president, said, “Harmandar Sahib will not be illuminated in the manner it used to be on festive occasions nor will there any display of fireworks. Only earthen lamps will be lit up. The step has been taken following the recent sacrilege incidents, which have pained the entire community.” Diwali otherwise used to be an occasion to watch out for at the Golden Temple. It was celebrated with pomp and show, which included major illumination of the shrine and a grand display of fireworks. The holy book’s desecration was first reported from Bargari village in Faridkot on October 12, an incident that triggered major protests which also led to the death of two Sikh activists in police firing.