Article by Viory
Thousands of Sikh pilgrims gathered at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Tuesday evening to perform rituals and light oil lamps to mark the beginning of Baisakhi celebrations, the New Year and the harvest festival and a day of deep religious significance.
Footage shows devotees standing in a huge line at the temple entrance before performing head-bowing and cleansing rituals.
“Today there will be a Deepmala (illumination) and fireworks display. In schools and colleges, the preparation for Baisakhi is done very well,” said attendee Jag Jogsingh.
The Sikh community, hailing from the Indian state of Punjab and living abroad, gathered near Amrit Sarovar (the sacred pond) for the Deepmala (grand illumination) ceremony as the evening set in.
“Today is a very important day for the Sikhs. On 13th April, 1699, our tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, gave a special establishment of Khalsa Panth (collective body of initiated Sikhs) to the Gurudwara (temple). He gave the Amrit Sarovar for us,” explained attendee Chandjeet Kurwerka.
“We also do Deepmala (grand illumination) at home today and eat sweets and jalebis (local sweet) and celebrate with happiness. Today, farmers cut the crop and sell it in the market, so it is a very good start,” fellow attendee Navjot Singh said.
Singh explained that the bathing ritual at the Golden Temple holds great significance in the Sikh faith, as it symbolises purification, adding that the prayer service conducted inside the temple on this day is for the well-being of all.
The Baisakhi festival at the Golden Temple celebrates the 1699 creation of the Khalsa Panth (collective body of initiated Sikhs) by Guru Gobind Singh to symbolise courage, equality, and faith among the followers.
The festival commemorates the baptism of the first five initiates (Panj Pyare) and reinforces Sikh values of seva (service), humility, and justice.
Celebrations include hoisting the Nishan Sahib orange flag, special kirtans (prayers), and community meals, while also serving as a Thanksgiving day for farmers in Punjab, celebrating the bountiful spring harvest.
Article by Viory
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