Amritsar: Amritsar is being decorated with colourful lights and fragrant flowers ahead of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, the city’s founder and the fourth Sikh Guru. This year, the decorations extend beyond the Golden Temple to prominent public buildings and major transport hubs across the city.
A team of around 100 volunteers from the Nishkam Jatha, which performs daily service carrying the golden palanquin of Guru Granth Sahib from Akal Takht Sahib to the Golden Temple, is decorating Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport, the railway station and the bus stand.
Swinderpal Singh, who has been associated with the palanquin service for years, is leading the floral decoration work. He said 25 to 30 varieties of Indian and foreign flowers are being used, including anthuriums, African flowers, marigolds and daisies.
At the airport, the arrival and departure areas, entrance gates, immigration counters and other key locations are being decorated. Floral displays also feature artistic depictions of Guru Ram Das Ji and models of the Golden Temple.
Singh said the aim was to warmly welcome devotees and travellers arriving in the holy city for the celebrations through floral decorations and an atmosphere of devotion.
The Parkash Purab holds special significance for Amritsar, which was founded by Guru Ram Das Ji. Every year, lakhs of devotees from India and abroad visit the Golden Temple to pay their respects.
Within the Golden Temple complex, the Diwan Hall Manji Sahib, the main sanctum, Akal Takht Sahib and the parikrama are also being adorned with flowers and lights. Special decorations are being installed at prominent intersections and markets across the city.
