Religious News
Issue of fireworks at Darbar Sahib on Diwali caught in debate, however SGPC to go ahead with the show
October 27, 2013 | By Sikh Siyasat Bureau
Amritsar, Punjab (October 27, 2013): It is learnt that Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana who is confined in Central Jail Patiala had urged Akal Takht Sahib to issue a directive/message to the Sikhs that they should not play crackers on November 03, 2013 – the day of Diwali, celebrated by Sikhs as Bandi Chhor Divas; and deposit donate that amount for the welfare of victims of November 1984 Sikh genocide.
A view of fireworks at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar [File Photo]
It is notable that Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana in his letter had urged Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh to direct SGPC to refrain from fireworks at Darbar Sahib Amritsar on Bandi Chhor Divas this year in wake of increased environmental concerns and also in wake of the fact that this year Diwali coincides with the 29th anniversary of the Sikh Genocide 1984.
As per media reports SGPC has declined to change it’s scheduled fireworks saying that the tradition of playing fireworks will go on.
Though Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh had appreciated the spirit of Bhai Rajona’s letter reportedly told Times of India on October 26, 2013: “We would maintain the maryada”.
A debate has raged up over the social media about doing away with fireworks at the Darbar Sahib on November 3 keeping in view the sentiments of Sikh genocide 1984 in the first week of November 1984, Akal Takht, Sikh’s supreme temporal seat, and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
He also said that SGPC had been asked not to use firecrackers that produce high decibel noise and release poisonous gases in environment. SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar said he was of the view to cut down the timing of fireworks show by five minutes or so. Normally, the fireworks last for around 25 minutes.
Meanwhile Dal Khalsa spokesman Kanwarpal Singh said both Avtar Singh Makkar and Giani Gurbachan Singh were trying to shield themselves behind excuses. “Diwali was not celebrated in the Darbar Sahib in 1984”. “It was also not celebrated there in 1992 when Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha and Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda were hanged by India”, he added.
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Related Topics: Amritsar, Avtar Singh Makkar, Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, Dal Khalsa, Darbar Sahib, Giani Gurbachan Singh, Kanwar Pal Singh Bittu, SGPC
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