Amritsar, April 1
“Kar seva” to gild the domes of Akal Takht started amidst slogans of “bole so nihal, Sat Sri Akal” here today.
Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar Akal Takht and other Sikh high priests were present when the “kar seva” was launched by Baba Jagtar Singh “Kar Seva Wale”. However, Giani Puran Singh, Head Granthi Golden Temple, was not present.
Gold-plating of Akal Takht remained incomplete after Operation Bluestar in June 1984. After the reconstruction of Akal Takht after the operation Bluestar gold-plating of Akal Takht coult not be completed on time. Baba Amrik Singh of “Kar Seva Wale” said that craftsmen from Varanasi, Amritsar and other parts of the country would complete the work at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the “kar seva” of artwork of first floor of Akal Takht was completed today and artwork of the second floor also started today.
Exquisite ‘naqashi’ (fresco) paintings inside Akal Takht were destroyed when the structure was damaged during Operation Bluestar.
The structure renovated at the behest of the then Congress government after the operation was later pulled down by the Sikh organisations leading to the loss of great artwork on the walls of Akal Takht. The ‘naqashi' work of the Takht was destroyed.
The 'naqashi' frescos began appearing on Akal Takht some 150 years after its foundation was laid by the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind.
The 'naqashi' work, however, gained momentum during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who patronised ‘naqashees’. The gilding of the domes was also done during this time.
The art lovers feel that the ‘naqashi’ work done during the 'kar seva' did not meet the standard of the old days. They are of the view that proper colours were not used for this artwork. The old murals could not be revived during the 'kar seva'.
Baba Amrik Singh, however, claimed that every effort was being made to complete gilding, gold-plating and fresco paintings according to traditions.
