Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Diwas, pay homage to 1984 riot victims at Golden Temple complex

As per the Akal Takht’s directions, only the sanctum sanctorum of Golden Temple and the Akal Takht building was illuminated symbolically

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, Updated At : 09:45 PM Nov 01, 2024 IST

Devotees lit ‘diyas’ at designated spots, refraining from electrical decorations and fireworks to pay homage to 1984 riot victims. Devotees lit ‘diyas’ at designated spots, refraining from electrical decorations and fireworks to pay homage to 1984 riot victims. Photo: Sunil Kumar

The Sikh community commemorated Bandi Chhor Diwas, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, at the Golden Temple complex. Devotees gathered to honour Guru Hargobind Sahib’s legacy, who was released from Gwalior Fort along with 52 Hindu kings.

As per the Akal Takht’s directions, only the sanctum sanctorum of Golden Temple and the Akal Takht building was illuminated symbolically. Devotees lit ‘diyas’ at designated spots, refraining from electrical decorations and fireworks to pay homage to 1984 riot victims.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh read out the customary public message from the ‘darshani deodi’ of the shrine. He expressed concerns about the government interference in Sikh institutions, delayed justice for 1984 riots victims, threats to Sikh historic shrines, Sikh youth migration and anti-Sikh hatred on social media platforms.

The ‘parallel’ acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Dhyan Singh Mand, also raised concerns about the Sikh youth settling abroad and outsider influx in Punjab.

Representatives of Nihang Singh organisations received ‘Siropas’ from the Jathedar.