Hi-tech LEDs soon at Golden Temple

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 28

The Golden Temple and its surroundings are all set to be illuminated with the new hi-tech LED lighting system.

SGPC secretary Dr Roop Singh said, “We will inaugurate it on October 5 and the devotees can witness it on October 7, the birth anniversary of Guru Ram Das, founder of Amritsar.”

The system was run on trial basis with many colour schemes earlier too, but the SGPC had to suspend the operations after devotees objected to the flashy lighting.

Now, with some amendments, the earlier flashy pink, red and purple lighting will give way to off-white, white and cream colour.

The technology has been imported from Germany and Italy, but local firm Lucent Consultants has finalised the installation of lights. The system is capable of emitting various colour effects which can be changed at the click of a button.

Under the Rs 13-crore project, at least 1,700 LED lights have been installed at various locations, including the shrine, Akal Takht, Darshni Deori, bungas and the main entry point through the plaza. The total power load will be less than 10 kW.

The light effects have been synchronised with the clock. As the sun will set, the lights will start automatically and run till early hours.

In dark, a permanent golden effect will automatically reflect the glory of the sanctum sanctorum.