Flashy lights off at Golden Temple

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 3

The SGPC has suspended the operation of the hi-tech LED system in the Golden Temple complex after devotees objected to the flashy lighting.

An SGPC official, preferring anonymity, said pilgrims had pointed out that the optical effects were not in keeping with the sanctity of the shrine.

“The lights were being operated on a trial basis. We will try out other colour patterns. The project is nearing completion. We aim to launch it by July 20,” he said.

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. It is learnt that the total power load would be less than 10 kilowatt.

The colour effects, frequency and intensity can be varied at the click of a button. The technology has been imported from Germany and Italy.

Chandigarh-based Sikh scholar Ashok Singh Bagrian said the bright colour scheme did not gel with the spiritual ambience of the Golden Temple. “I saw it during live telecast of Gurbani. The effects should be sober,” he added.

Former SGPC secretary Kulwant Singh said, “This is wasteful expenditure. The religious place is being converted into a tourist destination, which is against Sikh tenets.”