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Chandigarh, Oct 20 (IANS) The Golden Temple complex, which houses the Sikh holy shrine Harmandar Sahib, was illuminated on Monday on the occasion of Bandi Chhod Diwas and Diwali.
There is a festive atmosphere at the Golden Temple complex in Punjab’s Amritsar since Monday morning as thousands of people have come there to offer prayers and seek blessings.
However, there is confusion regarding the date of the festival. October 20 has been declared a Diwali holiday in the official calendar of the Punjab government, while a large number of religious organizations will celebrate the festival on October 21.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann extended warm greetings to the people on the historic Bandi Chhod Diwas to commemorate the release of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind and 52 other princes along with him from prison in 1619.
The Guru and the prince reached Amritsar during the Diwali celebrations. Since then, Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali celebrations started being celebrated simultaneously in the Golden Temple complex.
Elsewhere in Punjab, there was a festive atmosphere in Gurudwaras and markets. Hundreds of people thronged various markets in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar and other cities.
The excitement of Diwali can also be seen in the towns and cities of Chandigarh and Haryana.
In a message, Punjab cabinet ministers said Diwali symbolizes the victory of truth over falsehood, religion over evil and light over darkness. It reflects the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India, celebrating the universal values of goodness and harmony.
He appealed to the people to celebrate a pollution-free green Diwali and emphasized that environment protection is a shared responsibility. He said pollution is a serious concern affecting everyone and urged citizens to reduce the use of firecrackers during festivals and adopt eco-friendly practices.
–IANS
VG/SKP