Our Bureau
Amritsar
The iconic Golden Temple, a beacon of spirituality and architectural brilliance, went dark for the first time in 54 years on Thursday night as part of a nationwide civil defence blackout drill. The move, ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aimed to test preparedness for potential hostile threats amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Between 10:30 and 11:00 pm, the usually radiant temple complex, renowned worldwide for its permanent and high-tech illumination, switched off its lights. The blackout was implemented in compliance with directives to reduce visibility for enemy aircraft and avoid becoming a potential target during emergencies.
However, in accordance with the Sikh code of conduct, or ‘rehat maryada’, the sanctum sanctorum and other areas where the ‘parkash’ (illumination ceremony) of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib was being observed remained dimly lit. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) secretary Partap Singh clarified, “Observing the ‘maryada’, the lights were on at the places where ‘parkash’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib were being held, but kept on dim mode. Moreover, the spots, where the ‘akhand path’ was being performed, were already covered from all sides – leaving little scope for noticing the luminosity from outside.”
This is only the third time in history that the Golden Temple has experienced such a blackout. Former SGPC secretary Kulwant Singh recalled similar blackouts during the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars, when the lights were switched off as a precautionary measure.
The blackout was part of a larger civil defence mock drill conducted across several states, underscoring the importance of preparedness in the face of potential threats. While the temporary darkness was a rare sight for devotees and visitors, authorities emphasized that the exercise was essential for ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s most revered landmarks.
