Amritsar, Nov 13 (PTI) Thousands of devotees paid obeisance at the Golden Temple on the occasion of Diwali today. Since early morning, devotees queued up in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and at Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal seat. The Golden Temple was lit with fancy electric lights and fire crackers were also burst. Before paying obeisance at the Golden Temple, the devotees took a holy dip in the temple's pond. According to the management of the temple, on Monday above Rs 1 crore was collected as offerings. Community feast (langar) was arranged for over four lakh devotees. On Diwali in 1620, sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind Sahib was released by Mughal emperor Jahangir from Gwalior fort. After his release, Hargobind Sahib directly reached the Golden Temple whereupon people lighted earthen lamps with desi ghee. The festival of lights was celebrated across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. People greeted each other and exchanged gifts on the occasion. They illuminated their houses with lights, particularly those made in China, and diyas. PTI COR VJ ZMN
