AMRITSAR: The Diwali celebrations at the Golden Temple here on Oct.25 were low-key. The traditional pomp and show was missing because there was neither illumination of the temple nor any fireworks at the complex following a decision of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to this effect to protest the executions of Harinder Singh Jinda and Sukhdev Singh Sukha.

Surprisingly the SGPC also gave up one of its important activities that is the delivery of a message for the Sikh masses from Darshani Deodi the entrance to Darbar Sahib from the Akal Takht.

Most of the people in the city did not illuminate their houses and shops but one could hear the sound the crackers late into the night.

There was not much rush in the main bazaars of the town and by 6 p.m. most of the shops closed down.

People of Jalandhar district celebrated Diwali with full gaiety and fervor this year after a span of over 10 years. Business in sweetmeats and fire-works was reported to be brisk.

At Adampur eight shops were reported gutted owing to bursting of crackers. Some shops in the bast escaped devastation as a fire was quickly extinguished

ROPAR: The Diwali celebrations committee organized a community langar and distributed sweets to the poor at the local Khalsa School Ground on Sunday Marmohan Hurria deputy commissioner presided over the function.

The committee also honored Karamjit Kaurand Inderpreet Kaur Samundari prominent social workers on this occasion.

AMBALA: Barring a minor incident of burning of a tent near Kalibar Mandir at Ambala Cantonment with the firing of a cracker Dewali was celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm in the twin towns of Ambala on Sunday. Places of worship were tastefully decorated by the devout.

SHIMLA: Diwali was celebrated at the famous Laxmi Narayan temple at Chamba with traditional gaiety and fervor and the temple was tastefully illuminated Thousands of people participated in the festival which continued till late in the evening.

Article extracted from this publication >> November 6, 1992