The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is a sacred Sikh shrine located in Amritsar, India. It is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of equality, unity, and brotherhood. The temple's stunning architecture, adorned with gold leaf, attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year. On the other hand, the Pakistani border, particularly the Wagah-Attari border, is a significant crossing point between India and Pakistan. It is famous for the daily flag-lowering ceremony known as the Wagah Border Ceremony.
This elaborate and synchronized military parade is a symbol of the longstanding rivalry and yet shared cultural heritage between the two nations. The juxtaposition of the serene and spiritual Golden Temple with the dynamic and charged atmosphere of the Pakistani border creates a unique contrast that reflects the complex history and relationship between India and Pakistan. Despite the political tensions, these two sites stand as reminders of the shared cultural roots and the need for peace and understanding in the region.
Darbar Sahib, also called the Golden Temple, is among the ancient religious locations for Indian Sikhs.
The roof of the temple, crafted from pure gold, stands as a testament to the opulence and grandeur of the architectural marvel. Its facade reflects the sun's rays, casting a radiant glow that captivates all who behold it. The details of the gold leaf work, meticulously applied by skilled artisans, showcase the craftsmanship of a bygone era.
Commissioned during the illustrious reign of Maharaja Singh, the ruler of Punjab in the 19th century, the temple embodies the rich cultural heritage and artistic legacy of the region. Its construction was a labor of love, a symbol of devotion to both faith and craftsmanship. The golden roof, a symbol of prosperity and divine connection, has proven the test of time, remaining of a spiritual significance and architectural excellence.
Upon my arrival at the Golden Temple in the afternoon, I joined other visitors for lunch. I remained at the temple until nightfall to witness its nighttime appearance.
The lake around the temple was artificially made by mankind; It is known as Amrit Sarovar, the pool of holy nectar. The temple is visited by thousands of people every year to pray among other gurus.
Meals are served once a day for all the visitors; all the food served are donations from faithful practitioners. The temple has 4 entrances from all directions, so people feel that they belong to the walk of life, they can feel welcome. More then 50,000 people are served daily!
The free community kitchen at The Golden Temple feeds thousands of people daily.
Thousands of aluminium plates are stored after washing.
I joined sets of thousands of people having lunch at the Golden temple.
Volunteers cleaning all the cups and plates.
What an experience! And this is how we made it possible to feed so many people in a day, astonishing and yet an every day reality.
As I proceeded on my way towards the border of India and Pakistan, a local waiter informed me about the Wagah border flag ceremony. This ceremony occurs daily at sunset at the Wagah border. Being just a few kilometers away, I began my search for a tuk-tuk driver who could take me there.
In the tribune the energy is at it’s optimum. As the sun sets, the gates at the border are opened and the parade between the soldiers of each side starts. The Pakistan and Indian soldiers walking military march. Follows lowering down goths flags simultaneously. Soldiers from each side shakes hands vigorously and the flags are folded. Then the gates are closed again. Most international travellers are regrouped in the Indian side of the tribunes. This is spectacular and bring thousands of visitors each month.
The Wagah Border ceremony
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