Washington DC, USA (11 November, 2012): According to information a Sikh body named EcoSikh has sent a formal appeal to Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib to mandate “One Candle One Family” for Sikhs who want to light candles at the Gurdwaras.
“EcoSikh survey revealed that majority of Sikh families light more than 50 candles in Gurdwaras during Diwali eve. These candles are mostly placed haphazardly around parikarma and nishan sahib and other possible places, letting enormous smoke and many accidents every time” reads a statement, a copy of which is available with Sikh Siyasat News (SSN).
“With a hope of receiving a message on Green Diwali from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, EcoSikh referred a wonderful example of ‘three Incents to pray’ by Taoists of China, to Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji” the statement reads further.
According to EcoSikh traditionally the Taos used to burn numerous incents for prayers at their temples which led to a permanent cloud of smoke over their historical temple in China. But recently in 2006 the Taoists religious leaders declared that three incents are enough for offering prayer; one for God, one for the earth and one for self. This was well accepted by the followers and as a result the sky over the temple gradually cleared and many birds found habitat in that area.
Bandi Chhor Diwas is one of the major festivals and Gurpurabs of the Sikhs. On Bandi Chorh Diwas, the long imprisoned Guru Hargobind was released from Fort of Gwalior taking with him 52 long imprisoned Kings, whose release was a result of the Guru’s wit. Every year Sikhs in India and all over the world celebrate this day by lighting candles and huge fireworks.
EcoSikh President, Dr. Rajwant Singh said, “the city of Amritsar and the Golden Temple building ought to be preserved environmentally at all costs for the next generations. They deserve to see the Golden Temple and the city of Guru Ram Das Ji as clean and glorified.”
Recent environment campaigns throughout the Sikh community and its headquarters like the Golden Temple, Amritsar has however made some sincere contribution in reducing the use of crackers during this festival in the past years and it will continue.
“EcoSikh appreciates the efforts of SGPC for reducing the firework show to 15 minutes in 2011 and recent press release says SGPC has cut short the fireworks to 10 minutes at the Golden Temple” Dr. Rajwant Singh added.