Devotees flock to Golden Temple on Diwali

Devotees thronged the Golden Temple today to pay obeisance on the occasion of Diwali with heavy security in and around the shrine's premise keeping strict vigil.

A large number of people queued up since the wee hours to pay obeisance in the sanctum sanctorum of Harmandhar Sahib, popularly known as Golden Temple, believed to be the holiest Sikh shrine.

Before paying obeisance, the devotees took holy dip in the sacred tank of the temple at the marbled periphery with the belief it would wash away bad deeds of previous births.

According to the management of the temple, a sum of nearly Rs1 crore has been counted today, which was offered by the Sikh devotees while paying obeisance.

Special arrangements to facilitate the devotees have been made by temple management with more number of devouts expected to visit the shrine in the evening when the traditional fireworks' display takes place.

A heavy task force of Shiromani Gurdwara Pharbandhak Committee (SGPC) has been deployed in the periphery of the temple, officials said.