AMRITSAR: Thousands of devotees here Thursday, on the occasion of 474th birth anniversary of fourth Sikh master Guru Ram Das paid obeisance in the sanctum sanctorum of the Harmandhar Sahib (Golden Temple) the holiest Sikh shrine.

Since early morning devotees in thousands queued up to pay obeisance in the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple and at Akal Takht (Highest Sikh Temporal Seat). On this occasion the management of the Golden Temple has beautifully and tastefully decorated the Golden Temple with fancy electric lights.

Before paying obeisance in the Golden Temple devotees took holy dip in the water pool located in the marbled periphery of the Golden Temple.

During evening time, the look of the Golden Temple was more wonderful due to the lighting and bunting arrangement made around the sanctum sanctorum.

According to the management of the Golden Temple, cash donations worth  Rs. 1 crore has been counted here, which was offered by the Sikh devotees while paying obeisance.

Special arrangements to facilitate the devotees were made by the management of the Golden Temple. LANGAR (Community Kitchen) nearly for two lakhs devotees was cooked.

Heavy task force of SGPC (Shriomani Gurdwara Pharbandhak Committee) was deployed in the periphery of the Golden Temple to provide sense of security in the minds of the visiting devotees.

People in lakhs are reaching to witness the firework which would start nearly 7.15 p.m in the periphery of the Golden Temple tonight. On the intervening night of October 8 and 9 during at 2.45 a.m (early dawn) firework was also carried out to mark this occasion.