AMRITSAR SAHIB –Â Amid the recitation of Gurbani, new gates were installed at the Darshani Deori, an arch before the causeway to the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Harmandir Sahib, here on Saturday.
Harmandir Sahib head Granthi Giani Jagtar Singh ji performed the ardas.
Earlier, a Gurmat programme was held in front of the Akal Takht in which Hazuri Raagi performed Gurbani Kirtan.
SGPC President Gobind Singh Longowal commended Baba Kashmir Singh of Karsewa Bhuriwale and Baba Sukhwinder Singh for exactly replicating the doors installed by legendary Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh about 200 years ago.
He assured that the Shiromani committee would steadfastly maintain the original doors and showcase to the visiting sangat.
The new doors were manufactured with six quintals of ‘sheesham’ wood and 65 kg of silver. Craftsmen were brought from Agra for the purpose of special type of carvings, he said.
Natural effects like trees, vines and birds were engraved on doors. Skilled artisans from Agra and the holy city were roped in to roll out desired designs.
The new doors, which are the replica of the original 200-year-old doors installed by Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh, are118 inches in height, 110 inches wide and with a thickness of four inches, SGPC officials said.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh and other Sikh religious personalities apart from a large number of devouts were present on the occasion.
The original doors having sandalwood base with the ivory carving and golden screws, were unhooked for preservation in 2010. The wood was beyond repair and the government had already banned on ivory trade. So seashells were replaced to give the desired effect.