Amritsar, March 6: Volunteers have initiated a 12-day mission to clean the gold plates of the Darbar Sahib and surrounding structures using a traditional herbal formula. The “kar sewa” began on Friday at the Darbar Sahib complex, following the formal start of the annual maintenance project.
The cleaning team, led by the Birmingham-based Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, utilizes a mixture of soapnut and lemon juice to wash the gold-clad walls and domes. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami asserted that this natural method is highly effective for the upkeep of the sacred site. He stated that the partnership with the UK-based Jatha has been a long-standing tradition for the shrine’s preservation.
According to the SGPC, the scope of work is not limited to the central sanctum sanctorum. The volunteers are also scheduled to clean the gold surfaces at the Akal Takht and other historic buildings within the complex, such as Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai. Bhai Mohinder Singh declared that the team remains committed to finishing the labor-intensive process within the next two weeks.
Officials affirmed that the presence of high-ranking religious leaders during the inauguration highlighted the spiritual importance of the task. Giani Amarjit Singh and other representatives joined the Jatha members as they began the first phase of the washing.
Dhami maintained that the devotion of the volunteers, many of whom have traveled from overseas, is a testament to the global significance of the Darbar Sahib. He affirmed that the SGPC would provide all necessary support to ensure the gold plates remain in excellent condition throughout the year.
