A temporary blackout took place at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on May 7, 2025, as part of a routine security mock drill conducted by the local administration and security forces. The lights of the revered religious site were intentionally switched off to simulate an emergency situation and test the readiness of the temple’s security apparatus and coordination with emergency services.
Officials from the Amritsar district administration, Punjab Police, and temple management confirmed that the drill was pre-planned and executed without any disruptions to devotees or the sanctity of the holy site. The objective of the drill was to assess how well the personnel involved could respond in case of a real emergency, such as a power failure, security threat, or other critical incident.
According to sources, the lights were turned off for a brief period in and around the Harmandir Sahib complex, including the surrounding parikrama and sarovar areas. Security forces were observed moving strategically across the premises, conducting surveillance checks and communication drills. Mock scenarios were enacted to evaluate evacuation procedures, coordination between various agencies, and communication protocols.
District Commissioner stated, “This was a routine part of our emergency preparedness strategy. The Golden Temple attracts thousands of visitors daily, and it is our responsibility to ensure that all systems and personnel are fully equipped to handle any potential situation.”
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which manages the Golden Temple, also cooperated in the operation. SGPC officials said that the mock drill was carefully planned in consultation with the authorities to avoid any panic or inconvenience to devotees. They added that announcements were made in advance to inform people about the temporary light outage and request calm during the exercise.
No untoward incidents were reported during the drill, and regular religious services and visitor activities resumed immediately after its conclusion. The administration emphasized that the drill did not imply any specific threat, but rather formed part of routine preparedness measures that are carried out periodically at sensitive locations across the country.
The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is one of the most important religious sites for Sikhs worldwide and sees a large footfall every day, including international tourists and pilgrims. Given its historical and cultural significance, it remains under constant surveillance and is protected by multiple layers of security.
Public reactions to the event remained calm, with many appreciating the effort taken by the authorities to ensure public safety through regular training and drills. Social media also witnessed a few posts by visitors sharing their experience of the brief blackout while acknowledging the importance of such preparedness exercises.
The administration has reiterated its commitment to public safety and announced that similar mock drills may be conducted in the future at other sensitive or high-traffic locations in the district.
