Spend some time visiting the Golden Temple
Known as the “Harmandir Sahib,” more than 100,000 people visit the 400-year-oid holy shrine daily for worship. Do a little research on Operation Blue Star, a military operation that Indira Gandhi ordered against this sacred site when there were fierce political problems between the Indian government and the Sikhs. Ultimately, four months after the military occupation, Gandhi lost her life, killed by her Sikh bodyguards for the perceived sacrilege.
Read up on Sikhism
Since this festival is a religious immersion, you might as well do a little homework before you get there. We recommend W.H. McLeod’s book, “Sikhism.”
Bring a good camera
This is a photogenic celebration with the Golden Temple, the full moon, all the lights and fireworks, and remarkable reflections off the lake.