Prayers were offered at the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar on Tuesday morning and homage was paid to the 33 people who died in the terrorist attack last year, marking the first anniversary of one of the worst attacks on a religious place in the country.
Thick security blanket over Akshardham
Complete coverage of Akshardham temple attack
A 'mahapuja' was conducted in the main temple premises amid a large gathering comprising the kin of those killed by the terrorists' bullets and several of the 72 persons who were injured in the incident.
Apart from women and children, three security personnel including two state commandos and one National Security Guard commando, were killed. One NSG commando, Surjan Singh Bhandari, is still comatose after being hit by a terrorist's bullet.
Gandhinagar District Collector S J Haider and District Superintendent of Police R B Brahmbhatt also offered prayers in memory of all those who were killed.
Brahmbhatt was recently presented the President's gallantry award for the manner in which he braved the two terrorists and fought in spite of being injured.
Lamps were lit in memory of the innocent men, women and children who had died during the siege of the temple.
The Pramukhswami of the sect, though not present on the occasion, sent a message that said, "People should gather strength from this incident and ensure that terrorism does not strike upon any religion in the world in this manner."
School children and priests also gathered at the ICU ward of the city civil hospital since morning to offer prayers for quick recovery of Surjan Singh Bhandari.
A small programme to remember the commando's bravery while fighting the terrorists was also organised and was attended by superintendent Dr Anil Chaddha, Bhandari's brother Surjit Singh told PTI.
President A P J Abdul Kalam recently awarded the Kirti Chakra to Bhandari for his valour.
He said priests from the Akshardham temple also visited the bedside of the comatose commando and offered prayers for his recovery.
Preparations are on to shift Bhandari to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi.
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