Spectacular Hi-Tech Show Offers Rich, Immersive Experience & Insight Into Sikh History And Beliefs
By Bala Menon
BRAMPTON: Spectacular and magical are only a few of the words to describe IN5 Experium: The Golden Temple of Amritsar – a high-tech multi-media exhibition that opened at the Bramalea City Centre on Tuesday. The official opening was by Indian Consul-General in Toronto, Dinesh Bhatia and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.
IN5 Experium allows visitors to immerse themselves in the glorious history and beliefs of Sikhi – one of the world’s youngest religion – and experience the serenity and splendour of Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) in Amritsar.
With panoramic LED panels that light up with a kaleidoscope of images in a looping pattern, the entire middle section of the exhibition is an enchanting and visually stimulating experience.
The pond – or sarovar – in which the Golden Temple is located – also comes alive with multi-coloured fish and tiles that ripple like water when you walk on it. The show covers 30,000 square feet with smart walls, motion sensor walls and 42 projectors that tell the story of Sikh philosophy and way of life. The cost of the putting up the show is estimated at over $2 million.
Many of the panels also inspire and educate visitors about the concept of Oneness that Guru Nanak, the founder of the faith spoke about hundreds of years ago.
The exhibition is, however, not a religious space and none of the content is meant to preach or offer interpretations of life and its many aspects.
As the organizers said at a press conference on Sunday: “All images used for the sole purpose of the show is to provide an experiential space …to get a glimpse into Sikhi.” Explaining the features were Inni Kaur and Harinder Singh from the Sikh Research Institute.
Images and sets have been sourced from the Sikh Encyclopaedia, the Guru Granth Sahib, Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee website and Max Arthur Macauliffe, a Briton who is renowned for his translation of Sikh scripture and history into English.
The Golden Temple is one of the world’s great wonders, said organizer Bobby Sahni. It’s considered the most-visited facility in the world, welcoming over 100,000 people every day.
The exhibit is at 70 Peel Centre Dr. near Bramalea City Centre and is open Monday to Thursday 1:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Friday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults on weekends and $20 on weekdays; $16 for children on weekends and $12 weekdays; $20 for seniors 65 +on weekends and $17 on weekdays. The price for students is $16.
For school visits and block bookings, contact 647-800-8991 or sharath @ pdatradefairs.com.
Patrick Brown tweeted: “Joined @dineshbhatia at the VIP Reception for IN5 Experium. This.. showcases Sikh art, history and a replica of Harmandir Sahib.”
MP Ruby Sahota tweeted: ”In the heart of Brampton, I had the opportunity to experience the same peace I experience every time I visit the Harmandir Sahib. As a Canadian Sikh, I hope this IN5 Experium of the Golden Temple gives us an opportunity to build a culture of oneness & teach others about Sikhism.”
In the heart of Brampton, I had the opportunity to experience the same peace I experience everytime I visit the Harmandir Sahib.
As a Canadian Sikh, I hope this IN5 Experium of the Golden Temple gives us an opportunity to build a culture of oneness & teach others about Sikhism. pic.twitter.com/YyfevI9Vkj
— Ruby Sahota (@rubysahotalib) April 16, 2019
IN5 Experium is being brought to North America by PDA HaB Media, a division of Trade Fairs Pvt Ltd. — one of the top names in India and internationally, in the trade, exhibition and conference industry.
Pradeep Deviah, Chairman of PDA HaB, said “This is the first of its kind. For the devout Sikh, it’s about his relationship with the Guru, while, for others, it’s an enlightening exposure to a unique faith. But a must-see for all. We expect more than 60,000 visitors.”