Chandigarh, October 7:
Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond today announced that the State Government has initiated several major projects in connection with the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, with the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department designated as the nodal department for these commemorations.
Addressing a press conference here, the Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Government has embarked on a comprehensive plan to transform Sri Anandpur Sahib into a world-class spiritual and heritage destination.
He said that one of the key highlights of this initiative is the Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial, recently dedicated to the public. The memorial, spread across 5 acres (with 2 acres of covered area and 3,200 sq. ft. of constructed space), showcases five galleries that depict the life, sacrifice, and legacy of Bhai Jaita Ji, a revered figure in Sikh history who carried the “seesh” of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji from Delhi to Anandpur Sahib.
The Minister informed that the design of the memorial was prepared by the Department of Architecture, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. The project has been completed in two phases, the first phase, costing Rs 17 crore, included the main building construction and was inaugurated in February 2024. The second phase, costing Rs 3 crore, comprised five thematic galleries inaugurated recently by the Chief Minister.
“Bhai Jaita Ji’s life is a golden chapter in Sikh history, an embodiment of unmatched devotion, courage, and sacrifice,” said Sond.
*Details of the Five Galleries:*
(i) Aashirwad: it depictis the forefathers and birth of Bhai Jaita Ji.
(ii) Jeevan: Depicting the childhood of Bhai Jaita ji followed by atrocities on Kashmiri Pandits.
(iii) Tyaag: Depicting the Shahadat of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and the journey of Bhai Jaita Ji in bringing back the “Seesh” of Guru Sahib through an immersive experience.
(iv) Rangrete Guru ke Bete: Handing over of the “Seesh” by Bhai Jaita Ji to Bal Guru Gobind Ji and birth of Khalsa Panth
(v) Sangharsh: Depicting the various real places associated with Bhai Jaita Ji and the life history of Bhai Jaita Ji through an animated Audio-video display.
The complex also features a gift shop and exhibits on major Punjab tourism destinations.
Sond said that the project was stalled due to neglect of the previous Governments but the present Govt has regularly reviewed the project to push it and ensured uninterrupted flow of funds. More than 10 meetings have been taken at different levels in the last 1 year to push the project. He urged devotees to visit the memorial with their families and learn from its inspiring history.
*Heritage Street Project:*
The Minister further revealed that a Heritage Street leading from the main road to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is being developed using white marble- sangmarmar, at a cost of Rs 18 crore. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann laid the foundation stone for the project on October 5, and it will be completed within 10 months.
Stretching 580 meters, the path will feature six grand entry gates, including an impressive main gate, gates near the sarovar, parking area, and Guru Tegh Bahadur Museum. Alongside the marble pathway, trees mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib, such as mango, neem, bohar, pipal, and simbal will be planted to provide shade and spiritual symbolism.
The Heritage Street will also include decorative paintings, and interactive displays depicting the history of the Khalsa Panth and the glory of Sri Anandpur Sahib. Steps and resting spaces will be provided for devotees’ convenience.
Sond said the project will significantly enhance religious tourism in Punjab, making Sri Anandpur Sahib a global spiritual and heritage destination.
The Minister added that the official logo for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary celebrations was unveiled by Chief Minister on September 25. A high-level meeting was also held recently with Sikh saints, scholars, and spiritual leaders to discuss event preparations. CM Mann appealed to the nation to observe Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Martyrdom Day as a National Human Rights Day, recognizing Guru Sahib’s supreme sacrifice for religious freedom, secularism, and communal harmony.
He further informed that as part of the commemorations, the celebrations will begin on October 25 at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Delhi. From November 1, Kirtan Darbars will be organized across Punjab.
Starting November 15, seminars on Guru Sahib’s life and philosophy will be held in educational institutions. On November 18, a Kirtan Darbar will be held in Srinagar (J&K), followed by a Nagar Kirtan on November 19, with participation from Kashmiri Pandits.
Simultaneous Nagar Kirtans will also be organized from *Damdama Sahib*, Faridkot, and Gurdaspur on November 20, all culminating at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22.
The grand state-level events will be held from November 23 to 25 at Sri Anandpur Sahib, where a tent city named “Chakk Nanaki” will be established to accommodate 12,000 pilgrims, Sond added.
