The North News
Chandigarh, February 27
Punjab is set to celebrate its fairs and festivals on a grander scale in 2025, drawing global tourists to the state’s rich cultural heritage and the year kicked off with vibrant events, including the Basant Mela in Ferozepur, the renowned Rural Olympics in Kila Raipur, and the Patiala Heritage Festival, said Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond. These celebrations not only preserve Punjab’s traditions but also position the state as a premier travel destination, he said. Sond emphasized that Punjab is reclaiming its status as a top tourism hub and the government’s focus on heritage restoration and tourism expansion has led to initiatives that showcase Punjab’s deep historical and spiritual legacy.
“A key step in preserving Sikh heritage is the restoration of Jahaz Haveli, the historic residence of Dewan Todar Mall in Fatehgarh Sahib. Dewan Todar Mall famously purchased the land for the cremation of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s younger sons and their grandmother after their martyrdom. The restoration is being undertaken by the Diwan Todar Mall Virasti Foundation, Punjab,” Minister Sond said. Punjab is also emerging as a leader in farm tourism, reshaping the state’s tourism landscape. Sond highlighted the government’s large-scale efforts to develop farm, rural, and agro-tourism. As a result, Hansali village in Fatehgarh Sahib was recognized as the “Best Village of India” in September 2024. This initiative not only strengthens the local economy but also provides new income opportunities for farmers.
On February 27, Punjab’s tourism expansion reached Sri Chamkaur Sahib in Rupnagar, where the government launched boating and water adventure activities near Dastan-e-Shahadat. The state’s growing tourism appeal was also showcased at the Punjab Day celebrations during the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The Punjab pavilion displayed the state’s vibrant culture, industrial growth, agricultural innovations, handicrafts, and cuisine through various exhibits from departments such as Punjab Tourism, Markfed, Verka, and Punjab Agricultural University.
Sharing details, he said that to further attract investment in tourism, the Punjab government invited the hospitality and hotel industries to explore opportunities in farm tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism. In a major boost for heritage tourism and destination weddings, CM Mann also inaugurated ‘Ran Baas,’ a restored heritage hotel within Patiala’s iconic Qila Mubarak, cementing Punjab’s commitment to preserving its royal legacy, he added.
