The North News
Chandigarh, October 7
The Punjab Government has launched a series of major heritage and cultural projects to commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond announced on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Sond said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state has embarked on an ambitious plan to transform Sri Anandpur Sahib into a global spiritual and heritage destination. The Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has been designated as the nodal agency for the commemorations.
A key feature of the initiative is the Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial, recently opened to the public. Spread over five acres, the memorial includes five thematic galleries that portray the life, courage, and sacrifice of Bhai Jaita Ji, who carried the sacred “seesh” (head) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji from Delhi to Anandpur Sahib after his martyrdom.
Designed by the Department of Architecture, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, the project was completed in two phases—costing a total of ₹20 crore. The first phase, including the main building, was inaugurated in February 2024, while the second phase, featuring five interactive galleries, was inaugurated recently by CM Mann. “Bhai Jaita Ji’s life is a golden chapter in Sikh history, representing unmatched devotion, courage, and sacrifice,” said Sond.
The galleries — Aashirwad, Jeevan, Tyaag, Rangrete Guru ke Bete, and Sangharsh — use immersive displays, audio-visuals, and animations to depict Bhai Jaita Ji’s life, his service to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and his role in the birth of the Khalsa Panth. The complex also includes a souvenir shop and exhibits on Punjab’s key tourism destinations.
Sond noted that the project had stalled under previous administrations but was revived under the Mann government, with more than 10 review meetings ensuring timely completion.
The minister also announced the construction of a Heritage Street leading to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, at a cost of ₹18 crore. The 580-metre stretch, built using white marble, will feature six grand entry gates, shaded pathways lined with trees mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib, and decorative panels illustrating Sikh history.
Chief Minister Mann laid the foundation stone for the project on October 5, with completion expected within 10 months.
“The Heritage Street will give pilgrims a spiritually enriching experience and further boost religious tourism,” Sond said.
The state government has also unveiled an official logo for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary, designed to symbolize Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s supreme sacrifice for religious freedom and human rights. Celebrations will begin on October 25 at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Delhi, followed by Kirtan Darbars across Punjab from November 1. Seminars on the Guru’s life and philosophy will be held in educational institutions from November 15, and major events are planned in Srinagar and Anandpur Sahib between November 18 and 25.
The commemorations will culminate in grand state-level events from November 23 to 25 at Sri Anandpur Sahib, where a “Tent City” named Chakk Nanaki will be established to accommodate more than 12,000 pilgrims. Sond said that CM Mann has appealed to the nation to observe Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Martyrdom Day as National Human Rights Day, honouring his message of religious freedom, secularism, and unity.
