Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department spends Rs. 20 crore on Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial; Rs. 18 crore to be spent on developing Heritage Street
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.
World-Class Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial: A Tribute to Sikh Heroism and Devotion
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 said that the Department of Architecture at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, designed the memorial. The authorities completed the project in two phases — the first phase, costing ₹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 World-Class 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 previous Governments neglected the project and caused delays, but the present Government has actively reviewed it, ensured a continuous flow of funds, and pushed it forward. Officials have held more than 10 meetings at different levels in the past year to expedite 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 authorities are developing a Heritage Street from the main road to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib using white marble (sangmarmar) at a cost of ₹18 crore. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann laid the foundation stone for the project on October 5, and officials plan to complete it within 10 months.
The path stretches 580 meters. It will feature six grand entry gates. These include an impressive main gate. There will also be gates near the sarovar, parking area, and Guru Tegh Bahadur Museum. Alongside the marble pathway, trees mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib will be planted. These include mango, neem, bohar, pipal, and simbal. They will provide shade and spiritual symbolism.
The World-Class Heritage Street will include decorative paintings. There will also be interactive displays depicting the history of the Khalsa Panth. These displays will show 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. It will make Sri Anandpur Sahib a global spiritual and heritage destination.
Chief Minister unveiled the official logo for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary celebrations
The Minister added that Chief Minister unveiled the official logo for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary celebrations on September 25. A high-level meeting was also held recently with Sikh saints, scholars, and spiritual leaders to discuss event preparations. CM Mann urged the nation to observe Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Martyrdom Day. He proposed it as a National Human Rights Day. This honors Guru Sahib’s supreme sacrifice for religious freedom. It also acknowledges his commitment to secularism and communal harmony.
He further informed that as part of the commemorations, the celebrations will begin on October 25. The event will take place at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Delhi. From November 1, Kirtan Darbars will be organized across Punjab.
Organizers will also conduct Nagar Kirtans from *Damdama Sahib
Starting November 15, authorities will hold seminars on Guru Sahib’s life and philosophy in educational institutions. On November 18, organizers will host a Kirtan Darbar in Srinagar (J&K), followed by a Nagar Kirtan on November 19, in which Kashmiri Pandits will participate.
Simultaneous Nagar Kirtans will also be organized from *Damdama Sahib*, Faridkot, and Gurdaspur on November 20. They will all culminate at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22.
Authorities will hold the grand state-level events from November 23 to 25 at Sri Anandpur Sahib. They will establish a tent city named “Chakk Nanaki” to accommodate 12,000 pilgrims.. Sond added this information.
