Punjab marked Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th martyrdom anniversary with drone shows, Nagar Kirtans and major heritage projects, drawing global devotees.
The task of serving as the nodal department for planning festivities honoring Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th martyrdom anniversary in 2025 was given to the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Punjab. The celebrations held in honor of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th martyrdom anniversary will live on in the devotees’ memories forever, according to Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. “With the blessings of Guru Sahib and under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government organized successful events in 2025 that were widely appreciated by devotees worldwide,” he said.
-He said that all districts had light and sound displays that portrayed the life of Guru Sahib. Furthermore, from November 20 to 29, a drone exhibition at Sri Anandpur Sahib caught the interest of followers all over the world. Devotees from all over the world visited Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25. They were grateful for the state government’s concessions, which included a media center, a tent city, a shuttle bus service, and religious and social events.
-Sond added that the Guru Sahib-related events began on October 25 at Delhi’s Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. Following that, a variety of religious and educational events were planned in several districts in addition to Light and Sound performances. A Nagar Kirtan was held on November 19 after a Kirtan Darbar was held in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, on November 18. From Talwandi Sabo, Faridkot, and Gurdaspur, Nagar Kirtans were also organized. On November 22, the four Nagar Kirtans came to an end in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
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-He said that the Punjab government also started significant projects in 2025 for the all-encompassing development of Sri Anandpur Sahib, the holy site connected to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Five historical and human-centered galleries have been opened at Sri Anandpur Sahib’s Bhai Jaita Ji memorial. With a construction area of 3,200 square feet, the memorial’s overall area is 5 acres, of which about 2 acres are under cover.
-In two stages, the memorial was finished. The building was finished and dedicated in February 2024 during the first phase of construction. Five galleries that portray the lives of Guru Sahib and Bhai Jaita Ji have been built within both wings of the structure in the second phase, which was dedicated to the public by the Chief Minister in September. A total of Rs 17 crore was spent on the first phase, while Rs 3 crore was spent on the second. The Chief Minister also inaugurated an exhibition gallery dedicated to the Ninth Guru at Virasat-e-Khalsa on November 23.
-Sond noted that a white marble Virasti Marg is being created for the route that leads to the Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. The project will cost Rs 18 crore in total. This project’s foundation stone was placed on October 5 by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, and it is anticipated to be finished in roughly ten months. The 580-meter section from the main road to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib will be covered with white marble, he said, and six entrance gates will be built.
Aside from these significant occasions and initiatives, the Minister stated that the Tourism Department arranged Dheeyan Di Lohri in Khanna at the start of 2025. The state’s sex ratio is further improved and newborn girls’ rights are guaranteed in society thanks to these events.
The repair and conservation of Jahaz Haveli in Fatehgarh Sahib saw significant administrative choices made this year, he added. By starting the repair of Diwan Todar Mal’s historic home, Jahaz Haveli, in Fatehgarh Sahib, the Punjab government made a major contribution to the preservation of Sikh heritage. The haveli is being restored to its original state in remembrance of Diwan Todar Mal, who had acquired land for the cremation of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh, Baba Fateh Singh, and Mata Gujri Ji following their martyrdom. The Diwan Todar Mal Heritage Foundation in Punjab is overseeing the progress of the project.
A two-day state-level Basant Mela was also held in Ferozepur to maintain the splendor of traditional sports and promote Punjabi culture. Inaugurating the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, one of Punjab’s most important athletic events, was the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. From February 13 to 16, the Patiala Heritage Festival took place, offering a range of entertaining events such a heritage tour, cuisine festival, musical evenings, aero show, nature walk, flower exhibition, and fashion walk.
The Punjab government will continue to strive with more zeal, sincerity, and commitment in 2026 to raise the state’s tourism industry to international levels and to support festivals, traditional sports, and culture, Tarunpreet Singh Sond concluded.