In a landmark move, the Punjab government is preparing to declare Anandpur Sahib and the Galiara surrounding the Golden Temple in Amritsar as official holy cities. The formal announcement will take place today during a special Vidhan Sabha session, marking an unprecedented moment in the state’s legislative history.
This is the first time ever that a Punjab Assembly session is being held outside the Vidhan Sabha complex. The event reflects the ceremonial and spiritual significance attached to the occasion.
Session Held to Honor Guru Tegh Bahadur
The Assembly session has been specially scheduled at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial Park in Anandpur Sahib as part of the observance of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, revered worldwide as a symbol of sacrifice for religious freedom.
The venue has been temporarily transformed into a full Assembly house, complete with a large waterproof tent and arrangements resembling the official legislative setup.
Promoting Heritage, Peace, and Sikh Identity
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan officially designated the park as the Assembly venue for the duration of the session.
Along with declaring two sacred Sikh locations as holy cities, the House will also pass a formal resolution emphasizing the values taught by Guru Tegh Bahadur — including:
- Secularism
- Universal Brotherhood
- Human Rights
- Peaceful Coexistence
The resolution aims to reaffirm Punjab’s cultural identity while encouraging respect for all faiths and communities.
Pilgrims and Citizens Welcome Move
Devotees at Takht Kesgarh Sahib expressed deep emotion over the announcement, calling it a long-awaited step toward honoring Sikh spiritual heritage and promoting global recognition of Punjab’s sacred geography.
Many believe the declaration will enhance cultural preservation, improve infrastructure around the sites, and strengthen Punjab’s position as a major spiritual tourism destination.
Looking Ahead
As the special Vidhan Sabha session unfolds, the symbolic gesture is expected to echo across the Sikh community worldwide, reinforcing Punjab’s identity as the birthplace of Sikh history, values, and sacrifice.
The decision is being viewed not just as an administrative move, but as a message of unity, dignity, and respect for history — aligned with the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur.