Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday outlined sweeping measures following the Punjab Vidhan Sabha’s unanimous decision to declare Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo and the Galiara area surrounding the Golden Temple as holy cities. The announcement came after a historic special session of the assembly, convened in Anandpur Sahib to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur — the first time the legislature has ever met outside the state capital.
Addressing mediapersons after the vote, Mann said the newly designated holy zones would be subject to strict prohibitions on the sale and consumption of meat, alcohol, tobacco and other intoxicants. He stressed that the move carried cultural and civilisational significance, noting that “these places are not just religious centres but also symbols of our civilisational heritage. Declaring them holy cities was not just a demand by a single political party, community or religion, rather, it was an essential step toward the preservation and global promotion of our cultural heritage.”
The chief minister said that for decades, people had sought holy city status for these sites, but earlier proposals under previous governments had never been implemented. “Our government is blessed to have taken this decision. This special session will be remembered for a long time for this move,” he said.
To ensure the effective management and preservation of the newly declared holy cities, Mann announced that an interfaith committee representing all religious institutions in these areas would soon be established. This body, he said, would help guide decisions and uphold the sanctity and inclusive character of the sites.
Mann added that the Punjab government would undertake dedicated efforts to improve development, cleanliness, security and religious tourism in the holy cities, with the aim of strengthening their cultural resonance both within India and globally.
Anandpur Sahib, a prominent Sikh holy city in Punjab, was founded by Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1665. It is renowned as the city where Guru Gobind Singh spent 25 years and established the Khalsa. Nestled amidst the Shivalik Hills, Anandpur Sahib houses key religious sites, including Takht Keshgarh Sahib, one of Sikhism’s five takhts.
The city witnessed historic events such as the founding of the Khalsa and the construction of five forts by Guru Gobind Singh for defence against the Mughals and hill rajas. Talwandi Sabo, in Bathinda district, is another significant Sikh centre, home to Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh spent time here in 1706 and formally declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru. The over 1 km-long Galiara surrounding the Golden Temple in Amritsar is a notable spiritual and recreational landmark.
(With inputs from various sources.)
What is the significance of Anandpur Sahib?
Anandpur Sahib, founded by Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1665, is a major Sikh holy city where Guru Gobind Singh spent 25 years and established the Khalsa. It is home to Takht Keshgarh Sahib, one of Sikhism’s five takhts.
Why is Talwandi Sabo important for Sikhs?
Talwandi Sabo houses Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, a key Sikh religious seat. Guru Gobind Singh stayed here in 1706 and formally declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.
What is the Galiara around the Golden Temple?
The Galiara is a park over 1 km long that surrounds the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, offering a spiritual and recreational space for devotees and visitors.
Are there any restrictions in these holy cities?
Yes, with the recent holy city designation, the sale and use of meat, alcohol, tobacco, and other intoxicants are prohibited within these areas.
How is the government supporting these sites?
The Punjab government plans to ensure development, cleanliness, security, and promotion of religious tourism in these holy cities, along with the formation of interfaith committees.