Prominent town before Independence, Fatehgarh Churian yet to be brought on tourist map

Fatehgarh Churian, a prominent town before the Independence falling on the transit routes of Amritsar to Sialkot and Gurdaspur, and Batala to Sialkot (Now in Pakistan), has lost its eminence. Natives of the area feel that they are being neglected by the state government.

People associated with tourism are of the view that concerted efforts by the government could bring the town on the tourist map as it was situated only 25 km from Amritsar. Many religious and cultural edifices raised during the Khalsa Raj continue to retain the glory in the town.

Located in Fatehgarh Churian of Gurdaspur district, around 200-year-old historic Panj Mandir is a standing specimen of profound shared cultural legacy of Punjab in the form of unique frescoes adorning monuments.

The temple was constructed by daughter-in-law of legendary Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Chand Kaur, who belonged to Kanhaiya Misl. In 2011, the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Archaeology and Museum, had decided in principal to protect the temple. The same year, a two-member Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team visited the temple. A proposal to take over the site was reportedly made to the ASI’s Director General in 2012. Now, the temple has been restored.

There are several historic gurdwaras and temples in the town. Building of the railway station retains the charm of the colonial architecture and stands as a testimony of its importance during the bygone era. A stroll in old bazaars of the town unfolds the vibes of Pre-Partition Punjabi culture which is now rare to find.

Gurinder Singh Johal, a tourist guide, said with decent looks and beautifully preserved town could become a tourist destination.

A member of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Johal said it was duty of state’s Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to approach local travel agents, who were promoting Amritsar and Attari border among visitors, and ask them to bring Fatehgarh Churian on the itinerary of tourists.

He said Panj Mandir was a unique and proof of best architectural design and workmanship prevalent at the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.