Govt plans events to mark 350th martyrdom day of 9th Sikh Guru

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said the state government would organise a series of events to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru.

Chairing a review meeting of the Tourism Department, the CM said the state government would observe the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur with a series of functions across the state and comprehensive development of places having the footsteps of the Guru Sahib would be ensured. Mann asked the department to chalk out a detailed programme to organise the events to commemorate the martyrdom day.

The Chief Minister said Guru Teg Bahadur laid down his life to protect the right of freedom to worship and preserve human and secular values.

Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to promote tourism in Punjab, the Chief Minister gave nod to organise ‘Rangla Punjab’ festival in February. He said the purpose of the festival was to showcase Punjab as the most preferred global tourist destination. He added that Punjab had a rich and glorious cultural legacy along with beautiful destinations which could attract the tourists from across the globe. The CM said there was a huge potential for developing the state as a favourite tourist destination.

He said the festival would act as a catalyst in the socio-economic development of Punjab as it would open new vistas of employment for the youth of the state by promoting tourism. He said it was high time vibrant and blessed Punjab was showcased to people across the globe to give a major fillip to tourism in the state.

The CM also gave a nod for organising heritage festivals across the state to perpetuate the glorious cultural heritage of the state for the coming generations. He asked the Tourism Department to chalk out a detailed proposal in the form of calendar events so that these festivals could be celebrated every year.

He also asked the department to explore the feasibility of setting up ultra-modern convention centres on the lines of Pargati Maidan. He said these centres must be set up in big cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana and New Chandigarh.

The CM also asked the department to prepare a detailed plan for further developing areas around Ranjit Sagar Dam, Shahpur Kandi Dam and Kandi areas of the state.