PATIALA, August 6 — The Punjab government will spend Rs 70 crore on development projects at 35 historical sites in Patiala district associated with Guru Teg Bahadur, as part of state-wide commemorations marking his 350th martyrdom anniversary.
Announcing the initiative, Cabinet Ministers Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Harbhajan Singh ETO said the Guru had spent nearly three months in Patiala, delivering sermons at various locations that now hold deep religious significance. The ministers addressed a press conference on Tuesday to unveil the details of the commemoration plan.
“Out of 135 sacred sites connected to Guru Teg Bahadur across Punjab, 35 are in Patiala — the highest in any district,” said Sond. “We have prepared comprehensive development plans worth Rs 70 crore to preserve and enhance these revered sites.”
The state-level observances will begin on November 19 and continue till November 25, following Gurmat Maryada. Ahead of these events, four yatras will be flagged off from Kashmir, Gurdaspur, Bathinda, and Faridkot, all converging at Anandpur Sahib. The Malwa-2 Yatra is scheduled to halt in Patiala on November 20.
Following the announcement, both ministers visited Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib and Gurdwara Sri Motibagh Sahib, where they paid obeisance and urged the Sangat to participate in large numbers. “This is a sacred opportunity for us to reconnect with the Guru’s teachings and legacy,” said Harbhajan Singh ETO.
The development projects will include infrastructure upgrades, restoration of historic structures, and the creation of public amenities at the identified sites. Officials said work would begin soon to ensure completion before the commemorative week in November.
