Led by CM Bhagwant Mann, Assembly unanimously passes resolution on sacred soil of Sri Anandpur Sahib
Sri Anandpur Sahib, November 24
In a historic decision, the Punjab Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously declared three towns housing the Takhts – Amritsar (walled city), Talwandi Sabo (Damdama Sahib), and Sri Anandpur Sahib (Kesgarh Sahib) – as Holy Cities of Punjab.
The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during a special session held on the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, prohibits the sale and consumption of meat, liquor, tobacco, and all other intoxicants within the limits of these holy cities.
Speaking to the media after the resolution was passed, AAP National Convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was present alongside CM Bhagwant Mann, said: “We have fulfilled a decades-old demand of Sikhs across the globe. This is not the victory of any one party or community – it is a step to preserve and promote our shared civilizational heritage for the world.”
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Key Highlights of the Decision:
- Holy City status accorded to:
- Amritsar (Sri Akal Takht Sahib)
- Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib, Bathinda)
- Sri Anandpur Sahib (Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib)
- Complete ban on sale and use of meat, liquor, tobacco, and intoxicants in these cities.
- An interfaith committee with representatives from all religions will be formed for the development and management of religious institutions in these holy cities.
- Punjab Government commits to:
- Holistic development and beautification
- Enhanced cleanliness and security
- Promotion of religious tourism
- Dedicated budget allocation + efforts to secure Central funds
Historical and Spiritual Significance Stressed
CM Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal highlighted that:
- Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji purchased the land of Anandpur Sahib with his own hands.
- Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji lived here for nearly 30 years and created the Khalsa Panth in 1699 to fight tyranny and injustice.
- Three of the four Sahibzade were born on this soil, and their supreme sacrifices remain unmatched in world history.
Paying rich tributes to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on his 350th martyrdom anniversary, the Chief Minister said the Ninth Guru’s sacrifice in Delhi to protect the religious freedom of Kashmiri Pandits was the ultimate example of secularism, universal brotherhood, and defence of human rights.
He urged people to follow the path of righteousness and humanity as shown by the great Guru.
Long-term Commemoration
The Punjab Government has announced that grand events to mark the martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji will be organised every year across the state to ensure the Guru’s timeless message reaches future generations.
Elaborate arrangements have been made for devotees visiting Sri Anandpur Sahib and other holy sites during the ongoing commemorative programmes.
With this decision, the Mann government has delivered on a long-pending sentiment of the Sikh Panth while reinforcing Punjab’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy.
