K’shetra to have state’s 3rd Sikh museum

Vishal Joshi

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, February 10

The state government has proposed a Sikh museum in Kurukshetra. The Archaeology Department has asked the district administration to identify land in Kurukshetra for the purpose.

Banani Bhattacharya, Deputy Director, Archaeology, told The Tribune on Friday that the project was announced by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

She said it would be the third Sikh museum in the state after the ones located at Kapal Mochan in Yamunanagar and Bad Khalsa in Sonepat.

“A museum will be conceptualised on the basis of land made available by the district administration. We are waiting for an update from the Kurukshetra administration,” she added.

A district functionary said the demand for a Sikh museum was raised during a function at Kurukshetra University in November last year chaired by Khattar to plan functions for the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Official sources said the proposed project would give a boost to spiritual and museum tourism. It was believed that Kurukshetra was the only place in Haryana to host at least five Sikh Gurus.

An official said Kurukshetra University had been working to promote heritage and spirituality in collaboration with a New Delhi-based entrepreneur.

“There are several old gurdwaras in Kurukshetra which Sikh pilgrims visit every year. A Sikh museum will be an added feature for visitors,” said the official.

In case it materialised, it would be the fifth museum in the city. Deputy Commissioner SS Phulia said efforts were on to identify two or three acres within Thanesar Municipal Council limits.

Hundreds of visitors arrived at Shri Krishna Museum and Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre every year. The cultural and museum Dharohar at Kurukshetra University was popular among visitors.

Another museum on the freedom struggle of 1857 at Kurukshetra University had been completed and its inauguration was awaited.