Patiala residents participate in heritage walk

As part of the Patiala Heritage Festival-2026 being organised by the district administration, a heritage walk was conducted on Friday. The walk was flagged off from the Shahi Samadhan by Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) chairman Harpal Juneja and Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia.

The walk was organised after The Tribune highlighted how the city’s historical sites, including the Heritage Street and Rajindra Lake, were in shambles. The heritage walk kicked off from the Shahi Samadhan, where the samadhis of Baba Ala Singh, the founder of the Patiala state, along with other members of the royal family, are located. Participants were given detailed information about the history and heritage of the state.

The walk proceeded through Haveli Mohalla Chhatta Nanumal, followed by Bartan Bazaar, Mishri Bazaar, Roop Chand Mohalla and Sappan Wali Gali. Participants were informed that Bartan Bazaar had existed since the establishment of the city and is about 262 years old. Information was also shared about the ancient tradition of tin-coating brass utensils practiced there.

During the walk, details were shared about historically significant sites including Rajeshwari Shiv Temple, Kotwali and Darshani Gate. Darshani Gate once served as the main entrance to Patiala city. Finally, the heritage walk concluded at Qila Mubarak, the city centre from where the foundation of the state was strengthened. Participants described the walk as highly informative and inspiring.

This special initiative was organised by Ravi Ahluwalia, Chief Functionary of the Patiala Foundation, along with HDFC Bank Manager Naveen Gupta with the aim of connecting students and residents with the rich historical heritage of their city. Assistant Commissioner of Patiala Municipal Corporation, CM’s Field Officer Satish Chandra, students from schools and colleges and a large number of residents took part in the walk.

Juneja said the heritage of the city was the residents’ shared identity and understanding and preserving it was the responsibility of each citizen. DC Walia said such activities created a sense of pride among the younger generation towards their land, culture and history.