Muktsar gurdwara surroundings to get heritage makeover

The surroundings of the historic Gurdwara Tutti Gandi Sahib here will soon get a heritage makeover on the lines of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This was stated by Deepak Bali, Adviser to the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board, who recently visited the shrine after local MLA Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar submitted a proposal in that regard.

The gurdwara commemorates 40 Muktas (liberated ones), who laid down their lives in the last battle of the Sikhs against the Mughals in 1705. The name “Tutti Gandi” refers to Guru Gobind Singh forgiving and re-establishing his bond with the Sikhs, who had earlier deserted him.

A large number of devotees visit the gurdwara throughout the year to pay obeisance and take a dip in the sarovar (holy pond). A fair is also organised here on Maghi every year. However, the narrow lanes leading to the gurdwara, often choked with overflowing sewage, present a picture of neglect.

Bali inspected the surroundings of the shrine, reviewed the proposed restoration project, and held discussions with officials of the departments concerned.

He said, “Just like the surroundings of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the area around the historic Gurdwara Tutti Gandi Sahib in Muktsar will also witness similar efforts. Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the government is committed to reviving Punjab’s glorious cultural and historical legacy.”

MLA Kaka Brar added that the demand to give Muktsar a heritage makeover had been longstanding. “The government has taken our demand seriously, and necessary funds are being made available,” he said.