Without promotion, few takers for light & sound show
A light-and-sound show organised at the historic summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh every day has failed to find many takers. The show depicts the rich Punjab history replenished with great sacrifices. Call it the lack of awareness among people or the failure on part of the Tourism Department in publicising the event, it has failed to attract a sizeable crowd.
Aimed at promoting the state’s rich heritage, the 20-minute laser light and sound show was introduced by the district administration, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Culture, during the first Rangla Punjab Mela in February last year.
The show highlights the history of Sikh Gurus, warriors and the significant events that shaped the socio-cultural landscape of Punjab.
For promotion of the show, NGO Voice of Amritsar organised a special screening and invited prominent persons, including Amritsar North MLA Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh, two months after its inauguration last year. However, it has failed to get desired footfall.
Satyam, an employee of Delhi-based Modern Stage Services, a company involved in screening the show, claimed that just 10-20 persons come to watch the presentation. Regular visitors and evening walkers to the historic garden said they had hardly seen anyone watching the show.
Jograj Singh, Deputy Manager, Punjab Tourism and Heritage Board, said the 20-minute spectacle showcased history of Punjab, its heritage, besides the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle. The show was set up at a cost of Rs 2.76 crore.
“Unfortunately, the show has failed to attract people due to the lack of promotion. The Tourism Department officials share information about the show, still there is poor response owing to some other reasons,” he said. He added that tourists visiting the Golden Temple go to Beating the Retreat ceremony at Attari in the evening and while returning they go to ‘Sada Pind’.
He claimed the audience who watched the presentation were all praise for the way the rich heritage was showcased through the latest digital technology.
Indu Aurora, president of Voice of Amritsar, blamed the lack of initiative on part of the Punjab government and district administration in promoting the show. “Tourism is the only prominent industry we have, but the government has miserably failed in promoting the event showcasing our history. The surrounding of the summer palace in Ram Bagh garden is also not properly maintained. Parks have turned a haven for drug addicts. Neither there are security personnel, nor proper lighting,” Aurora added.
