A Historic Phase of the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government in Honouring Sikh Heritage; Decades-Old Demands Fulfilled for the First Time

Chandigarh, January 2026 : There have been very few phases in Punjab’s political history when a government has taken decisions with such depth and sensitivity while understanding the emotions, traditions, and heritage of the Sikh faith. The current Aam Aadmi Party government, under the leadership of Bhagwant Singh Mann, has fulfilled long-pending demands of the Sikh Panth, which is being widely welcomed at the grassroots level. Today, the Bhagwant Singh Mann government is being seen in Punjab as a true custodian of Sikh heritage.

Granting official status of ‘holy cities’ to the cities associated with the three most important Takhts of the Sikh Panth—Sri Akal Takht Sahib (inner city of Amritsar), Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib (Sri Anandpur Sahib), and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo)—is being considered a historic decision of the Bhagwant Singh Mann government. In these cities, the sale and consumption of liquor, tobacco, meat, and intoxicants have now been completely banned. This was not a sudden decision, but the fulfillment of a demand that the Sikh sangat had been raising for decades, which previous governments had continuously ignored. The decision to declare them holy cities was taken during a special session convened at Sri Anandpur Sahib on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The Chief Minister has stated that no compromise will be made with Sikh faith and sanctity.

On the occasion of the martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Bhagwant Singh Mann government took another major step. Villages and towns touched by the footsteps of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji were given a special grant of Rs 50 lakh per village/town, amounting to a total of Rs 71 crore. This was not merely financial assistance, but a structured effort to keep the tradition of martyrdom alive. The government’s argument was clear that the great sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji should not remain confined to books, but should live on in the minds of future generations as well.

The Bhagwant Singh Mann government commemorated the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on a grand scale. Nagar Kirtans were taken out from four cities—Srinagar, Talwandi Sabo, Gurdaspur, and Faridkot—which reached Sri Anandpur Sahib. Light and sound shows based on the life of Guru Sahib were organized in every district of Punjab. Large religious congregations were organized at Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 29, which included Kirtan Darbar, Sarv Dharam Conference, Nagar Kirtan, drone shows, Gatka, and light and sound shows. A tent city was set up. An announcement was made to establish a university in the name of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. A memorial of Bhai Jaita Ji was constructed at Sri Anandpur Sahib at a cost of Rs 20 crore.

In relation to the protection of Sikh heritage, the Bhagwant Singh Mann government has also undertaken concrete work on infrastructure and heritage development. Construction of a heritage street in Anandpur Sahib, restoration of Jahaz Haveli (associated with Diwan Todar Mall), and allocation of a special budget for the conservation of other historical sites have been ensured. As a result of these efforts, a continuous increase in religious tourism has been recorded.

The government has also carried out significant work in the management of religious congregations. The events of the Shaheedi Sabha at Sri Fatehgarh Sahib were systematically organized. Bhagwant Singh Mann personally held meetings with the administration. Proper security and traffic arrangements were made for the sangat arriving in lakhs. Arrangements were made keeping in mind devotees coming from within the country and abroad.

On issues related to Sikh dignity, the Bhagwant Singh Mann government has not confined itself only to the state. Whenever questions related to the dignity and rights of the Sikh community arose abroad, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann strongly raised these issues before the Central Government and demanded strict action. This further strengthened the confidence of the Sikh sangat that the Punjab government stands firmly for their honour on every platform.

Overall, this tenure of the Aam Aadmi Party government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is being seen as a decisive turning point for the respect of Sikhism, the protection of the tradition of martyrdom, and the preservation of heritage. This phase proves that when leadership is honest and intentions are clear, politics can also become a medium of trust and service. Today, one thing is clearly visible in Punjab—the voice of the Sikh sangat is being heard, and the Bhagwant Singh Mann government’s name is being recorded in history as a chapter of honour.

Team Maverick.