ANANDPUR SAHIB, July 19— The sacred city of Anandpur Sahib, deeply woven into the fabric of Sikh history, is set to witness a major cultural transformation with the development of a heritage street inspired by Amritsar’s famed walkway to the Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). The project, spearheaded by the Punjab tourism department, will coincide with the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru.
The proposed street will run along the main road leading to Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five revered Takhts in Sikhism. The corridor is slated for a thematic revamp — shopfronts, street furniture, and architectural elements will be redesigned to reflect Anandpur Sahib’s profound religious and cultural legacy.
Ropar Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Singh Walia confirmed the plan and said groundwork would begin soon. “Most shopkeepers along the Keshgarh Sahib road have agreed to cooperate. Their support is vital, as the goal is not just beautification, but preservation of the city’s historic soul,” he said.
The design blueprint will draw from the success of Amritsar’s Heritage Street, which has significantly boosted religious tourism and created a visually cohesive urban landscape connecting the Golden Temple to the city’s heart.
“The spirit of Anandpur Sahib lies in every stone — from the foundation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh to the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. It is our duty to present this heritage in a manner that is both respectful and inviting,” Walia added.
A separate proposal has also been submitted to the state government for revamping the road between Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and Gurdwara Sheeshganj Sahib, another pivotal shrine in the city.
Officials believe the project will not only elevate the spiritual aura of the city but also boost its tourism profile, drawing pilgrims and visitors from across the country and the global Sikh diaspora.
