Chandigarh: As Punjab steps into 2025, its fairs and festivals are being celebrated on a grand scale, attracting tourists from around the world. The year kicked off with lively events such as the Basant Mela in Ferozepur, the iconic Rural Olympics in Kila Raipur, and the Patiala Heritage Festival in Patiala. These celebrations not only showcase Punjab’s rich cultural heritage but also position the state as a prime travel destination.
Punjab’s Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state is regaining its reputation as a premier tourist hotspot. With a strong focus on heritage restoration and tourism development, the government has launched several transformative initiatives that highlight Punjab’s deep-rooted history, vibrant traditions, and spiritual legacy.
Preserving Sikh Heritage
In a significant step toward preserving Sikh heritage, the Punjab government has initiated the restoration of Jahaz Haveli, the historic residence of Dewan Todar Mall in Fatehgarh Sahib. Dewan Todar Mall played a crucial role in Sikh history by purchasing land for the cremation of Baba Zorawar Singh, Baba Fateh Singh, and Mata Gujri Ji after their martyrdom. The restoration, being carried out by the Diwan Todar Mall Virasti Foundation, Punjab, aims to maintain the site’s original form and honor this important chapter of Sikh history.
Punjab: A Rising Hub for Farm and Rural Tourism
Punjab is rapidly emerging as a key destination for farm tourism in India, transforming its tourism landscape. The state government is actively developing farm, rural, and agro-tourism to boost local economies and create new opportunities for farmers. As a result of these efforts, Hansali village in Fatehgarh Sahib was recognized as India’s Best Village in September 2024. This initiative is not only preserving rural heritage but also generating additional income for farmers.
Additionally, Punjab is home to numerous sacred sites, martyrs’ villages, scenic water bodies, and lesser-known tourist gems. Today, on February 27, the Punjab government launched boating and water adventure activities at Sri Chamkaur Sahib (opposite Dastan-e-Shahadat) in Rupnagar, further expanding the state’s tourism offerings.
Punjab Showcases Tourism Potential on National Stage
Punjab recently celebrated Punjab Day at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event highlighted the government’s efforts to promote tourism and transform the state into a vibrant “Rangla Punjab.” The Punjab pavilion showcased the state’s rich culture, heritage, industrial growth, agricultural innovations, handicrafts, and traditional cuisine, featuring stalls from Punjab Tourism, Markfed, Verka, and Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.
At the event, representatives from the hotel and hospitality sectors were invited to invest in Punjab’s growing tourism industry, with a focus on farm tourism, adventure tourism, rural tourism, and cultural tourism.
Heritage Tourism Gets a Boost
In a major step toward boosting heritage tourism and destination weddings, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated ‘Ran Baas,’ a beautifully restored heritage hotel within Patiala’s iconic Qila Mubarak. This initiative further enhances Punjab’s appeal as a cultural and historical tourism destination.
With these ambitious initiatives, Punjab is set to make 2025 a landmark year for tourism, ensuring that the state’s traditions, heritage, and hospitality shine on both national and global platforms.
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