Aam Aadmi Party president and Punjab minister Aman Arora highlighted the session's broader message of secularism and communal harmony.

Punjab Government Announces Anandpur Sahib, Golden Temple Area as Sacred Cities

The Punjab government is set to declare Anandpur Sahib and the Galiara surrounding the Golden Temple in Amritsar as holy cities. This decision was revealed during a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha held at Anandpur Sahib on Monday, 24th November 2025. It was the first time in the Assembly’s history that a session was conducted outside Chandigarh.

The session was organised at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial Park, which is part of the commemoration of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. It highlights Anandpur Sahib’s deep religious and cultural significance. Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan officially designated this park as the Assembly venue, with extensive arrangements including a large waterproof tent for legislators and visiting dignitaries.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed the House. He highlighted the importance of preserving the state’s cultural and religious heritage. He also said. “Anandpur Sahib has always been a beacon of Sikh history and spirituality. Declaring it a holy city is a tribute to our heritage and the teachings of our Gurus.” 

 BSP MLA Nachchattar Pal raised concerns about the proposed declaration of Anandpur Sahib as the 24th district. He highlighted opposition from residents of Hoshiarpur, Garhshankar, and Balachaur. He also suggested that Ropar district instead be renamed after Guru Tegh Bahadur or as Anandpur Sahib district.

Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa emphasised unity across political lines to protect Punjab’s culture, history, and diversity. “This is under attack from those ruling at the Centre. Be it our river waters, GST dues, Rural Development Fund allocations, or administrative changes in Chandigarh, we can succeed only when Punjabis stand together. Guru Tegh Bahadur teaches us to remain steadfast in protecting our rights,” he said.

Aam Aadmi Party president and Punjab minister Aman Arora highlighted the session’s broader message of secularism and communal harmony. “We hold this session to send the message of secularism imbibed by Punjabis from Guru Tegh Bahadur across India. The message is clear: Na Hindu Rashtra, Na Khalistan, Jug Jug Jeye Mera Hindustan,” he said.

The Assembly is going to pass a resolution to promote secular values, universal brotherhood, and human rights in line with Guru Tegh Bahadur’s teachings. This landmark session not only recognises Anandpur Sahib and Amritsar’s sacred places but also reinforces Punjab’s commitment to preserving its spiritual and cultural legacy.

Source: The Tribune