HISTORIC DECISION TO DECLARE HOLY CITIES SHOULD HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED LONG AGO; I’M GRATEFUL TO ALMIGHTY FOR GRANTING US WISDOM & STRENGTH TO TAKE THIS HISTORIC DECISION: BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
(MOREPIC1) Face2News/Chandigarh
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the Punjab Government has taken a historic decision by issuing a notification granting the status of holy cities to Sikh religious cities, calling it a moment of gratitude, humility, and responsibility for the state.
Addressing the people of Punjab in a video message, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Dear Punjabis, your own government in Punjab has taken a historic decision by issuing a notification to grant Sikh religious cities the status of holy cities. The announcement was made from the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib on the occasion of the state level function to commemorate 350th ‘Shaheedi Diwas’ (martyrdom day) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. I am thankful to the Almighty, who blessed us with wisdom, strength, and the capability to take such a historic decision.”
Explaining the significance of the move, the Chief Minister said that out of the five Sikh Takhts, three are located in Punjab. “Sri Akal Takht Sahib at Amritsar, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo are situated in Punjab. The cities associated with these sacred Takhts have now officially been granted the status of centres of faith and holy cities,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the state government will ensure all necessary facilities for devotees visiting these cities with reverence. “The Punjab Government will make all necessary arrangements and provide facilities, including e-rickshaws, mini-buses, and other public transport services, to ensure that devotees and sangat arriving from across the world in faith do not face any inconvenience,” he said.
The Chief Minister made it clear that strict regulations will now apply in these holy cities. “In all these cities, the sale of meat, alcohol, tobacco, and any intoxicating substances will be completely prohibited,” he said, assuring that this decision reflects the sanctity of the places.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, he said, “I assure you with full responsibility that no effort will be spared in ensuring the overall and appropriate development of these cities. These cities are not only religious centres but also a very important symbol of our cultural heritage.”
Congratulating the Sikh community, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Sikh sangat. This historic decision to declare holy cities should have been implemented long ago. With the issuance of the notification, this decision has now come into effect, and these cities have officially attained the status of holy cities.”
On December 15, 2025, the Punjab Government officially issued a notification declaring the walled city of Amritsar in Amritsar district, the city of Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, and the city of Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) in Bathinda district as Holy Cities of the State of Punjab. The notification formally accords these historically and religiously significant cities special status in recognition of their spiritual importance and global faith-based relevance.
