The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday declared the Galiara of Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities. The announcement was made during the special session of the Vidhan Sabha held at Anandpur Sahib, dedicated to the ongoing commemoration of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s 350th martyrdom anniversary.
Mann said the government wanted to give these places the respect and protection they deserve, considering their deep emotional and spiritual importance for Sikhs worldwide. He noted that all three locations are home to major Takhts and have shaped Sikh history for centuries.
With this decision, the Galiara around the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the historic stretch surrounding Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, and the sacred area connected with Takht Sri Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo will now receive official recognition as holy cities. All kinds of shops selling non-veg items, alcohol, tobacco will be permanently closed and banned in the vicinity.
The Chief Minister said this status will help the state ensure better planning, cleaner surroundings and improved facilities for the lakhs of pilgrims who visit these places every year.
Mann added that the government intends to preserve the character of these towns while making them more accessible and organised. He said the notification will also prevent unregulated activities that affect the sanctity of these areas.
Amritsar, the spiritual centre of Sikhi and home to the Akal Takht, has long been considered the faith’s primary pilgrimage destination. Anandpur Sahib, where the Khalsa was created by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and Talwandi Sabo, where the Guru completed the final compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib, also draw devotees throughout the year.
Residents and Sikh bodies welcomed the announcement, saying it honours the identity of these towns and strengthens efforts to safeguard their heritage. Many expressed hope that the new status will lead to cleaner streets, better infrastructure and stricter protection of the religious environment.
The government is expected to issue a detailed notification outlining the boundaries and guidelines for each holy city in the coming days.