Heritage fairs and festivals to be celebrated across state to promote rich heritage and culture of Punjab: Anmol Gagan Maan

Chandigarh, June 11, 2023: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is constantly striving to make the world aware of the state's rich heritage and culture and to make Punjab 'Rangala Punjab'.To achieve this objective, the Punjab government will now organize heritage fairs and festivals with great pomp to highlight the rich heritage and cultural importance of the state. This information was shared by Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Anmol Gagan Mann during a press conference in Chandigarh on Sunday.

Giving more information in this regard, Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Labour, Hospitality, and Investment Promotion Minister Anmol Gagan Maan said that various heritage fairs and festivals will be celebrated throughout the year in the state to showcase its rich heritage and culture, promote the tourism sector, and attract tourists towards the state. She  highlighted that the state government has implemented new initiatives in the tourism sector to transform Punjab into 'Rangla Punjab'.

The minister announced that 22 fairs will be held in the state throughout the year with the aim of making Punjab a Rangla Punjab. She mentioned specific festivals such as the Maghi Festival at Sri Muktsar Sahib, Basant Festival at Ferozepur, Kapurthala Heritage Festival in January and the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics in Ludhiana, Heritage festival and Baisakhi fair in Bathinda, Patiala Heritage Festival, Hola Mohla at Sri Anandpur Sahib in March, Teeyan celebrations at Sangrur in August, Inqlab Festival at SBS Nagar in September, Doon Festival highlighting the culture and cuisine of Malwa at Mansa, Punjab Handicraft Festival at Fazilka, Equestrian Fair at Jalandhar in November, Military Literature at Chandigarh, Rivers Fair at Pathankot, and Sufi Festival at Malerkotla. These fairs aim to showcase the rich heritage and culture of Punjab.

Providing further information, the minister stated that the 'Nihang Olympics' will be initiated at Sri Anandpur Sahib. She added the Dara Singh Chhinjh Olympics in district Tarntaran, where the winner will receive a cash prize and the title of Rustame-e-Punjab from the state government. Additionally, annual adventure sports will be initiated in Ropar and Pathankot. The minister announced the first 'Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa Josh Festival' in Gurdaspur which will highlight the bravery of Punjabis. In January, the Rangla Punjab festival will be held in Amritsar, showcasing all aspects of Punjabi culture, with participation from notable novelists and poets. The festival will include delicious dishes of Punjab, colorful cultural programs, and displays of Punjab's arts and crafts. The minister also mentioned the upcoming tourism summit and Punjab Travel Mart in Mohali.

On this occasion, Secretary of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Director of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Sonali Giri and other dignitaries were present.