Punjab’s 2024 Tourism and Culture Milestones

Tourism and Cultural Development: Key Achievements of Punjab Government in 2024

Heritage, Infrastructure, and Global Recognition Elevate State’s Tourism Industry

The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has made remarkable strides in promoting tourism and preserving the state’s cultural heritage in 2024. According to Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, over ₹73 crore has been invested in preserving, restoring, and modernizing historical and cultural monuments across Punjab.

Key initiatives include the renovation of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Museum and a Light & Sound Show at Khatkar Kalan, an ultra-modern bus terminal and interpretation center at Sri Chamkaur Sahib, and a nature park and tourist facilitation center at Sri Anandpur Sahib. Additionally, projects like the beautification of roads leading to Naina Devi and Virasat-E-Khalsa, and the inauguration of Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial (Phase 1) at Sri Anandpur Sahib have further enhanced Punjab’s tourism infrastructure.

Prominent developments include the inauguration of the Saragarhi Museum at Ferozepur and the Bhagwan Valmiki Ji Panorama in Amritsar. The government has also launched a permanent Light & Sound Show at Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Summer Palace during the Rangla Punjab Festival, costing ₹2.76 crore.

In 2024, the Tourism Department celebrated 21 fairs and festivals to showcase Punjab’s vibrant culture, including the Basant Festival in Ferozepur, Bathinda Virasati Mela, Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, and the Kapurthala Heritage Festival. The week-long Rangla Punjab Festival, held from February 23–29 in Amritsar, featured cultural performances, shopping events, a Greenathon, art walks, and more, positioning Punjab as a leading global tourism destination.

Under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme, projects worth ₹31.56 crore were initiated for the development of Sri Chamkaur Sahib. Other notable locations, such as Ferozepur’s Hussainiwala Border and Rupnagar’s Anandpur Sahib, received ₹25 crore each under cultural and spiritual tourism initiatives.

Restoration efforts included historical landmarks like Mughal Sarai Doraha, Sarai Lashkari Khan at Khanna, and Shahi Samadha in Kapurthala. The government also focused on enhancing tourist facilities by building parking lots, public amenities, and beautifying key locations.

Punjab Tourism actively promoted the state’s attractions at trade exhibitions in Mumbai, New Delhi, Patna, and international events like FITUR Madrid and ITB Berlin. The state achieved the top rank on the Nidhi Plus Portal by uploading 263 attractions and ranked 8th on the Utsav Portal with 68 festivals listed.

Recognition for Punjab’s tourism efforts included Nawanpind Sardaran in Gurdaspur winning India’s Best Tourism Village Award-2023 and Hansali Farmstay in Fatehgarh Sahib securing India’s Best Tourism Village Award-2024 in the Agri-Tourism category.

The Mann Government’s initiatives are setting new benchmarks in tourism and cultural development, showcasing Punjab’s rich heritage while driving economic growth and community engagement.