UP Govt To Restore Historic Sikh Shrines, Starting With Gurdwara Pakki Sangat In Prayagraj

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a plan to restore several Sikh shrines, starting with the historic Gurdwara Pakki Sangat in Prayagraj. The 17th century religious site, where Guru Tegh Bahadur stayed for six months in 1660, will undergo structural conservation and receive upgraded visitor facilities.  The tourism department's plan calls for preservation of the gurdwara's original red sandstone architecture while adding basic amenities. Six other Sikh shrines in Prayagraj are scheduled for similar restoration work in subsequent phases. The project also includes renovations at temples dedicated to Sant Ravidas, including one at Sohbatia Bagh.  

This initiative follows previous restoration work done on Hindu temples before the Mahakumbh festival. Government officials are currently discussing project details with Sikh community representatives, including Gurdwara Pakki Sangat's head sevadar Gyann Singh.  

The tourism department has not yet released specific timelines or budget figures for the restoration work. Similar heritage conservation projects in the past have faced challenges including delays and cost overruns, though officials express confidence in the current planning process.  

The state government's announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to improve religious tourism infrastructure across Uttar Pradesh. Previous restoration projects have drawn both praise for preserving heritage architecture and criticism from some conservation experts about modernization of historic sites.