Rapid Fire
Punjab Declares Three Historic Sikh Sites as Holy Cities
- 25 Nov 2025
- 2 min read
Punjab has passed a resolution to declare the Amritsar Walled City, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities, marking a major cultural and governance decision aligned with the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
- The decision bans the sale and consumption of liquor, meat, tobacco, and other intoxicants in the designated holy areas. These places also hold religious significance in Sikh history, hosting three of the five Takhts.
- Takhts: A Takht, which means a throne, is a seat of temporal authority for Sikhs. There are five Sikh Takhts, three in Punjab and one each in Maharashtra and Bihar.
- Akal Takht in Amritsar, Punjab: Established in 1606 by Guru Hargobind, is the highest seat of Sikh authority and represents the union of miri (temporal power) and piri (spiritual authority).
- Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib, Punjab): Site where the Khalsa was created in 1699.
- Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Punjab): Where Guru Gobind Singh finalised Sikh scripture.
- Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib (Patna, Bihar): Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
- Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra): Site of Guru Gobind Singh final days and cremation in 1708.
| Read more: Guru Tegh Bahadur Prakash Purab |
