Yahiyaganj Gurdwara to be heritage and tourism site | Lucknow News

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh tourism department is set to develop historic Yahiyaganj Gurdwara in Lucknow as a heritage and tourism site with a fund of Rs 2 crore.The initiative aims to conserve the historical legacy of the gurdwara while improving the visitor experience for devotees and travellers who come to engage with Sikh history.State tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said the development would be carried out with respect for the gurudwara’s historical character.He said the approved funds would be used for beautification, modern amenities, visitor facilities, and improved accessibility. “Yahiyaganj Gurdwara carries the footprints of two great Sikh Gurus. The Yogi govt’s effort is to preserve its identity while giving devotees clean, safe, and well-planned facilities,” Singh said.Highlighting the importance of developing the gurdwara into a heritage tourism site, principal secretary, tourism, culture and religious affairs, Amrit Abhijat, said that modernising heritage sites was central to the state’s tourism policy.“Yahiyaganj Gurdwara is not only a sacred place, but it also represents our cultural inheritance and social harmony. With better connectivity, upgraded visitor facilities, and planned infrastructure, we are committed to giving it a prominent place on the tourism map,” he said.Through this initiative, Yahiyaganj Gurdwara will emerge as a stronger symbol of Sikh heritage in Lucknow, allowing future generations to connect closely with the journeys and teachings of the Sikh Gurus.“The gurdwara is remembered as the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, stayed for three days in 1670 while travelling from Patna to Anandpur Sahib. Two years later, in 1672, Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, the tenth Sikh Guru, also spent more than two months here. These visits give Yahiyaganj Gurdwara its deep emotional and historical significance within Awadh’s Sikh community,” a tourism department official said.He said that the gurdwara houses a rare art gallery depicting important episodes from Sikh history. Its most treasured possessions include two ‘hukamnamas’ issued by Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and a handwritten manuscript of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, whose opening page carries the ‘Mool Mantar’ written by Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib.“This collection holds exceptional archival and spiritual value, drawing scholars, devotees, and visitors interested in Sikh heritage,” an official said.