Kapurthala heritage to be developed to attract tourists

Kapurthala, Oct 11 (UNI) Kapurthala, the princely town with a rich history of cultural heritage, is set to emerge as a major tourist destination with a Centre-backed multi-phase development project.

The Centre has sanctioned Rs 3.61 crore for the repair of five heritage buildings and places in the town in the first phase to attract tourists, Deputy Commissioner J M Balamurugan said at a press conference here today.

The DC said the buildings and places to be maintained during the first phase include the Moorish Mosque, Shalimar Bagh, Kanjli wetland, Panj Mandir, Ghanta Ghar and Kamra Garden.

He said work on these projects would start by December.

The department of tourism was set to appoint special consultants to execute the maintenance work.

The Kapurthala heritage trust, in collaboration with INTACH is organising the annual Baba Jassa Singh Kapurthala heritage festival from October 18 to 20 at the Sainik School.

The opening day of the fair will see a presentation by Bhai Manohar Singh and Shafaqwat Ali Khan of Pakistan. Renowned classical vocalist Shuba Mudgal and Manjari Chaturvedi, a Sufi Kathak dancer, would perform on October 19 while on October 20 popular folk singers Hans Raj Hans and Mustafa Raza would regale the audience.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal will formally inaugurate the festival on October 19.

The district administration is also organising a heritage walk on October 17 to spread awareness about the heritage value of the princely town.

A painting competition would be organised on October 16 for school children on the heritage of Kapurthala.

UNI