Arvind Kejriwal has announced a major religious push in Punjab, including a grand Mata Sita‑Luv Kush temple in Amritsar, expansion of pilgrimage schemes, and statewide devotional programmes.
Major Religious and Cultural Push in Punjab
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal unveiled a series of religious and cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening spiritual engagement across Punjab. The announcements were made during a devotional gathering in Amritsar, attended by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and senior party leaders.
The most prominent announcement was the construction of a grand temple dedicated to Mata Sita, along with Luv and Kush, in Amritsar. The temple will be built near the Bhagwan Valmiki temple, adding to the religious importance of the city. Kejriwal described this project as a significant step for devotees not just in Punjab, but across the country and beyond, given the deep cultural significance of the Ramayana. Amritsar, already known for iconic religious landmarks, is expected to further strengthen its position as a major spiritual destination with this development.
Statewide Expansion of Shiv Devotional Events
Kejriwal also announced that the ‘Ek Shaam Shivji Ke Naam’ programme will now be conducted in all 22 cities of Punjab. The bhajan events, which started in Jalandhar and later took place in Amritsar, have witnessed strong public participation.
The initiative focuses on bringing communities together through devotional music and spiritual gatherings. Featuring popular devotional artists, the programme is designed to create a shared cultural experience across the state. According to Kejriwal, such large-scale devotional events organised by the government are a first of their kind in Punjab, aiming to strengthen both faith and community bonding.
Teerath Yatra Scheme Gets Major Expansion
The Punjab government’s Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra Yojna is also set for a major expansion. Previously covering pilgrimage routes to Darbar Sahib and Anandpur Sahib, the scheme will now include three additional routes. The new routes will connect pilgrims to Salasar and Khatu Shyam Ji, Haridwar and Rishikesh, and Mathura and Vrindavan. These destinations hold immense significance for devotees and are expected to see high participation once the routes begin operations.
The expanded scheme is expected to start around August 1 and will benefit nearly 1.5 lakh pilgrims. The government will bear all costs, including travel, accommodation, food, and darshan, making the programme accessible to people from all sections of society. Kejriwal highlighted that the journey itself, filled with bhajans and collective devotion, becomes a memorable experience for participants.
Kali Mata Temple Redevelopment in Patiala
In addition to the new temple announcement, Kejriwal spoke about the ongoing redevelopment of the historic Kali Mata Temple in Patiala. The project, being undertaken at a cost of ₹80 crore, aims to enhance the temple’s infrastructure and facilities.
The redevelopment work is progressing at a fast pace and is expected to be completed by September. Once finished, the temple is likely to emerge as one of the largest religious sites in North India. The Kali Mata Temple holds deep spiritual importance for devotees, and the upgraded infrastructure is expected to further increase visitor footfall and boost religious tourism in the region.
Cultural Outreach Through ‘Hamare Ram’ Theatre Production
As part of its cultural initiatives, the government will also organise staged performances of the play ‘Hamare Ram’ across Punjab starting August 1. The play explores various aspects of Lord Ram’s life and presents lesser-known narratives through theatrical storytelling.
Featuring noted actor Ashutosh Rana, the production has been well received in other cities. While tickets were expensive elsewhere, the Punjab government will offer free entry for all residents, ensuring that a wider audience can experience the performance. This initiative combines culture and spirituality, making traditional storytelling more accessible to the public.
Amritsar’s Growing Spiritual Importance
Highlighting Amritsar’s significance, Kejriwal noted that the city is not only home to Sri Darbar Sahib but also to several other important historical and religious landmarks. He emphasised the connection of the region with the Ramayana, stating that Mata Sita is believed to have lived there and Luv and Kush were said to have been born and brought up in the area. The proposed Mata Sita‑Luv Kush temple is expected to enhance this legacy further, making Amritsar a focal point for devotees from across the globe.
A Step Toward Faith-Driven Development
The series of initiatives reflects the Punjab government’s approach to combining religious development with tourism and cultural outreach. By investing in temples, devotional events, and pilgrimage schemes, the government aims to promote both spiritual well-being and economic growth.
These initiatives are expected to boost tourism, generate employment, and strengthen community participation. The focus on accessibility—through free travel schemes and public events—ensures that benefits reach people across all sections of society.
