Amritsar: Paying obeisance at the birth anniversary of Maharishi Bhagwan Shri Valmiki Ji, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated the Punjab Government's strong commitment towards safeguarding his great legacy and spreading his teachings on equality, humanity and religion. He said that Rs 17.72 crore is being spent to develop the Lord Valmiki pilgrimage site as a world class tourist destination and for its beautification. Through this, his government is ensuring better facilities for the devotees while maintaining the sanctity of the religious places. Emphasizing that religious places should be managed by religious figures and scholars, the Chief Minister said that every seed can germinate on the soil of Punjab, but the seed of hatred can never grow on this sacred soil.
no room for hate
Sharing some highlights of the event, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann wrote on 'X': "Today I had the privilege of paying obeisance at the state level function organized on the occasion of the sacred light festival of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji in Amritsar. Rs 17.5 crore has been released today for the development of this place. We believe that religious places should be managed by religious figures and scholars rather than politicians. Every seed can germinate in Punjab, but the seed of hatred can never grow on this sacred soil."
Cultural heritage will be protected
Addressing the gathering during the state level function organized on the occasion of the Pragat Divas of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "The spiritual, historical and cultural heritage of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki ji will be preserved for future generations." After paying obeisance at this holy place, the Chief Minister congratulated the devotees from India and abroad. He said that the Punjab Government is building an egalitarian society by following the path of religion, equality and humanity shown by Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji where every person gets respect and equal opportunities. Describing Maharishi Lord Valmiki as the father of Sanskrit literature and the original poet, the Chief Minister said, "The immortal epic Ramayana written by Maharishi Lord Valmiki has shown the path of religion to humanity for thousands of years. This work conveys the evergreen message of victory of truth over evil and serves as a beacon for truth, morality, compassion and ethical conduct."
He said, "The teachings of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki ji are not limited to any particular period or community, rather they are related to the entire humanity."
The Chief Minister said, "Maharishi Lord Valmiki's immortal creation Ramayana has been giving direction to the society to follow the path of truth, justice, equality and religion. At a time when materialistic thinking is increasingly influencing human relationships, the ideals depicted in this sacred epic are more relevant than ever." Emphasizing the importance of the teachings of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji in the present society, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "Maharishi Lord Valmiki ji established the eternal ideals of an ideal person, an ideal ruler and an ideal society." The Chief Minister said, "These principles can inspire society to rise above divisions and build a future based on mutual respect, social justice and communal harmony. Punjab is blessed with a great heritage of great Gurus, Saints-Great Men, Pirs-Fakirs and Prophets and it is a matter of great pride that Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji had given knowledge and education to Luv and Kush, the sons of Lord Shri Ram Ji on this holy land."
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann described the opportunity of paying obeisance at this holy place as a moment of spiritual satisfaction and a fortunate moment.
Reiterating his government's commitment to the all-round development of the holy site, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab government is spending Rs 17.72 crore on various development and beautification works at the Lord Valmiki shrine during the financial year 2026-27. An attractive panorama depicting the life and teachings of Maharishi Lord Valmiki Ji was dedicated to the devotees in the year 2024 at a cost of Rs 25 crore.” Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “To enhance the beauty of this holy place, facade lighting (special lighting on the exterior of the building) has also been installed, due to which the place looks very attractive at night.” The Chief Minister said, “The development of Lord Valmiki Teerth Sthal is not just an infrastructure project but a symbol of our deep reverence for Maharishi Lord Valmiki Ji. His teachings have enriched humanity for centuries.” He said, “We want the devotees to experience the spiritual grandeur of this holy place. At the same time, it is also ensured that its rich heritage is preserved and presented to the world. The state government will continue to provide necessary resources for the all-round development of this religious place and will also get all the necessary remaining work done to improve the facilities for the devotees.” Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “There is no dearth of funds for the development of this sacred land and the government will leave no stone unturned to fulfill its commitment.”
“The government is committed to strengthening the ideals of communal harmony, peace and mutual brotherhood across Punjab,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that religious institutions should remain committed to their spiritual traditions. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Religious institutions should be managed by people belonging to the respective religions without any unnecessary political interference.” The Chief Minister further informed that under the 'Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana', the devotees are also being provided the facility to visit the Lord Valmiki pilgrimage site along with other major holy places of Amritsar. Due to this, devotees are getting the privilege of paying obeisance at these holy places. Calling for inspiration from the life and philosophy of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The true tribute to Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji would be that we adopt his teachings in our lives and promote values like equality, compassion, morality and mutual respect in our daily life.” Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann called upon the people to follow the path shown by Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji and said that such a society should be built where no one is discriminated against, every person gets dignity and respect and the bonds of mutual brotherhood and harmony become stronger day by day.
Bhagwant Mann government's initiative to develop Lord Valmiki pilgrimage site as a world class tourist destination.
Bhagwant Mann government is spending Rs 17.72 crore on the development and beautification of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Teerth Sthal (Ram Teerth) located in Amritsar during the financial year 2026-27. The main objective of this initiative is to develop this holy site as a world class tourist destination.
development and beautification
Bhagwant Mann government is spending Rs 17.72 crore on various development works and beautification works at Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki pilgrimage site during the financial year 2026-27.
Improvement in facilities at pilgrimage sites
Main Temple: Repair and beautification of the main temple building
Sound System: Installation of new sound system
Security: CCTV cameras installed to ensure safety of devotees
Holy Lake: Cleaning of the sacred lake and other related works
Sewerage and residential facilities: To start sewage treatment plant and install air conditioners in temples and inns. Rs 2.60 crore is being spent on these works
Major projects completed earlier
Panorama: The panorama depicting the life and teachings of Maharishi Lord Valmiki ji was dedicated to the devotees in the year 2024 at a cost of Rs 25 crore.
facade lighting: Special lighting arrangements have been made to enhance the beauty of the pilgrimage site, especially to make it attractive at night.
Special attention on tourism and facilities for devotees
The Punjab Government is committed to developing this holy site as a world class tourist destination. To improve the facilities of the devotees, additional development works will also be done as per requirement. Under the Chief Minister Tirtha Yatra Scheme, the devotees coming to Amritsar are also provided the facility to visit Lord Valmiki pilgrimage site and other major religious places.