Bihar Government on the Verge to Destroy Ancient Sikh Gurdwaras

:dateline:In efforts to promote tourism in Bihar, the state Government has announced to promote religious tourism. In past, the Government of Bihar has taken steps to beautify Buddhist and Jain places of worships, and now it is eying historical Sikh Gurdwaras to attract more visitors to the state. As part of the process, all historical Gurdwaras may be �beautified� to attract locals and foreigners. The entire process is being overseen by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC).

Sikh Sangat needs to pay key attention to the beautification process as even small alterations to the existing monuments could lead to devastation of Sikh history including monuments from the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and other Guru Sahiban. Patna, the place where manifestation of Guru Gobind Singh Ji staed, could be largely impacted by this process.

The BSTDC has laid out plans to work on Takhat Sahib, Gurudwara Guru Ka Bagh (Malsalami), Gurdwara Sahib Kanghan Ghat, Gurdwara Bal Leela, Gaighat Gurdwara Sahib and Gurdwara Handi Sahib. The historical Gurdwara Sahib, where Bhagat Kabir Ji became a disciple of Guru Nanak Dev Ji � Fatuha Gurdwara, may go through the process as well.

Although this project brings to light many of the Sikh communities living isolated lives throughout Bihar, it carries the burden of destroying centuries old Sikh history left largely untouched in Bihar until now. Gurdwaras in Punjab, even Hazoor Sahib, have already suffered much damage and desolation of Sikh history. Surely this move would benefit the state of Bihar with increase in tourism but Sikh Sangat should approach Takhat Sahib management in Bihar and oppose any move of the Bihar Government that could alter historical monuments and buildings in any shape or form.