Inner sanctum of Sri Harimandir Sahib Takht Patna Sahib
Bihar will develop a Sikh pilgrimage circuit by connecting all places pertaining to the religion in the state.
"The state government is eager to develop the Sikh circuit. This will be on the lines of Buddha circuit and Sufi circuit here. Takht Sri Harimandir Sahib in Patna is the second most important place for the Sikhs," Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi announced on Friday evening while inaugurating the Patna Sahib Mahotsav in the state capital.
The Guru Nanak 'kund' or tank at Rajgir in Nalanda district will also be renovated and beautified as part of the plan.Manjhi said the Patna Saheb Mahotsava could not be organised on schedule as the district administration was busy with the Lok Sabha elections
.
Tourism department Principal Secretary B Pradhan told PTI.
"We have started working on the Sikh circuit. Places in Patna and Rajgir will be included. If we are able to improve the facilities related to transport and accommodation, it will attract Sikhs from all over and be a boon for tourism in Bihar."
Pradhan said the circuit was being developed as a part of larger preparations for the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs.The celebrations will start in January 2016 and continue till January 2017.
"Patna will be the focal point of the celebrations across the subcontinent because Guru Gobind Singh was born at Takht Sri Harimandir Saheb in 1666. We are expecting several lakh pilgrims from different countries on the occasion," he added.
Press Trust of India, May 31, 2014