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To showcase the state’s rich heritage and diverse culture, Punjab Government has planned 22 heritage fairs and festivals — to be held throughout the year in different districts with an aim of turning the state into ‘Rangla’ (vibrant) Punjab.
 
Other than the customary-annual heritage and religious festivals like Maghi Mela (Festival) at Sri Muktsar Sahib, Basant Festival at Ferozepur, Kapurthala Heritage Festival, Kila Raipur Rural Olympics in Ludhiana, Patiala Heritage Festival, Hola Mohla at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Military Literature at Chandigarh, the State Government has also introduced some other events covering various aspects of the State while to showcasing its rich heritage and culture.
 
The State Government has decided to celebrate Inqlab Festival at SBS Nagar; Doon Festival — highlighting the culture and cuisine of Malwa at Mansa; Punjab Handicraft Festival at Fazilka; Equestrian Fair at Jalandhar in November; Rivers Fair at Pathankot; Sufi Festival at Malerkotla.
 
“The ‘Nihang Olympics’ will be initiated at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The ‘Dara Singh Chhinjh Olympics’ will be organized in Tarn Taran district, where the winner will receive a cash prize and the title of ‘Rustam-e-Punjab’ from the State Government. Additionally, the annual adventure sports will be initiated in Ropar and Pathankot,” said the state’s Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Anmol Gagan Mann while addressing the media in Chandigarh on Sunday.
 
The Minister announced that the first ‘Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa Josh Festival’ will be organized in Gurdaspur which will highlight the bravery of Punjabis. “In January, the ‘Rangla Punjab Festival’ will be held in Amritsar, showcasing all aspects of Punjabi culture, with participation from notable novelists and poets. The festival will include delicious dishes of Punjab, colorful cultural programs, and displays of Punjab’s arts and crafts,” said the Minister, while adding that the upcoming Tourism Summit and Punjab Travel Mart will be held in Mohali.
 
“Punjab Government is constantly striving to make the world aware of the state’s rich heritage and culture. To achieve this objective, the Punjab Government will now organize heritage fairs and festivals with great pomp to highlight the rich heritage and cultural importance of the state,” she said.
 
Anmol Gagan said that various heritage fairs and festivals will be celebrated throughout the year in the state to showcase its rich heritage and culture, promote the tourism sector, and attract tourists towards the state.
 
She added, ‘Teeyan’ festival will also be held in Sangrur, Baba Farid Aagman in Faridkot, Baisakhi fair in Bathinda, and Punjab Handicraft festival at Fazilka.