New Delhi, May 27 (UNI) Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the biggest Sikh Shrine situated in the heart of national capital, is emerging as the most sought-after destination for international tourists, who are looking for a holistic experience during their trip, officials of the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management committee said.
Around 12 lakh international tourists visited the holy shrine in order to optimise their travel during 2017, while around six lakh international visitors had darshan of the holy shrine during first four months of 2018, said Manjit Singh GK, President of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee said.
The historic Gurudwara offers variety of spiritual experiences for devotees and visiting tourists who are seeking a pre planned, organised and comfortable spiritual travel experience in the national capital, the officials of the DSGMC said.
The holy shrine has unique significance and characteristic is known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan ji.
The Guudwara Management committee has opened one information office for providing guidance to international visitors and seven tourist guides, who could speak different international languages have been posted at the information centre for educating the visiting tourists about the rich historical and religious significance of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib which is among the best pilgrimage tourist spot in the national capital, Mr Manjit Singh GK said.
The international tourists, mainly from European countries, visit the holy shrine in groups comprising 15-20 members, which are organised by various travel agencies .
However, some of them visit individually also to seek variety of information on Sikh religion and its significance.
The Gurudwara Management Committee has also published literature on Sikh religion in around 10 international languages in order to provide detailed information to them on spot, the officials said.
Around one lakh copies of Sikh literature were provided to the international tourists during the year 2018.
Delhi's first religious multimedia museum - 'Baba Baghel Singh Sikh Heritage Multimedia Museum,' located inside Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is another popular attraction for international tourists .
The museum highlight the core principles of Sikhism through paintings, digital technology, screens, murals, projections and multi-language.
The museum has four galleries with 250 paintings and one small auditorium which has the capacity to hold up to 170 people at a time. It screens five-minute films on Sikh gurus and soldiers to highlight the philosophy and teachings of Sikhism.
The museum, with its own unique style, has attracted many people, including some foreign dignitaries like former Deputy Prime Minister of UK, Nick Clegg and various visiting foreign dignitaries.
Through paintings, digital technology, screens, murals, projections and multi-language sound, the museum aims to highlight the core principles of Sikhism through sensors, headphones and videos which narrate tales of the lives of Sikh gurus, and their teachings. Around 2500 Indian and foreign tourists visit the museum daily.
The holy water pool known as 'Sarovar' is most beautiful site in mid night in New Delhi when the lights of gurudwara shimmer in the water and 'Sarovar' clear water feels like a river in motion.
The 'Sarovar' water known as 'Amrit,' is revered as having healing properties and is taken by Sikhs throughout the world back to their homes.
Around one lakh Sikh devotees have taken holy water to their homes during the current year, Mr Manjit Singh GK said.
UNI NY AR RJ 0924