CM Sukhu Inaugurates Newly Developed Ban Ganga Ghat; Leads Grand Evening Aarti.
Kangra:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the newly constructed Ban Ganga Ghat in Kangra, marking a significant step toward enhancing religious tourism and improving facilities for the thousands of devotees who visit this sacred site. The Chief Minister also participated in and commenced the evening aarti, performed with traditional Vedic chants in a manner inspired by the celebrated aarti of Haridwar. Officials said the daily aarti is expected to become a major attraction for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The Ban Ganga Ghat project, developed at a cost of Rs. 2.20 crore, stands as a testament to collaborative efforts. The Captain Shailesh Riyalch Foundation—established in memory of Captain Shailesh from Ambari, Nagrota Bagwan, who was martyred 25 years ago—contributed Rs. 1.5 crore, while the Kangra district administration provided nearly Rs. 70 lakh. CM Sukhu acknowledged the foundation’s pivotal role in bringing the project to fruition.
Highlighting the newly added features at the ghat, the Chief Minister said that a towering 25-foot trident is being installed in the complex. To enhance the comfort and spiritual experience of devotees, the site now includes a grand aarti platform, changing rooms, toilets, an aesthetic stage, a beautifully landscaped park, and improved lighting. In addition to the evening aarti, the location will soon host yoga sessions, along with various religious and cultural programmes.
CM Sukhu emphasized Himachal Pradesh’s identity as Dev Bhoomi, noting that the Ban Ganga Ghat serves thousands of worshippers visiting the revered Bajreshwari Temple in Kangra. The upgraded ghat, he said, will provide a safe, well-organized, and spiritually uplifting space for holy dips and ritual ceremonies.
The event was attended by Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, MLAs Sanjay Awasthy, Suresh Kumar, and Kamlesh Thakur, Chairman HP School Education Board Dr. Rajesh Sharma, HRTC Vice-Chairman Ajay Verma, HP Wool Federation Chairman Manoj Thakur, APMC Kangra Chairman Nishu Mongra, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, SP Ashok Rattan, along with several other dignitaries.
With its enhanced facilities and spiritual ambience, the Ban Ganga Ghat is set to become a prominent landmark for religious tourism in Kangra.
