Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has also seen mesmerizing museum

Sri Anandpur Sahib,
At the time of its opening ceremony, probably no one would have thought of Virsat-e-Khalsa’s immense popularity. A rich masterpiece of Sikh history and religion, Virasat-e-Khalsa is located in the holy city Sri Anandpur Sahib. It is linking the young generations with their rich heritage and glorious past. Situated at the birthplace of Khalsa Panth, the world famous museum Virasat-e-Khalsa has gained so much popularity that more than 83 lakh foreign and local tourists have visited the museum within six year.

Virasat-e-Khalsa depicts Punjab, as it has been over the last 500 years—a scenic landscape overflowing with culture, tradition, blessed by the Sikh Gurus before it faced the atrocity of partition and how the Punjab stands today. All of this is presented in form of 27 unique non-linear galleries. As on average, daily 7-8 thousand tourists’ footfall is registered in Virasat-e-Khalsa. In vernacular tongue, people call it an ‘Ajuba’, a wonder.

As far as the foreign tourists are concerned, the museum was first visited by Prince Charles and Camilla Parker in 2005. At that time, the museum was incomplete and the work in various galleries was underway. Although, on 14 April 2006, one part of Virasat-e-Khalsa was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh amid an august gathering of various saints and sages. However, on 25 November 2011 it was thrown open for the common tourists. Today, it has successfully completed six years and since its inauguration, more than 83 lakh tourists have seen the grandeur of this museum.

Pertinently, the list of the distinguished visitors who have visited this museum, contain the names of Prince Charles, Camilla Parikar, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the President of Mauritius, Chief Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, Governors, and MPs and MLAs from across the country. During his visit to Virasat-e-Khalsa, former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper wrote, “After seeing this unique museum I am feeling fortunate and blesse after seeing this unique museum”.

It was in the year 1999, the tercentennial year of the Birth of the Khalsa that the foundation stone of Virasat-e-Khalsa was laid at Anandpur Sahib. Moshe Safdie, the leading architect, of the project embraced a comprehensive and humane design philosophy, guided by a strong set of values.

The complex is divided into two sections that straddle a ravine, joined by a 540-ft long pedestrian bridge over a network of reflecting pools. The western side, which is connected directly to the town, features exhibition galleries, a two-level library centered around a grand reading room that overlooks the water gardens, is a facility for storing rare archival materials, and a 400-seat auditorium. The visitors leave the museum with an indelible memories and after getting impressed by the majestic structure as well as the multi-media galleries at the complex. As a whole, the entire structure presents a celestial environment to the visitors.
In addition to this, the second part of the museum would be an exquisite epitome of modern art and technology. Officials say the second part of the museum would depict the period from the establishment of Guru Granth Sahib to the Freedom Struggle of India. In addition to this, the second part would also throw light on the struggle of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Period of Misals, period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and National Movement. CEO of Virasat-e-Khalsa, IAS officer, Shivdular Singh Dhillon informed that the world class technology is being used at Virasat-e-Khalsa. He added that our mission is to connect the youth with their rich and glorious past. Therefore, the world renowned museum Virasat-e-Khalsa is playing a constructive role for bringing the young generation close it, said Shivdular Singh Dhillon.
The local residents say that it has become the lifeline of Sri Anandpur Sahib. The tourists footfall has increased many folds in Sri Anandpur Sahib and it gave a fillip to our business, added a local businessman