Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday inaugurated the newly constructed Ban Ganga Ghat in Kangra, marking a significant addition to the district’s spiritual and cultural landscape. The Chief Minister also participated in the first evening aarti at the ghat, performed with Vedic rituals modeled on the traditional Haridwar-style ceremony. Officials said the daily aarti is expected to draw thousands of devotees visiting the historic area.
The Chief Minister informed that the project, completed at a cost of Rs. 2.20 crore, was made possible through major financial support from the Captain Shailesh Riyalch Foundation, which contributed Rs. 1.5 crore. The remaining amount—around Rs. 70 lakh—was provided by the Kangra district administration.
Captain Shailesh Riyalch, originally from Ambari in Nagrota Bagwan, was martyred 25 years ago, and the foundation set up in his memory has played a crucial role in the development of the ghat.
Highlighting the modern features of the project, the Chief Minister said that a 25-foot trident is being installed at the complex. To enhance the experience of pilgrims and tourists, the ghat now includes a spacious aarti platform, changing rooms, improved sanitation facilities, an elevated stage, a landscaped park and upgraded lighting. In addition to the evening aarti, the site will soon host yoga sessions as well as various religious and cultural programmes.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Himachal Pradesh, known as Dev Bhoomi, houses several important pilgrimage destinations, with the revered Bajreshwari Temple in Kangra being one of the foremost. Since thousands of devotees take a holy dip in the Ban Ganga, the ghat has been developed to ensure both convenience and safety, offering a well-organized space for bathing and performing sacred rituals.
Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, MLAs Sanjay Awasthy, Suresh Kumar and Kamlesh Thakur, Himachal Pradesh School Education Board Chairman 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 and several other dignitaries were present during the inauguration.
