In a significant move to facilitate devotees from Haryana visiting the Golden Temple, the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) has announced the construction of a massive 300-room serai (inn) in Amritsar. The announcement was made today by senior committee leader Jagdish Singh Jhinda, who emphasized the need for dedicated and affordable accommodation for pilgrims traveling from across Haryana.
The Project Details The proposed serai is envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility providing modern amenities while maintaining the traditional spirit of “sewa.”
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Capacity: The facility will house 300 rooms, including family suites and dormitory-style halls, to accommodate a large number of devotees simultaneously.
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Objective: Jagdish Singh Jhinda stated that thousands of pilgrims from Haryana visit the holy city every month and often face challenges in finding suitable and economical lodging during peak seasons. This serai will serve as a permanent base for them.
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Location & Funding: While the exact site near the Darbar Sahib complex is being finalized, the committee plans to fund the project through community donations and internal resources of the HSGMC.
Strengthening Community Ties Jhinda noted that this project is part of the HSGMC’s broader mandate to serve the Sikh community and ensure that resources are utilized for the welfare of the “Sangat.” He mentioned that the serai would also include a community kitchen (Langar) and a medical help center to assist elderly pilgrims.
Coordination with Local Authorities The HSGMC intends to work in coordination with local authorities in Amritsar to ensure the architectural design aligns with the heritage of the city. Jhinda expressed hope that the foundation stone for the project would be laid within the next few months, with a target completion date aimed at providing relief to pilgrims by next year.
The move has been welcomed by Sikh organizations in Haryana, who view it as a proactive step by the HSGMC to establish its presence and utility for the community outside the state’s borders.
