Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the newly built Ban Ganga Ghat in Kangra, marking the occasion with an evening aarti performed with traditional Vedic chants, modeled on the rituals of Haridwar. The daily aarti is expected to become a major attraction for the thousands of devotees visiting the site.
The project, constructed at a cost of ₹2.20 crore, received significant support from the Captain Shailesh Riyalch Foundation, which contributed around ₹1.5 crore. The remaining ₹70 lakh was provided by the Kangra district administration. Captain Shailesh, hailing from Ambari in Nagrota Bagwan, was martyred 25 years ago, and the foundation was established in his memory, playing a key role in the ghat’s development.
The ghat complex features a 25-foot trident, a grand aarti platform, changing rooms, toilets, an attractive stage, a landscaped park, and enhanced lighting to ensure the comfort of devotees and tourists. Besides the evening aarti, the ghat will host yoga sessions and various religious and cultural programmes.
Highlighting the spiritual significance, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh, known as Dev Bhoomi, is home to the Bajreshwari Temple in Kangra, a major centre of faith for devotees nationwide. The ghat has been developed to provide a well-organized and safe space for bathing, performing rituals, and spiritual activities, ensuring convenience and a fulfilling experience for worshippers.
