UP Tourism to develop Lucknow’s historic Yahiyaganj Gurudwara as key Sikh Heritage site

In the heart of old Lucknow stands Yahiyaganj Gurudwara, a sacred space connected with the journeys of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj. With a Rs 2 crore project, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is developing the gurudwara as an important heritage and tourism site.

The initiative aims to conserve its historical legacy while improving visitor experience for devotees and travellers who come to engage with Sikh history.

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The gurudwara is remembered as the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, stayed for three days in 1670 while travelling from Patna to Anandpur Sahib. Two years later, in 1672, Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, the tenth Sikh Guru, also spent more than two months here. These visits give the Yahiyaganj Gurudwara its deep emotional and historical significance within Awadh’s Sikh community.

Inside the premises, the gurdwara houses a rare art gallery depicting important episodes from Sikh history.

Its most treasured possessions include two hukamnamas issued by Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and a manuscript of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, whose opening page carries the Mool Mantar written by Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. This collection holds exceptional archival and spiritual value, drawing scholars, devotees and visitors interested in Sikh heritage.

State Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the development will be carried out with respect for the gurudwara’s historic character. He said the approved funds will be used for beautification, modern amenities, visitor facilities and improved accessibility. “Yahiyaganj Gurudwara carries the footprints of two great Sikh Gurus. The Yogi government’s effort is to preserve its identity while giving devotees clean, safe and well-planned facilities,” he said.

The project is intended to support better movement inside the complex, enhance lighting, strengthen approach pathways and make the site more convenient for large gatherings, especially during ‘Prakash Utsav’ and other festivals. Devotees visiting Lucknow can easily reach the gurdwara from Charbagh railway station, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport or any part of the city by road.

Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat, said that modernising heritage sites is central to the state’s tourism policy. “Yahiyaganj Gurudwara is not only a sacred place. It represents our cultural inheritance and social harmony. With better connectivity, upgraded visitor facilities and planned infrastructure, we are committed to giving it a prominent place on the tourism map,” he said.

Through this initiative, Yahiyaganj Gurudwara is set to emerge as a stronger symbol of Sikh heritage in Lucknow, allowing future generations to connect closely with the journeys and teachings of the Sikh Gurus.