THE mesmerising and unique blend of culture and heritage of Lahore is so beautiful that one cannot forget the memories since long and wants to come again and again to witness this prospering city. These views were expressed by a delegation of a 27-member Sikh Yatrees who visited various historical buildings within the Walled City […]
THE mesmerising and unique blend of culture and heritage of Lahore is so beautiful that one cannot forget the memories since long and wants to come again and again to witness this prospering city.
These views were expressed by a delegation of a 27-member Sikh Yatrees who visited various historical buildings within the Walled City of Lahore on Monday. The Sikh Yatrees were given a fully guided tour of the Royal Trail project by the Walled City Lahore Authority (WCLA).
The Yatries said by visiting the historical city of Lahore, they are able to witness the ancient Sikh and Mughal eras’ buildings besides witnessing the rich culture of Lahore. They said the well preserved Royal Trail area has increased the beauty of the walled city. The delegates visited various important places of Royal Trail such as Shahi Hamam, Gali Surhan Singh, Phoolon Wali Gali, Koocha Gurbarchian, Haveli Bejnath, Chitta Gate and Wazir Khan Mosque.
Officials of WCLA were accompanying the Sikh Yatrees and told them that the project was started in association with the World Bank with the objectives of preserving the culture and heritage of the city along with providing modern living facilities to the residents of the Walled City of Lahore. The delegates opined that the project would promote domestic as well as international tourism in Lahore and could bring economic prosperity among the residents of the Walled City area.
Ajoob Singh, a Sikh Yataree from Amritsar said he was very glad to visit the place of his ancestors. He said he was astonished to see the recently restored Royal Trail area. “Before coming to Lahore I can’t imagine that Sikh era havelies are kept so well,” he said adding he and his fellow delegates are thankful to the Punjab government as well as the WCLA for taking steps for the betterment and preservation of Sikh heritage. The Sikh Yataries showed special interest in the beautiful structures with ornamental architecture of the walled city. The delegation was told that the Royal Trail connects along many of the heritage monuments like Shahi Hamam, Masjid Wazir Khan, Sonehri Masjid and Begum Shahi Masjid. This path is the same that was once followed by the Mughal and Sikh Emperors when they came from Delhi to Lahore.
Gurmej Singh, a resident of Ferozpur, said he cannot imagine that there will be any authority in Lahore which is providing fully guided tours to tourists. He said during the entire tour of the walled city, which he terms as the Lahore’s heart, he was feeling himself in a secure and safe environment and it is just like being home. He said he has taken many photographs and will share with his friends and family in India and will ask them to visit the Walled City of Lahore once in a lifetime.
Javed, the tour guide of the WCLA, said at this time we need to showcase the right image of Pakistan.
~ Source: http://www.thenews.com.pk/