After the Khalsa Heritage Complex that Sri Anandpur Sahib got in the tercentennial year of the birth of the Khalsa, now the second ‘White City’ of India, has got “world’s tallest” Nishan-e-Khalsa (symbol of Khalsa order) to mark 350th anniversary of its foundation.

The 81 foot tall engineering marvel weighing over 3000kg is made of corrosion-resistant high quality steel. It took a Moga based engineering firm around six months to manufacture the world’s tallest Nishan-e-Khalsa. The aerodynamic designed Nishan-e-Khalsa has cost about Rs 22 lakh. Its foundation is 39 feet high and width is 18 feet. The design is aerodynamic.

Across the city, workers and young volunteers are busy sprucing up the surroundings of all the major shrines in the town. Buntings have been hung on all roads leading to Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib. Workers are also busy replacing the broken and rusted road dividers. About 81 lakh sqft space has been painted white during the “sewa” of white wash.

The Nishan-e-Khalsa has been installed at Panj Pyare Chowk of Sri Anandpur Sahib while the Virasat-e-Khalsa stands at a site that is the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth, which was founded in 1699 on the Vaisakhi Day by Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji. Hailed as a “wonder”, the Khalsa Heritage complex had been conceived on a scale with global perspective and located amidst rolling hills on a sprawling 100-acre estate inspired by the nearby Himalayan Mountains.

The “Holy City of Bliss” was founded in 1665 by the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur when he bought a tract of land. Here on the mound of Makhowal, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji raised a new habitation. The ground was broken on June 19, 1665, by Baba Gurditta.
On Baisakhi of 1699, the 10th Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji baptized five beloved ones (Panj Piara’s) at this place. The town was initially named Chakk Nanaki after the ninth Guru’s mother, Bibi Nanaki. The town houses some of the most important shrines of Sikhs including Gurdwara Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Gurdwara Damdama Sahib and Sri Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib. There are also five forts surrounding the town.

Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh is expected to arrive here on June 19 when celebrations to mark 350th anniversary of foundation of Sri Anandpur Sahib begin.