SHIMLA- 2^nd December, 2025-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the newly constructed Ban Ganga Ghat in Kangra today. He commenced the evening aarti, performed with Vedic chants on the lines of Haridwar. The daily aarti was expected to become a major attraction for the thousands of devotees who visit the site.

He said that the project built at a cost of Rs. 2.20 crore had got significant support from the Captain Shailesh Riyalch Foundation. The foundation had contributed around Rs. 1.5 crore, while the Kangra district administration provided nearly Rs. 70 lakh for the project. Captain Shailesh hailed from Ambari area of Nagrota Bagwan was martyred 25 years ago and the foundation was established in his memory. Foundation had played a vital role in the development of this ghat.

He further said that a 25-foot trident was being installed in the ghat complex and to ensure the comfort of devotees and tourists, a grand aarti platform, changing rooms, toilets, an attractive stage, a landscaped park and enhanced lighting have been developed. Along with the evening aarti, yoga sessions and various religious and cultural programmes would also be organised here.

The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh is known as the Dev Bhoomi and the Bajreshwari Temple in Kangra is a major centre of faith for thousands of devotees from across the country. As many worshippers take a holy dip at the ghat, it has been developed keeping their convenience in mind. It would also provide a well-organised and safe place for bathing and performing rituals.

Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, MLAs Sanjay Awasthy, Suresh Kumar and Kamlesh Thakur, Chairman Himachal Pradesh School Education Board Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Vice-Chairman HRTC Ajay Verma, Chairman HP Wool Federation Manoj Thakur, Chairman APMC Kangra Nishu Mongra, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, SP Ashok Rattan and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.