Sangrur, which has been the erstwhile capital of the Royal Jind State, has a rich heritage which would form the thematic background for all literary, art, traditional music, folklore, cultural and other activities being organized during the two-day  Heritage & Literary festival.

 

The organizing committee consisting of local residents have volunteered to be a part of this grand event, for which over 30 authors of national and international repute have confirmed their participation and the release of 10 new books will take place during the fest of new authors.

 

The intent behind the Festival is to revive the interest in the rich heritage of Sangrur, sensitise the people to partner for its preservation, promote local art and culture unique to Sangrur by providing a platform to the local authors, poets, intellectuals, painters, photographers, academicians, theatre artists to showcase their talent and share it with the next generation.

 

The Society is saddened by the unfortunate loss of several iconic Heritage landmarks including Lady Minto Girls High School, old Tehsil building, four city gates namely Sunami Gate, Dhuri Gate, Patiala Gate, and Nabha Gate, over a period of time. The Society will endeavour to preserve the remaining buildings for posterity.

 

The most recent blow to the city of Sangrur was the thoughtless demolition of the century old Hermitage Palace. This building had over 100 rooms. Standing on 47 acres it was gifted to the Punjab Health Department by the Maharaja of Jind in 1957 and was not part of the settlement in 1947.

 

We had requested The Director of PGI two years ago to preserve the building for administrative purposes or a Serai for relatives of the patients.

 

The Palace was built in the Indo Gothic style, which the British had evolved from Mogul architecture. The Hermitage Palace was just that. A magnificent Palace! Now dust!

 

It is worth noting that the Historic Sangrur Fort was demolished to make a parking lot, it was sad to loose our fort which was protected us in the past.

 

The organizers feel that their efforts would have a direct and positive impact on the economy of the region with the flow of thousands of literary-minded people, lovers of art and culture, as well as tourists from all over the world visiting the city.