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The conservation and improvement work that started with the centenary celebrations of the Jallianwala Bagh (जलियांवाला बाग) massacre of 13 April 1919 is almost complete. The Jallianwala Bagh complex is being restored into a magnificent memorial by the Union Cultural Ministry at an estimated expense of 20 crore rupees. The complex which was closed for the general public for about 6 months due to ongoing restoration work is expected to be re-opened to the public later this month. The restored memorial will not only remind the world of martyrdom of hundreds of innocent countrymen but will connect the whole world with cultural, historical and archaeological achievements of Amritsar, Punjab.
The new gallery will display the ancient history and geographical conditions of Punjab. From Mohan Jodaro (मोहन जोदड़ो), Harappan (हड़प्पा) Civilization and even earlier period development on the land of Punjab is depicted through the paintings on the walls.
Stories of multiple aggression since the times of Sikandar and the Punjab’s tradition of responding swiftly to them, narratives related to Sufi and Saints, Gurus and Pirs have also been included in the displays. Visitors will also be able to see and learn about the era of the first Sikh Emperor Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Sound and Light Show, Musical Fountains
A 3-D documentary detailing the sacrifice of the martyrs will be described through a 5-minute state of the art light and sound show. Apart from this the well of the martyrs is also restored and extensive plantation work is going in the entire complex. Special effects lightning and musical fountains will be another key attraction for the visitors. The complex will be under regular surveillance of 52 CCTV cameras.
What happened on 13 April 1919
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, took place on 13 April 1919, when Acting Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer ordered troops of the British Indian Army to fire their rifles into a crowd of unarmed Indian civilians who had gathered on the important and auspicious occasion of Baisakhi (बैसाखी) in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab, killing at least 379 people and injuring over 1,000 other people.
