Virasat-E-Khalsa

Virasat-E-Khalsa is a museum located in Anandpur Sahib very close to the Keshgarh Sahib Gurudwara. The museum showcases the journey of Sikhism and the Khalsa panth. It was made to commemorate 500 years of Sikhism and 300th anniversary of Khalsa. Earlier it was called the Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex.

Virasat-E-Khalsa

The construction started in 1999 and was finished in 2011. Main architect of the building is Moshe Safdie and the museum has been designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmadabad. The architecture of the museum is impressive from the outside and is pleasing to the eyes. Three sides of the building is surrounded by an artificial water body reflecting the beautiful building. One can take refreshments also at the cafeteria which is in the western part of the complex. The western part also houses the library and an auditorium. It is connected with the main building by a bridge that merges well with the overall architecture of the place.

Cylindrical Shafts- Virasat-E-Khalsa

There has been some thought given for persons with disabilities as there is a lift to go up and also there are wheelchairs available inside if one needs free of charge. However, the wheelchairs need to be provided right at the car parking area itself.

The Western Complex and the Bridge of Virasat-E-Khalsa

Though I was impressed by the exterior and inside also the building was air-conditioned I was disappointed by the museum itself as instead of finding a real museum what I found inside was themes painted about the life of Punjab and Punjabis with lighting effect with the background of loud music. Though some tourists liked it I found it to be too kitsch. There is a audio commentary available in Punjabi, Hindi and English but when I asked for a headset with English commentary I could not get one. Only when we protested they produced two headsets with English commentary.

Flower Petals- Virasat-E-Khalsa

But whatever disappointment inside was forgotten by the overall experience of the place which is worth a visit at least once.

The museum is open from 8 AM to 8 PM on six days - it is closed on Mondays. Also it remains closed on the three national holidays plus Dusshera and Diwali. Photography inside the museum part of the building is not allowed.

Also read - Keshgarh Sahib