Jallianwala’s sanctity marred by spectacle

During the pre-release promotional tour of Kesari 2, a film based on the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, actors including Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, Ananya Pandey, Gurdas Maan and Gurpreet Ghuggi interacted with a large audience inside Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. Although the promotional event was held on-site due to the film’s theme, it drew sharp criticism from heritage conservationists and local activists. They claimed the “promotional and entertainment-focused” event disrupted the sanctity of the historical site.

This incident is not the first time Jallianwala Bagh, a place of deep historical significance and a solemn reminder of a tragic event, has been used as a venue for entertainment, promotional or political events. Many believe such activities are inappropriate and disrespectful to the victims of the massacre. The issue was first raised when the Bagh underwent an aesthetic overhaul under a Central Government project. Many argued that the newly added elements sanitised the tragedy and distracted visitors from the site’s historical gravity.

Now, with the onset of summer and an increase in tourist footfall, especially from devotees visiting the nearby Golden Temple, heritage experts have once again raised concerns. One major issue is the location and presentation of the eternal flame. According to the experts, the flame is not only inappropriately located but also fails to receive the importance it deserves.

Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (Retd), Punjab State Convener of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and curator of several heritage projects and events, observed that the eternal flame serves as a focal point for collective memory. “At present, it is placed in an open area, making it difficult to access, especially during the summer season when the marble flooring becomes too hot to walk on barefoot, which is the norm at the site,” he said.

“Preferably, it should have been placed near the war memorial, symbolising eternity, a concept that transcends time, where remembrance and reverence are everlasting. The continuous flame reflects an unbroken connection between the past, present and future,” he added.

Maj Gen Singh said, “The current placement of the flame is not only impractical during extreme weather conditions — be it scorching summers or rainy days — but also makes it easy for visitors to miss altogether. An eternal flame should embody the universal message of continuity, transcending death, loss and the physical world. As long as the flame burns, the values and memories it represents live on.”

“Eternal flames are typically located at memorials and sacred sites across cultures and religions. These symbolise remembrance, honour, resilience and the enduring human spirit. Beyond memorialisation, these serve as reminders to learn from history and uphold ideals like peace, justice and unity. But sadly, what we now see is the site becoming just another selfie spot,” he lamented.

Maj Gen Singh is not the only one to raise the issue. Various social and cultural heritage organisations, including families of the Jallianwala Bagh martyrs have urged the authorities to preserve the site in accordance with its historical and emotional significance, rather than treating it as a venue for commercial or touristic purposes.

INTACH members have demanded that the eternal flame be relocated to a more prominent position and be fully covered to ensure its continuity under all weather conditions. They also advocate for regulated tourism practices to help maintain the solemn atmosphere of the site.

Amritsar