Sangha Sisters Transform Nawanpind Sardaran into India's Best Tourism Village 2023

In the vibrant tapestry of life, five dedicated sisters, affectionately known as the 'Sangha Sisters,' are unwavering in their commitment to preserving their ancestral residences in the picturesque Nawanpind Sardaran village of Punjab. These devoted women have lovingly restored the historic 'Kothi' and 'Pipal Haveli,' which has now garnered the prestigious title of "Best Tourism Village of India 2023," bestowed by the Tourism Ministry.

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In the vibrant tapestry of life, five dedicated sisters, affectionately known as the 'Sangha Sisters,' are unwavering in their commitment to preserving their ancestral residences in the picturesque Nawanpind Sardaran village of Punjab. These devoted women have lovingly restored the historic 'Kothi' and 'Pipal Haveli,' which has now garnered the prestigious title of "Best Tourism Village of India 2023," bestowed by the Tourism Ministry.

Out of a competitive pool of 750 villages representing 31 states and union territories, Nawanpind Sardaran secured a coveted spot among the top 35. Their ancestral homes, constructed nearly 140 years ago, have undergone meticulous renovations, transforming them into homestays that captivate tourists from both domestic and international backgrounds.

The remarkable guardians of these ancestral houses are the five Sangha sisters: Gursimran Kaur Sangha, Gurmeet Rai Sangha, Manpreet Kaur Sangha, Gita Sangha, and Noor Sangha. Their mother, Satwant Kaur Sangha, shared her joy and recounted the village's rich history, dating back to the late 19th century when Narain Singh founded Nawanpind Sardaran. 'Haveli' was originally constructed as a residence and storage facility for produce, agricultural tools, and interactions with farmworkers. In 1886, Narain Singh's son, Beant Singh, erected 'Kothi.' Gursimran Sangha expressed the profound emotional connection they share with their village.

After her husband's passing in 1982, Satwant Kaur Sangha moved to Gurdaspur. Her daughter, Gurmeet Rai, a renowned conservation architect, sparked the transformation journey by suggesting the renovation of their ancestral house about 15 years ago. The Sangha family, in collaboration with the Gurdaspur district administration, has not only been instrumental in promoting rural tourism but has also actively engaged the local community, creating much-needed employment opportunities.

The sisters have diverse roles in their mission. Gursimran, based in Delhi, operates a goat farming business, offering employment to local youths with plans for expansion. Gita Sangha empowers women through self-help groups, particularly in craft production, culminating in the establishment of the 'Bari collective.' This brand engages around 60 women from the villages, further promoting the local economy. The 'Kothi' and 'Pipal Haveli' have become significant sources of employment for village women.

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Manpreet Kaur Sangha, who lives in the United States, supervises the online booking of homestays in family homes and teaches yoga to schoolchildren during her travels to the hamlet. Noor Sangha, the youngest sister, is a lawyer located in Mumbai. According to their mother, conservation architect Gurmeet Rai highlighted the region's significant potential for cultural heritage development.

Situated just five kilometers south of National Highway-54, Nawanpind Sardaran enjoys a strategic location along the route from Amritsar to Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. This charming village is a treasure trove of cultural heritage and abundant tourism opportunities, acting as a gateway to popular tourist destinations such as the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, Kangra, Dharamsala, Dalhousie, and more.