Patna's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has issued a clear directive to ensure the regular showcasing of the light, sound, and laser presentation at the city's iconic Golghar monument. During a review visit on Sunday morning, the CM stressed that these shows, introduced in 2013, serve as a major attraction and an educational tool for visitors.
Focus on Heritage and Visitor Experience
Accompanied by JD(U) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha and senior officials, Nitish Kumar took stock of the Golghar campus and its surroundings. He explicitly asked the concerned authorities to ensure the regular playing of the multimedia show. "The light and sound and laser show that was started in 2013 should be regularly played. They enlighten visitors about historical knowledge," the Chief Minister stated.
He further instructed that a detailed information board highlighting the historical significance of Golghar be installed. This, he said, would help inform people about the monument's rich past. Kumar emphasized that Golghar is renowned for its unique architecture and, therefore, requires special attention for maintenance and better conservation.
Golghar: A Historical Beacon of Patna
Golghar is a late eighteenth-century landmark in the capital city. It was constructed in the 1780s as a granary following the devastating Great Famine of 1770, which claimed lakhs of lives in north Bihar, including in towns like Purnia and Bhagalpur. Its distinctive beehive-shaped architecture was a design also popular in England during that period.
Along with the sprawling Gandhi Maidan and the police line building, Golghar forms a key part of Patna's historical landscape. The city also boasts other popular colonial-era architectural attractions like the Raj Bhavan (now Lok Bhavan), the old secretariat buildings, Patna High Court, General Post Office, and Patna Museum.
Beautification Efforts Over the Decades
Nitish Kumar reiterated that Golghar is a historical heritage site that has attracted people for decades. "The beautification of its campus and its maintenance should be carried out to give it a more attractive look," he added.
The efforts to beautify the Golghar campus have seen phases of development. The initial partial beautification was undertaken during the tenure of former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, which included installing a life-size statue of former Nepal Prime Minister G P Koirala. Prior to these efforts, the campus was often frequented by stray animals.
Despite its past state, the site has always been a favourite among students, youth, and visitors who climb its steps to enjoy a panoramic view of the Ganga river and Patna's skyline. A more systematic and planned beautification project was later implemented during Nitish Kumar's own tenure as Chief Minister.
The CM's latest instructions aim to bolster the monument's appeal by ensuring its key attractions are functional and its historical narrative is effectively communicated to the public, thereby preserving an important piece of Bihar's history for future generations.
