SHIMLA: The historic Bantony Castle in Shimla, which dates back to the British Raj era, was officially opened to the public by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who described the castle as a true treasure trove of Shimla's illustrious history and culture.
The Bantony Castle complex was revamped under the Rs. 25 crore project and has been transformed into a relic of the city's vibrant rich heritage.
Situated across 20,000 square meters, the renovated marvel boasts Anglo-Gothic architecture, sure to captivate both tourists and locals alike.
Chief Minister Sukhu, in his address, hailed Bantony Castle as an architectural masterpiece and an invaluable cultural asset.
The revamped castle now welcomes visitors with captivating exhibits dedicated to various facets of history.
These exhibits include insights into Mahatma Gandhi's visits to Shimla, detailed biographies of prominent figures like Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar and Satyanand Stokes, a comprehensive history of Shimla itself, and a tribute to the Bravehearts of India's freedom struggle.
Additionally, the rich culture of the tribal Spiti region is showcased, offering a glimpse into its unique traditions.
The highlight of the inauguration ceremony was a spectacular laser light and sound show, narrated by Bollywood icon Anupam Kher.
This show vividly depicted the illustrious history of Shimla, the erstwhile summer capital, providing visitors with a deep insight into the city's rich history and culture.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Speaker Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Health Minister Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Education Minister Rohit Thakur and others.
