Punjabi Culture Important Cities
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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Fairs
Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami is the most famous of the seasonal fairs. It heralds the advent of spring. Fields of mustard present a unique and colourful sight all over rural Punjab which looks like a newly wedded damsel resplendent in her gorgeous golden yellow. There is a spirit of gay abandon in the air and the Punjabi is rightly infected with the spirit. His heart and soul become one with nature and he expresses his elevated spirit in songsand dance. The Basant fair is held in many villages of the Punjab. People put on yellow costumes appropriate to the season. One huge mass of mustard blossom seems walking down to the fair. Kite-flying was a popular entertainment of the people on this occasion. Often on the Basant Panchami day, if there was a good breeze, one could see nothing but innumerable multi-colored kites in the sky, swishing over in all directions.
Chhapar Fair
This fair is held on Anand Chaudas, the 14th day of the bright half of Bhadon in honour of Gugga Pir. A big shrine known as 'Gugge di Marhi' has been built in his memory. The Pir was very popular in his time, and his disciples can be found all over the Punjab. He was a Chauhan Rajput and according to legend, he gently descended into the bosom of Mother Earth along with his steed, and never returned. He was believed to possess special power over all kinds of snakes. On the day this fair is held, villages scoop the earth seven times because they believe that in this way they invoke Gugga Pir to protect them against snakes. This shrine has a reputation for curing people of snake-bite. It is strongly believed that if a person is bitten by a snake, all that has to be done is to take him to the shrine and lay him beside it, he is then sure to be cured. This shrine was built in 1890. This fair provides occasion for folk songs and folk dances. Young people form themselves into groups and go about dancing and singing for hours. Some dancers don women's dress and perform Giddha for the sake of fun. The fair lasts for three days.
Basant Panchami is the most famous of the seasonal fairs. It heralds the advent of spring. Fields of mustard present a unique and colourful sight all over rural Punjab which looks like a newly wedded damsel resplendent in her gorgeous golden yellow. There is a spirit of gay abandon in the air and the Punjabi is rightly infected with the spirit. His heart and soul become one with nature and he expresses his elevated spirit in songsand dance. The Basant fair is held in many villages of the Punjab. People put on yellow costumes appropriate to the season. One huge mass of mustard blossom seems walking down to the fair. Kite-flying was a popular entertainment of the people on this occasion. Often on the Basant Panchami day, if there was a good breeze, one could see nothing but innumerable multi-colored kites in the sky, swishing over in all directions.
Chhapar Fair
This fair is held on Anand Chaudas, the 14th day of the bright half of Bhadon in honour of Gugga Pir. A big shrine known as 'Gugge di Marhi' has been built in his memory. The Pir was very popular in his time, and his disciples can be found all over the Punjab. He was a Chauhan Rajput and according to legend, he gently descended into the bosom of Mother Earth along with his steed, and never returned. He was believed to possess special power over all kinds of snakes. On the day this fair is held, villages scoop the earth seven times because they believe that in this way they invoke Gugga Pir to protect them against snakes. This shrine has a reputation for curing people of snake-bite. It is strongly believed that if a person is bitten by a snake, all that has to be done is to take him to the shrine and lay him beside it, he is then sure to be cured. This shrine was built in 1890. This fair provides occasion for folk songs and folk dances. Young people form themselves into groups and go about dancing and singing for hours. Some dancers don women's dress and perform Giddha for the sake of fun. The fair lasts for three days.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Festivals in Punjab
Baisakhi
Baisakhi is a seasonal festival with a special accent. It is celebrated all over the State on the first of Baisakh. This is the time when harvest is gathered in and the farmer exults in the fulfillment of his year's hard work. He joins the merry-making with full gusto and does not mind walking for miles to be able to do so. Since this fair is also an expression of prosperity, singing and dancing constitute its most enchanting features. The Punjab's Bhangra and Giddha are inextricably linked with this festival.
Baisakhi marks the beginning of New Year, particularly in the northern part of India. It is among the few Indian festivals that have a fixed date. Baisakhi is always on April 13th.
Lohri marks the culmination of winter, and is celebrated on the 13th day of January in the month of Paush or Magh, a day before Makar Sankranti. For Punjabis, this is more than just a festival, it is also an example of a way of life. Lohri celebrates fertility and the spark of life. People gather round the bonfires, throw sweets, puffed rice and popcorn into the flames, sing popular songs and exchange greetings.
Baisakhi is a seasonal festival with a special accent. It is celebrated all over the State on the first of Baisakh. This is the time when harvest is gathered in and the farmer exults in the fulfillment of his year's hard work. He joins the merry-making with full gusto and does not mind walking for miles to be able to do so. Since this fair is also an expression of prosperity, singing and dancing constitute its most enchanting features. The Punjab's Bhangra and Giddha are inextricably linked with this festival.Baisakhi marks the beginning of New Year, particularly in the northern part of India. It is among the few Indian festivals that have a fixed date. Baisakhi is always on April 13th.
In Punjab (the land of Green Revolution) particularly and in the northern belt of India in general, farmers perform their own prayers and rejoice. For on this day, they commence cutting their harvest. The fields can be seen full of nature's bounty. Dressed in their typical folk attire, both men and women, celebrate the day with Bhangra and Gidda. Sweets are distributed, old enmities are forgiven and life is full of joy, merriment and everyone seems to belong.
Lohri
Lohri marks the culmination of winter, and is celebrated on the 13th day of January in the month of Paush or Magh, a day before Makar Sankranti. For Punjabis, this is more than just a festival, it is also an example of a way of life. Lohri celebrates fertility and the spark of life. People gather round the bonfires, throw sweets, puffed rice and popcorn into the flames, sing popular songs and exchange greetings.On this day children go from door to door to collect funds for community bonfires which are lit up in the evening. Lohri is more of a community festival as people gather around the bonfires and offer sweets, crisp rice and popcorn to the flames.
The focus of Lohri is on the bonfire. The traditional dinner with makki ki roti and sarson ka saag is quintessential. The prasad comprises of five main things: til, gazak, gur, moongphali, phuliya and popcorn. There is puja, involving parikrama around the fire and distribution of prasad. This symbolises a prayer to Agni, the spark of life, for abundant crops and prosperity.
Teeyan
Teeyan, a festival of the rainy season, is celebrated on the 3rd of the bright fortnight of Sawan (July-August). The four months from Harh (June-July) to the first half of Assu (September) are called Chaumasa. During this period the sky generally remains overcast and the weather shifts between sultriness and rainfall. Rains bring the longed-for relief to the heat-stricken Punjabis, and the rhythm of the little and big drops of rain instills in them the enthusiasm which must seek expression in fun and frolic. A newly-married girl looks forward to the rainy days when a brother or some other male relative from the parental home may come to escort her to her father's place. This reversal from bride hood to being just a daughter again is such a liberating and thrilling experience that it cannot be put into words. One day before the Teeyan, girls apply henna to their hands and feet, and on the day of the festival they put on their best clothes and go out to the fair. The fair resounds with the songsof love and the rhythm of dance. The songs are known as Teeyan songs. The Giddha dance has become a regular and most enchanting feature of this festival. At home women make kheer, a dish specially associated with Sawan.
Karva Chauth
On Kartik on the fourth day falls Karva Chauth. On this day married women observe a fast and pray for the long life of their husbands. Sometimes unmarried girls observe this fast and pray for their husbands-to-be. This is the mother-in-laws day because it is customary on this day for the daughter-in-law to present her offerings (Baya) in the form of money and eatables.
Maghi
Next day after Lohri comes Maghi. It is a popular festival of the Punjabis. On this day fairs are held at many places, people go out for a holy dip and give away a lot in charity. The special dish of the day is kheer cooked in sugarcane juice.
Important Cities in Punjab
Amritsar
Amritsar, which literally means a pool of nectar, lies twenty kilometres east of the lndo-Pakistan border, is the Punjab state's second largest town. It was founded in 1577 by Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs. Here a tank was excavated and a temple was got built by the Fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev in its midst and a new city began to grow up round the sacred pool. The name Amritsar meaning 'Pool of Nectar', is named after the sacred pool around which the Sikh's Golden Temple is built. Sikhs from all over the world come to pay their reverence to Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in the Amrit Saras Kund (Pool of Immortality) for spiritual purification is the major landmark of the place. The present city dates back to the 15th century but there are evidence that this city is related to ramayan yug so city's sacred heritage must be measured in terms of millenniums and not in centuries.
Amritsar lied at a distance of about 280 miles from Delhi and is only 16 miles from Wagha, the outpost of the Indo-Pakistan border.The city is an important regional market center for agricultural goods, woollens, spices and dry fruits and also the center for India's border security. Today it is India's important distribution centre of dry-fruits, tea (next only to Calcutta), of condiments and is a leading exporter of goods to the Middle East. Woollen tweeds, suitings, blankets, shawls in traditional weaves, ivory (now plastic) inlay furniture, swords of all designs, oils, scents, jutties (traditional embroidered shoes), cut-glass crockery, selective musical instruments, carpets are manufactured here almost in every bazaar. Its pickles, murabbas (Indian jams) and papads and warian and sweetmeats are exported to far off places, right into Punjabi Diaspora abroad. With a population of about 4,00,000 and a number of educational institutions, business markets, industrial concerns, banks, hotels parks and restaurants, Amritsar still remains the most important, the largest and, perhaps, the most picturesque city in the Punjab. Amritsar is also characterised by the hard working and warm-hearted people.
Amritsar is connected by Indian Airlines flights to Delhi and Srinagar. There is a weekly flight to Birmingham and Kabul. Rajasansi airport is not far from the city and taxis are available for the transfers.
Amritsar is connected with direct trains to delhi , Calcutta , Mumbai , Puri, and other places. The important ones include the Frontier Mail to Mumbai, Shatabdi Express to Delhi and Utkal Express to Puri. There are twice-weekly runs by Lahore Express, the train to Pakistan. Amritsar Railway station provides amenities including Retiring room and refreshment rooms. Taxis are available outside the station.
There is vast network of bus services of Punjab, Himachal , Delhi . Haryana, PEPSU, Chandigarh, U.P , J& K , Rajasthan state roadways, apart from private operators. Important destinations include Delhi, Shimla, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Kullu, Manali and Jammu. Taxis are also available, but not everywhere. They stand outside the airport and railway station. There are autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws are also very common for local transfers.
Places of Interest in Amritsar
Golden Temple, Jaliawal Bagh, Durgiana Mandir, Baba Atal Rai Tower, Khalsa College & Guru Nanak Dev University, Bazaars
Around Amritsar
Rambagh Garden, Ram Tirth, Wagah Border, Amanat Khan Serai, Baba Bakala, Dharamsala, Gobindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran, Harike Wetland, Dera Baba Jaimal Singh
Hotels in Amritsar
1. Ritz Plaza Hotel Amritsar
45 THE MALL, AMRITSAR Amritsar
2. Hotel Ranjit's Svaasa in Amritsar
47 A, THE MALL, AMRITSAR Amritsar
3. Hotel Mohan International in Amritsar
ALBERT ROAD, AMRITSAR 143001 Amritsar
4. Hotel Raj Continental in Amritsar
Opp. Church Court Road N/A Amritsar
Bhathinda
Bathinda is one of the oldest and most famous cities of Punjab. Bhatinda's cotton and agricultural production is well known. It is developing fast and some of the recent developments are a modern thermal power plant, fertilizer factories, and a massive oil refinery. Known for its fort, Bhatinda is one of the oldest towns in the state and has many historical associations. It was again in the jungles of Bathinda that Guru Gobind Singh Ji is reputed to have once challenged and fought the mighty Mughal forces. This town also played a prominent role in freedom Struggle of the country and against the autocratic administration of the then Princely rulers.
It is one of the biggest food grain and cotton market in northern India. the area around Bhatinda has become a large grape growing area.
Bhatinda is well linked to other cities and New Delhi by an efficient rail and transport system. The nearest Airports are located at New Delhi and Chandigarh which are 265K.M. and 85K.M. away by Road respectively. Connected by Rail and situated on the Ambala-Bathinda branch line of Northern Railway and few trains like New Delhi-Bhathinda Intercity Express and Dadar-Amritsar Express touch Patiala station. Besides there are several Passenger trains running between Ambala and Bhathinda (which stop at Patiala) at regular intervals daily.
Places of Interest
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Or Talwandi Sabo
Mazaar Of Peer Haji Rattan
Maisar Khana
The Bathinda Fort
Chandigarh
Chandigarh is located on the foothills of Shivaliks. It is regarded as the best planned city of Asia. It is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. French architect Charles Edouard Jeanneret designed the city. It is a pollution and slum free city. The highlights of Chandigarh city are:
Rock Garden The Rock Garden is a fantabulous example of utilization of waste materials. The Garden got completed in the year1976. The materials used in the construction of sculptures are fused bulbs, broken plates and tiles. Nek Chand designed this garden. A fountain adores the interiors of the garden.
Sukhana Lake Sukhana Lake is an artificial Lake created by damming a seasonal River Sukhana Choe. Facilities like boating and water skiing are offered at the lake. The Lake is surrounded by green vegetation.
Hotels in Chandigarh
1. The Hotel Piccadily
Himalaya Marg Sector 22, Chandigarh. 0172-2707571-72-73,
4616084, 4619084 Fax: 0172-2705692
Email: reservations@thepiccadily.com
2. Hotel City Plaza 17
s.c.o. 96-97,
near I.S.B.T.,in main shopping centre,
sector 17-c Chandigarh.
ph:+91-172-5077796-97,5000476
Amritsar, which literally means a pool of nectar, lies twenty kilometres east of the lndo-Pakistan border, is the Punjab state's second largest town. It was founded in 1577 by Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs. Here a tank was excavated and a temple was got built by the Fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev in its midst and a new city began to grow up round the sacred pool. The name Amritsar meaning 'Pool of Nectar', is named after the sacred pool around which the Sikh's Golden Temple is built. Sikhs from all over the world come to pay their reverence to Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in the Amrit Saras Kund (Pool of Immortality) for spiritual purification is the major landmark of the place. The present city dates back to the 15th century but there are evidence that this city is related to ramayan yug so city's sacred heritage must be measured in terms of millenniums and not in centuries.
Amritsar lied at a distance of about 280 miles from Delhi and is only 16 miles from Wagha, the outpost of the Indo-Pakistan border.The city is an important regional market center for agricultural goods, woollens, spices and dry fruits and also the center for India's border security. Today it is India's important distribution centre of dry-fruits, tea (next only to Calcutta), of condiments and is a leading exporter of goods to the Middle East. Woollen tweeds, suitings, blankets, shawls in traditional weaves, ivory (now plastic) inlay furniture, swords of all designs, oils, scents, jutties (traditional embroidered shoes), cut-glass crockery, selective musical instruments, carpets are manufactured here almost in every bazaar. Its pickles, murabbas (Indian jams) and papads and warian and sweetmeats are exported to far off places, right into Punjabi Diaspora abroad. With a population of about 4,00,000 and a number of educational institutions, business markets, industrial concerns, banks, hotels parks and restaurants, Amritsar still remains the most important, the largest and, perhaps, the most picturesque city in the Punjab. Amritsar is also characterised by the hard working and warm-hearted people.
Amritsar is connected by Indian Airlines flights to Delhi and Srinagar. There is a weekly flight to Birmingham and Kabul. Rajasansi airport is not far from the city and taxis are available for the transfers.
Amritsar is connected with direct trains to delhi , Calcutta , Mumbai , Puri, and other places. The important ones include the Frontier Mail to Mumbai, Shatabdi Express to Delhi and Utkal Express to Puri. There are twice-weekly runs by Lahore Express, the train to Pakistan. Amritsar Railway station provides amenities including Retiring room and refreshment rooms. Taxis are available outside the station.
There is vast network of bus services of Punjab, Himachal , Delhi . Haryana, PEPSU, Chandigarh, U.P , J& K , Rajasthan state roadways, apart from private operators. Important destinations include Delhi, Shimla, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Kullu, Manali and Jammu. Taxis are also available, but not everywhere. They stand outside the airport and railway station. There are autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws are also very common for local transfers.
Places of Interest in Amritsar
Golden Temple, Jaliawal Bagh, Durgiana Mandir, Baba Atal Rai Tower, Khalsa College & Guru Nanak Dev University, Bazaars
Around Amritsar
Rambagh Garden, Ram Tirth, Wagah Border, Amanat Khan Serai, Baba Bakala, Dharamsala, Gobindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran, Harike Wetland, Dera Baba Jaimal Singh
Hotels in Amritsar
1. Ritz Plaza Hotel Amritsar
45 THE MALL, AMRITSAR Amritsar
2. Hotel Ranjit's Svaasa in Amritsar
47 A, THE MALL, AMRITSAR Amritsar
3. Hotel Mohan International in Amritsar
ALBERT ROAD, AMRITSAR 143001 Amritsar
4. Hotel Raj Continental in Amritsar
Opp. Church Court Road N/A Amritsar
Bhathinda
Bathinda is one of the oldest and most famous cities of Punjab. Bhatinda's cotton and agricultural production is well known. It is developing fast and some of the recent developments are a modern thermal power plant, fertilizer factories, and a massive oil refinery. Known for its fort, Bhatinda is one of the oldest towns in the state and has many historical associations. It was again in the jungles of Bathinda that Guru Gobind Singh Ji is reputed to have once challenged and fought the mighty Mughal forces. This town also played a prominent role in freedom Struggle of the country and against the autocratic administration of the then Princely rulers.
It is one of the biggest food grain and cotton market in northern India. the area around Bhatinda has become a large grape growing area.
Bhatinda is well linked to other cities and New Delhi by an efficient rail and transport system. The nearest Airports are located at New Delhi and Chandigarh which are 265K.M. and 85K.M. away by Road respectively. Connected by Rail and situated on the Ambala-Bathinda branch line of Northern Railway and few trains like New Delhi-Bhathinda Intercity Express and Dadar-Amritsar Express touch Patiala station. Besides there are several Passenger trains running between Ambala and Bhathinda (which stop at Patiala) at regular intervals daily.
Places of Interest
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Or Talwandi Sabo
Mazaar Of Peer Haji Rattan
Maisar Khana
The Bathinda Fort
Chandigarh
Chandigarh is located on the foothills of Shivaliks. It is regarded as the best planned city of Asia. It is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. French architect Charles Edouard Jeanneret designed the city. It is a pollution and slum free city. The highlights of Chandigarh city are:
Rock Garden The Rock Garden is a fantabulous example of utilization of waste materials. The Garden got completed in the year1976. The materials used in the construction of sculptures are fused bulbs, broken plates and tiles. Nek Chand designed this garden. A fountain adores the interiors of the garden.
Sukhana Lake Sukhana Lake is an artificial Lake created by damming a seasonal River Sukhana Choe. Facilities like boating and water skiing are offered at the lake. The Lake is surrounded by green vegetation.
Hotels in Chandigarh
1. The Hotel Piccadily
Himalaya Marg Sector 22, Chandigarh. 0172-2707571-72-73,
4616084, 4619084 Fax: 0172-2705692
Email: reservations@thepiccadily.com
2. Hotel City Plaza 17
s.c.o. 96-97,
near I.S.B.T.,in main shopping centre,
sector 17-c Chandigarh.
ph:+91-172-5077796-97,5000476
Jalandhar
It is the oldest city in Punjab situated at a distance of about 84 kms southeast of Amritsar on the G.T road going to Calcutta. Jalandhar is India's foremost producer of sports goods. Its steel and iron re-rolling mills, rubber goods, electric goods, automobile parts, and sewing machine factories and handloom products are also very famous. Today, it is a major rail and road junction and an army cantonment. This city has twelve kots and twelve gates. It is one of the biggest centres of the vernacular press in India, most of the vernacular papers, magazines in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu are published here. The renowned newspapers are Hind Samachar, Punjab Kesri, Jag Bani, Partap & Veer Partap, Ajit, Akali Patrika, Nawan Zamana and Milap. Jalandhar is famous for export of quality sports goods all over the world. It is a town of great antiquity which has become a highly industrialized center of commercial activity.
The monuments in and around the city include 800 years old Imam Nasir Mosque, Devi Talab Mandir and two century old Jama Masjid. Jalandhar is the 'sports city of India' as it has not only finest sport industry but also a large number of sportsmen. In fact, 12 of India's greatest hockey players have come from a single village, Sansarpur, in Jalandhar city. Jalandhar has very alive atmosphere, something that is typical to the whole of Punjab. Initially, a college for women viz. Kanya Maha Vidyalaya was established in March 1921. Now there are large number of colleges, polytechnics, Academic and Ayurvedic colleges and also a number of colleges for women such as Hansraj Mahila Vidyalya, Kanya Maha vidyalya, Lyalpur Khalsa College and S.D. College. There is also a college for Teacher Training and a college of Sports. The railway line from Beas to Jalandhar was opened in 1869 and was completed upto Phillour by the next year. The Doab was linked to the rest of the punjab by the railway bridges, constructed over the Beas in 1869 and over the Sutlej in 1870.
Jalandhar ranks second in India in the rate of urbanisation and has the highest density of population at 598 persons per square km, as per the 1991 census. The reason for this is growing industrialisation. Industrial production of sports goods began on a small scale during the late forties. Over the years, the sports goods industry has grown at an impressive rate and of late Indian sports goods are also exported to different countries.
Most of India's sports goods are exported to the United Kingdom, The United States of America, Germany, France and Australia. Rough estimates suggest that today Jalandhar has more than one hundred major industries and about 20,000 small-scale industries with a most conservative estimate of an annual turnover of approximately Rs 450 crores The industry is mainly concentrated in Jalandhar and Meerut. The Indian sports goods industry manufactures 318 items. The Indian sports goods industry is a highly labour intensive industry which provides employment to the weaker sections of society and also employs a large number of women. The sports goods industry in India has witnessed a phenomenal growth over the past five decades and now occupies a place of prominence in the Indian economy in view of its massive potential for employment, growth and export.
The spoken language in Jalandhar is Punjabi being the mother tongue of Punjabi people. The Jalandhar falls in Doaba region, comprising the districts Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala. Doaba region is sided by the rivers Beas and Sutlej. The dilect of this region is called Doabi by the linguistics. People give stress on 'B' in place of V. But with the spread of communication means the difference is eliminating very fast.
Since, the Jalandhar city is the house of printing press, the writers flocked to Jalandhar from all over the Punjab and many of them settled here and wrote great books. These writers wrote about the deep agonies of partition of 1947. The cruelties done during those times, the problems of migrants from Pakistan, the short stories novels, plays and poems deal with the subject of human crisis created with the partition. These books or some slections from these books were later on prescribed for school and college syllabuses.This gave inspiration to many young writers.The writers write Punjabi in Gurmukhi script. Kartar Singh Duggal a great writer of Punjabi literature brought All India Radio to Jalandhar.
Ludhiana
The city of Ludhiana with the population of more than 35 Lacs, is the District Headquarters of Ludhiana. Ludhiana is located on the latitude 30.55° North and longitude 75.54° East in the state of Punjab in northern India. The city stands on the Grand Trunk Road from Delhi to Amritsar. Ludhiana is now Punjab's most populated and very rapidly growing metropolitan city. It is on the south bank of the Sutlej river. The city was the sight of a great battle during the first Sikh wars. It was also an important center during the struggle for freedom, and is associated with names like Lala Lajpat Rai, Sardar Kartar Singh, Baba Santa Singh and Maulana Habibur Rehman. An important industrial town, Ludhiana in Punjab, is Textile and light engineering centre of India. Woollen garment machine tools, dyes, cycle parts, mopeds, sewing machines and motor parts produced here are exported all over the world. Ludhiana accounts for 90% of the country's woollen hosiery industry.
Punjab's most populous metropolis, its hosiery goods are in demand in all the markets of the east and the west, which include America and Russia. For its production of hosiery, Ludhiana is also known as the Manchester of India. The worlds largest bicycle manufacturer, Hero Cycles, which produces nearly three million bicycles annually, is based here. The rich agricultural area around it supports a large grain market. Christian Medical College Hospital, established in 1895, was the first school of medicine in Asia. The world famous Punjab Agricultural University is on the edge of the town organizes the Kisan Mela every Year. It has an excellent museum. Ludhiana holds world records in food production. However, Ludhiana's claim to fame is not its commercial enterprises alone. It is an important pilgrimage center as there are many historic Gurdwaras. There are a number of gurudwaras associated with the life and visits of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Among them the gurudwaras of Charan Kanwal and Manji Sahib are important.
Places of Interest
Punjab Agricultural University Museum
Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
Christian Medical college
Around Ludhiana
Gurdwara Charan Kanwala at Machhiwara about 35 kms.
Gurdwara Alamgir 10 kms. from Ludhiana.
Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib about 38 kms from Ludhiana.
'Hatur' About 54 kms. from Ludhiana sacred to Jains.
Doraha Sarai Doraha.
Archelogical site Museum, Sanghol
Kapurthala
Named after its founder Nawab Kapur Singh, this capital town of an erstwhile princely state is situated towards the west of Jalandhar City at a distance of 19 kms. It is now the headquarters of the district in Punjab with the same territory. The story of Kapurthala extends back to more than 900 years ago, Mahmood Ghaznavi's time. It is said that a certain Rana Kapur, of the royal Rajpur House of Jaisalmer, a legendary ancestor of the Ahluwalia family, founded the town in that remote age. But it remains the fact that during 700 years of Muslim rule, it was not a prominent place. The limelight of history fell upon it only with the advent of Jassa Singh. The story of Kapurthala is inextricably inter-woven with the life and struggles of Jassa Singh. It was he who evicted Ibrahim Khan, a usurper after the death of Mughal Governor Adina Beg, from Kapurthala. Jassa Singh selected Kapurthala as his capital, although it was only after his death that the town became the fixed capital and place of residence of the Ahluwalia chiefs.
Places of Interest In Kapurthala
State Gurdwara
The Moorish Mosque
Panch Mandir
Palace of Maharaja Jagatjit Singh
Shalimar Garden
Kanjli Wetland
Around Kapurthala
Gurdwara Ber Sahib at Sultanpur Lodhi
Tomb of Pir Jumme Shah Darwesh Pind
Phagwara
Patiala
Patiala is relatively a young city of royal heritage and rich tradition. Founded in 1764 by Baba Ala Singh, a soldier par excellence on an ancient mound, "PRASTHALA", frequently referred to in the Mahabharta epic, Patiala has since then acquired a place of eminence in political, social, religious, music and fine arts, cultural, academic and military spheres. It was Maharaja Bhupinder Singh (1900-1938) who gave Patiala State a prominent place on the political map of India. Later at the time of Indian independence his son Yadvindera Singh took a patriotic lead by signing the instrument of accession facilitating the process of national integration.
There after Patiala has continued to occupy an important place in regional politics. The Capital of Princely state Patiala has magnificent Forts, Palaces, extensive gardens like Quilla Androo Sheesh Mahal, Moti Bagh Palace, Baradari Garden, Art Galleries and National Institute of Sports. Baradari Gardens, Gurudwara Dukhniwaran Sahib, Temple Kali Devi, which on account of the rare murals on its walls, has been declared a national monument. Patiala is now one of the principle city of Punjab. National Institute of sports (NIS), Head quarters of State Bank of Patiala, Panjab State Electricity Board, Public Works Department, Public Service Commission, Punjab State Archives and Income Tax Department for this reason are also located here. The Northern Religion Centre is also located at Patiala. Patiala has long been a centre of trade and commerce but in recent years it is gradually developing into an industrial town by producing a wide range of goods. Escorts, Milk Food, Diesel Component Works (DCW) of the railways, Bakeman's Factory Area and Industrial Estate Sirhind Road are worth mentioning industrial units. Also, Patiala has the proud distinction of having one of the most prestigious army formation.
Patiala today is the biggest centre of education in northern India. Boosting of almost all possible fields of education which includes Punjabi University, Thapar College of Engineering - a deemed University, Medical College, Aurvedic College, Institute of Aviation, College of Commerce, Nursing, Education and Physical education, Institute of Sanskrit studies and the academy of Sikh religion and culture, Mahindra College, Modi College, Khalsa College, Government College of Women, Yadvindra Public School ; Patiala prides in claiming high academic ratio in the State. Rajindra Medical College, Dental College, State College of Education, Commerce College, Ayurvedic College besides several degree colleges, Govt. Polytechnic for Women and Public Schools including two I.T.I's for boys and girls are located at Patiala.
The city has rich tradition in promoting sports in the country dating back to Baba Ala Singh. He popularised sports like horsemanship, marksmanship and hunting. Later Cricket was introduced as the modern sport and highest cricket ground in the world was built at Chail (now in Himachal Pradesh). Other sports include Polo, Hockey and Wrestling in which Patiala has produced world fame players and Wrestlers. With the establishment of National Institute of Sports, Patiala has become sports capital of the Country.
The city has rich tradition in promoting sports in the country dating back to Baba Ala Singh. He popularised sports like horsemanship, marksmanship and hunting. Later Cricket was introduced as the modern sport and highest cricket ground in the world was built at Chail (now in Himachal Pradesh). Other sports include Polo, Hockey and Wrestling in which Patiala has produced world fame players and Wrestlers. With the establishment of National Institute of Sports, Patiala has become sports capital of the Country.
Places of Interest
Qila Mubarak
Motibagh Palace
Kali Devi Temple
Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib
Bara Dari Garden
National Institute Of Sports
Around Patiala
Aam Khas Bagh, Sirhind
Mughal Serai, Shambhu
Bahadurgarh Fort
Ghuram
Anandpur Sahib
Pathankot
Pathankot situated at the foot of hills and near the head of Bari Doab canal, is connected by rail and road with the rest of the country. It serves as a bridgehead between India and its State of Jammu and Kashmir. Pathankot has been the seat of Loi and Shawl weaving industry and lies at a point where the trade routes from the hills of Chamba, Nurpur and Kangra unite and enter the plains. A city with a population of 129198, Pathankot is spread over 22.10 Sq.Kms. Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Maclodgunj, Kangra Valley, Jwalaji, Chintpurni, are some of the various Hill Stations of Himachal Pradesh where you can go through Pathankot.
Pathankot and its surrounding areas once formed part of the territories of Nurpur (now in Himachal Pardesh). The dynasty of Nurpur was established by Jatpal alias Rana Bhet, a Taur Rajput from Delhi, who settled at Pathankot and took possession of all the country in the foot of the hills. Rajputs shifted their capital to the modern town of Nurpur (renamed after Begum Nurjahan) towards the end of seventeenth century. A muslim descendant of the Rajas of Nurpur Sayed Khan ruled over this territory till 1781. Pathankot also figures in Ain-i-Akbari as the Pargana Headquarter. Some believe it was a settlement of Pathans during the madieval times. The famous historian Cunnigham says that name of Pathankot came into vogue from the word Pattan.
Places of Interest
Malikpur, Asia's foremost Hydraulic Research Station at the Upper Bari Doab Canal.
Madhopur, known for its famous headworks on the river Ravi.
Shahpur Kandi, a place of unique beauty a little north of Madhopur.
Close by is the newly constructed Thein or Ranjit Sagar Dam.
Educational Institutes in Pathankot
1. Pilot High School.
2. Arun Rashmi School.
3. Adarsh Bahrtiya College
Monday, October 20, 2008
Spiritual Places in Punjab
Golden Temple
Sri Harmandir Sahib (Punjabi: ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ) or Darbar Sahib (Punjabi:ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ), informally referred to as The Golden Temple or Temple of God is culturally the most significant place of worship of the sikhs and one of the oldest Sikh gurudwaras . It is located in the city of Amritsar which was established by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs and the city that it was built in, is also due to the shrine, known as "Guru Di Nagri"
Its name literally means House of God. The fourth Guru of Sikhism, GuruRamdas, excavated a tank in 1577 which subsequently became known as Amritsar (meaning: Pool of the Nectar of Immortality, giving its name to the city that grew around it. In due course, a splendid Sikh edifice, Harmandir Sahib (Temple of God), was constructed in the middle of this tank which became the supreme centre of Sikhism. Its sanctum came to house the Adi Granthcomprising compositions, Sikh values, philosophies and teachings of the Sikh Gurus and other saints of Guru Nanak's time, e.g. Ravidas a Hindu Guru, Baba Farida Sufi Sant (Saint) and Kabir, all of whom the Sikhs refer to as the Bhagats.The compilation of the Adi Granth was started by the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjun Dev ji.
Originally built during 1574 AD, the site of the temple was surrounded by a small lake in a thin forest. The third of the six grand Mughals, emperor Akbar, who visited the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das, at the neighbouring town of Goindval was so impressed by the way of life in the town that he gave a Jagir(the land and the revenues of several villages in the vicinity) to the Guru's daughter Bhani as a gift on her marriage to Bhai Jetha, who later became the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das. Guru Ram Das enlarged the lake and built a small township around it. The town was named after Guru Ram Das as "Guru Ka Chak", "Chak Ram Das" or "Ram Das Pura".
During the leadership of the fifth Guru, Guru Anjan Dev(1581-1606), the full-fledged Temple was built. In December 1588 the great Muslim Sufi saint of Lahore, Hazrat Mian Mir, a close friend of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, was asked to lay the corner stone (December 1588). The story has been told that a mason then straightened the stone, to which Guru Arjan said, as you have just undone the work of such a holy man, who knows what disaster might come to the Harmandir Sahib. This story has been used to offer a reason why the temple has been attacked so many times by the Afghanis and Mughals and even the Indian Army in 1984.
The temple was completed in 1604. Guru Arjan Dev, installed the Adi Granth in it and appointed Baba Buddha Ji as the first Granthi (Reader) of the temple on August 1604. In the mid 18th century it was attacked by the Afghans, by one of Ahmed Shah Abdali's Generals, Jahan Khan, and had to be substantially rebuilt in the 1760s. However, in response a Sikh Army was sent to hunt down the Afghan force. They were under orders to show no mercy and historical evidence suggests none was shown. Both forces met each other 5 miles outside Amritsar where Jahan Khan's army was destroyed. He himself was decapitated by commander Sardar Dayal Singh.
The temple is surrounded by a large Sarovar (manmade lake), known as the AmritSar (Lake of Holy Water or Immortal Nectar). There are entrances to the temple on all four sides, signifying the importance of acceptance and openness; ostensibly, this concept is reminiscent of the tent of Abraham in the Old Testament -- his tent was open on all four sides in order to be able to welcome travelers from all directions. Inside the temple complex there are many shrines to past Sikh Gurus, Saints and martyrs . There are three holy trees (Bers) each associated with a historical event or Sikh saint. Inside the temple there are many memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs and includes commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in the two World Wars. For a new visitor the first recommended place to visit is the information Office followed by visiting the Sikh Central museum near the main entrance called the Ghanta Ghar Deori (clock tower gate). Anyone who wants to enter the Harmandir Sahib may do so, irrespective of religion, colour, creed or sex. The only restrictions are that the person must not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or use other non prescription drugs while in the shrine. Visitors are, as well, expected to dress appropriately and everyone must cover their heads as a sign of respect, remove their shoes and wash their feet in the small pool of water as they enter the Harmandir Sahib premises. Head scarves are provided.
The golden plates which cover the exterior of the Gurdwara's upper floor and domes, as well as its exquisite marblework was done under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the leader of the Sikh Empire of the Punjab. Also called Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of the Punjab), the Maharaja was a heavy donor of wealth and materials for the shrine and is remembered with much affection by the Punjabi People in general and the Sikh community in particular. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was responsible for a rennaisance of many Gurdwaras damaged or destroyed during Mughal rule, including many new Gurdwaras as well. Two of the other most revered temples of Sikhism were built to honor the memory of Guru Gobind Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh's deep love of and respect for the 10th Guru lead to his having both the Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Built at the birth place of Guru Gobind Singh) and the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib (the place where Guru Gobind Singh died).
Anandpur Sahib
Anandpur Sahib (Punjabi: ਅਨੰਦਪੁਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ, (Hindi: आनन्दपुर साहिब) is a city and a municipal councilin Rupnagar district inthe state of Punjab, India. Known as "the holy City of Bliss," it is a holy city of the Sikhs and is one of their most important sacred places, closely linked with their religious traditions and history. It is located on the lower spurs of the Himalayas surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, with the river Sutlej forming a shimmering and shiny blue border on the south west barely four miles away.
Anandpur Sahib was founded in the year 1665 by the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur, near the ruins of an ancient place, Makhowal. On May 13,1665, Guru Tegh Bahadur went to Bilaspur to attend the mourning for Raja Dip Chand of Bilaspur State. The Dowager Rani Champa of Bilaspur offered to give the Guru a piece of land in her state. The Guru bought the site on payment of five hundred rupees. The land consisted of the villages of Lodhipur, Mianpur and Sahota. Here on the mound of Makhowal, Guru Tegh Bahadur raised a new habitation. The ground was broken on June19, 1665, by Baba Gurditta Randhawa. The new village was named Chakk Nanaki after the Guru's mother, Nanaki. The place later came to be known as Anandpur Sahib.
Anandpur Sahib comes to life every year on the occasion of Hola Mohalla. This tradition dates back to the times of the 10th Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Guru decreed that the occasion of the festival of Holi be the occasion for the display of the martial spirit of his people and he gave this festival of Holi the Sikh name of 'Hola Mohalla'. Each year Hola Mohalla marks the congregation of up to 100,000 devotees from all over the country for a festival of colour and gaiety.
Some of the famous Gurudwaras in Punjab are:
Fatehgarh Sahib, Sirhind : An important destination for Sikh pilgrims. This gurudwara has been built on the site where 300 years ago, Guru Gobind Singhji's two young Sahibzadas were entombed alive by the Mughals because they had refused to embrace Islam underduress of the Nawab of Sirhind.
Damadama Sahib also known as Guru -Ki- Kashi Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda : Guru Gobind Singhji stayed in Damdama Sahib for nine months and it was here that he worked on the Adi Granth. He made Damdama the centre for propagating the Sikh faith and called it ‘Khalsa De Takht’ or Throne of the Khalsa. It holds great significance for Sikh for it is the place where the guru sought rest and refuge during his battles with the Mughals.
Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib Patiala City : Marks the site where the 9th Prophet,Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji had rested while proceeding to Delhi to embrace martyrdom to uphold man's right to worship according to his belief.
Tarn Taran : 24 Kms south of Amritsar. Founded by the 5th Prophet Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji the impressive Gurudwara with gold plated dome has a holy pool. The guru used to run a leper's home here.
Goindwal Sahib : Within easy reach of Tarn Taran was the centre of Sikh religion during the time of the third Prophet, Guru Amar Das ji. The deep well (bauli) in the Gurudwara has 84 steps. Whoever takes a bath here and recites Japji Sahib (divine composition of the first Prophet of the Sikhs, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji ) at each step, and repeats the recitation followed by bath in the Holy Well 84 times, attains moksh, because he lives out 84,000 cycles of birth representing each specie created by God.
Baba Bakala : 45 Kms from Amritsar. The 9th Prophet Guru Teg Bahadur had revealed himself to Makhan Shah Lubana, a Sikh devotee here. A fair is held here on the occasion of Rakhsha Bandhan.
Dera Baba Nanak : (35 Kms west of Gurdaspur) Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent last 12 years of his life here. Clothes he wore at Mecca are preserved here. A fair called the Maghi fair is held here every January.
Sri Harmandir Sahib (Punjabi: ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ) or Darbar Sahib (Punjabi:ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ), informally referred to as The Golden Temple or Temple of God is culturally the most significant place of worship of the sikhs and one of the oldest Sikh gurudwaras . It is located in the city of Amritsar which was established by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs and the city that it was built in, is also due to the shrine, known as "Guru Di Nagri"Its name literally means House of God. The fourth Guru of Sikhism, GuruRamdas, excavated a tank in 1577 which subsequently became known as Amritsar (meaning: Pool of the Nectar of Immortality, giving its name to the city that grew around it. In due course, a splendid Sikh edifice, Harmandir Sahib (Temple of God), was constructed in the middle of this tank which became the supreme centre of Sikhism. Its sanctum came to house the Adi Granthcomprising compositions, Sikh values, philosophies and teachings of the Sikh Gurus and other saints of Guru Nanak's time, e.g. Ravidas a Hindu Guru, Baba Farida Sufi Sant (Saint) and Kabir, all of whom the Sikhs refer to as the Bhagats.The compilation of the Adi Granth was started by the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjun Dev ji.
Originally built during 1574 AD, the site of the temple was surrounded by a small lake in a thin forest. The third of the six grand Mughals, emperor Akbar, who visited the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das, at the neighbouring town of Goindval was so impressed by the way of life in the town that he gave a Jagir(the land and the revenues of several villages in the vicinity) to the Guru's daughter Bhani as a gift on her marriage to Bhai Jetha, who later became the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das. Guru Ram Das enlarged the lake and built a small township around it. The town was named after Guru Ram Das as "Guru Ka Chak", "Chak Ram Das" or "Ram Das Pura".During the leadership of the fifth Guru, Guru Anjan Dev(1581-1606), the full-fledged Temple was built. In December 1588 the great Muslim Sufi saint of Lahore, Hazrat Mian Mir, a close friend of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, was asked to lay the corner stone (December 1588). The story has been told that a mason then straightened the stone, to which Guru Arjan said, as you have just undone the work of such a holy man, who knows what disaster might come to the Harmandir Sahib. This story has been used to offer a reason why the temple has been attacked so many times by the Afghanis and Mughals and even the Indian Army in 1984.
The temple was completed in 1604. Guru Arjan Dev, installed the Adi Granth in it and appointed Baba Buddha Ji as the first Granthi (Reader) of the temple on August 1604. In the mid 18th century it was attacked by the Afghans, by one of Ahmed Shah Abdali's Generals, Jahan Khan, and had to be substantially rebuilt in the 1760s. However, in response a Sikh Army was sent to hunt down the Afghan force. They were under orders to show no mercy and historical evidence suggests none was shown. Both forces met each other 5 miles outside Amritsar where Jahan Khan's army was destroyed. He himself was decapitated by commander Sardar Dayal Singh.
The temple is surrounded by a large Sarovar (manmade lake), known as the AmritSar (Lake of Holy Water or Immortal Nectar). There are entrances to the temple on all four sides, signifying the importance of acceptance and openness; ostensibly, this concept is reminiscent of the tent of Abraham in the Old Testament -- his tent was open on all four sides in order to be able to welcome travelers from all directions. Inside the temple complex there are many shrines to past Sikh Gurus, Saints and martyrs . There are three holy trees (Bers) each associated with a historical event or Sikh saint. Inside the temple there are many memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs and includes commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in the two World Wars. For a new visitor the first recommended place to visit is the information Office followed by visiting the Sikh Central museum near the main entrance called the Ghanta Ghar Deori (clock tower gate). Anyone who wants to enter the Harmandir Sahib may do so, irrespective of religion, colour, creed or sex. The only restrictions are that the person must not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or use other non prescription drugs while in the shrine. Visitors are, as well, expected to dress appropriately and everyone must cover their heads as a sign of respect, remove their shoes and wash their feet in the small pool of water as they enter the Harmandir Sahib premises. Head scarves are provided.
The golden plates which cover the exterior of the Gurdwara's upper floor and domes, as well as its exquisite marblework was done under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the leader of the Sikh Empire of the Punjab. Also called Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of the Punjab), the Maharaja was a heavy donor of wealth and materials for the shrine and is remembered with much affection by the Punjabi People in general and the Sikh community in particular. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was responsible for a rennaisance of many Gurdwaras damaged or destroyed during Mughal rule, including many new Gurdwaras as well. Two of the other most revered temples of Sikhism were built to honor the memory of Guru Gobind Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh's deep love of and respect for the 10th Guru lead to his having both the Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Built at the birth place of Guru Gobind Singh) and the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib (the place where Guru Gobind Singh died).Anandpur Sahib
Anandpur Sahib (Punjabi: ਅਨੰਦਪੁਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ, (Hindi: आनन्दपुर साहिब) is a city and a municipal councilin Rupnagar district inthe state of Punjab, India. Known as "the holy City of Bliss," it is a holy city of the Sikhs and is one of their most important sacred places, closely linked with their religious traditions and history. It is located on the lower spurs of the Himalayas surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, with the river Sutlej forming a shimmering and shiny blue border on the south west barely four miles away.Anandpur Sahib was founded in the year 1665 by the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur, near the ruins of an ancient place, Makhowal. On May 13,1665, Guru Tegh Bahadur went to Bilaspur to attend the mourning for Raja Dip Chand of Bilaspur State. The Dowager Rani Champa of Bilaspur offered to give the Guru a piece of land in her state. The Guru bought the site on payment of five hundred rupees. The land consisted of the villages of Lodhipur, Mianpur and Sahota. Here on the mound of Makhowal, Guru Tegh Bahadur raised a new habitation. The ground was broken on June19, 1665, by Baba Gurditta Randhawa. The new village was named Chakk Nanaki after the Guru's mother, Nanaki. The place later came to be known as Anandpur Sahib.
Anandpur Sahib comes to life every year on the occasion of Hola Mohalla. This tradition dates back to the times of the 10th Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Guru decreed that the occasion of the festival of Holi be the occasion for the display of the martial spirit of his people and he gave this festival of Holi the Sikh name of 'Hola Mohalla'. Each year Hola Mohalla marks the congregation of up to 100,000 devotees from all over the country for a festival of colour and gaiety.
Some of the famous Gurudwaras in Punjab are:
Fatehgarh Sahib, Sirhind : An important destination for Sikh pilgrims. This gurudwara has been built on the site where 300 years ago, Guru Gobind Singhji's two young Sahibzadas were entombed alive by the Mughals because they had refused to embrace Islam underduress of the Nawab of Sirhind.
Damadama Sahib also known as Guru -Ki- Kashi Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda : Guru Gobind Singhji stayed in Damdama Sahib for nine months and it was here that he worked on the Adi Granth. He made Damdama the centre for propagating the Sikh faith and called it ‘Khalsa De Takht’ or Throne of the Khalsa. It holds great significance for Sikh for it is the place where the guru sought rest and refuge during his battles with the Mughals.
Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib Patiala City : Marks the site where the 9th Prophet,Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji had rested while proceeding to Delhi to embrace martyrdom to uphold man's right to worship according to his belief.
Tarn Taran : 24 Kms south of Amritsar. Founded by the 5th Prophet Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji the impressive Gurudwara with gold plated dome has a holy pool. The guru used to run a leper's home here.
Goindwal Sahib : Within easy reach of Tarn Taran was the centre of Sikh religion during the time of the third Prophet, Guru Amar Das ji. The deep well (bauli) in the Gurudwara has 84 steps. Whoever takes a bath here and recites Japji Sahib (divine composition of the first Prophet of the Sikhs, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji ) at each step, and repeats the recitation followed by bath in the Holy Well 84 times, attains moksh, because he lives out 84,000 cycles of birth representing each specie created by God.
Baba Bakala : 45 Kms from Amritsar. The 9th Prophet Guru Teg Bahadur had revealed himself to Makhan Shah Lubana, a Sikh devotee here. A fair is held here on the occasion of Rakhsha Bandhan.
Dera Baba Nanak : (35 Kms west of Gurdaspur) Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent last 12 years of his life here. Clothes he wore at Mecca are preserved here. A fair called the Maghi fair is held here every January.
Ancient Punjab
Ancient Punjab formed part of the vast Indo-Iranian region. In later years it saw the rise and fall of the Mauryans, Bactrians, Greeks, Sakas, Kushans and Guptas. Punjab of Medieval times saw a supremacy of the Muslims, Ghaznavi were followed by the Ghoris, the slaves, the Khiljis, the Tughlaks, the Lodhis and the Mughals. Fifteenth and sixteenth centuries mark a period of watershed in the history of Punjab. Through teachings of Guru Nanak, Bhakti movement received a great impetus. Prima facie, Sikhism was a socio-religious movement which was more interested in fighting evils in religion and society. It was Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru who transformed the Sikhs into the Khalsa. They rose to challenge tyranny and after centuries of servitude established a humane Punjabi Raj based on secularism and patriotism, Ranjit Singh has in the words of a Persian writer changed Punjab from Madam-Kada to Bagh-I-bahisht, from the abode of sorrow to the garden of paradise. But soon after his death, the entire edifice collapsed on account of internal intrigues and British machinations. After two abortive Anglo-Sikh wars, Punjab was finally annexed to British Empire in 1849.
The fight against British rule had begun long before Mahatma Gandhi’s arrival on the scene the revolt found expression through the movement of a revivalist or reformist character. First, it was the Namdhari sect which believed in self-discipline and self-rule. Later, it was Lala Lajpat Rai who played a leading role in the freedom movement. Punjab was in the vanguard of India’s freedom struggle on all fronts in India and abroad. Punjab’s tale of woe did not culminate with Independence and it had to face the holocaust of Partition along with displaced persons with harrowing memories. Besides their rehabilitation, there was the stupendous task of reorganisation of the State.
Eight princely states of East Punjab were grouped together to form one single state called PEPSU-Patiala and the East Punjab States Union with Patiala as its capital. PEPSU state was merged with Punjab in 1956.
Situated in North-western corner of the country, Punjab is bound on the west by Pakistan, on north by Jammu and Kashmir, on north-east by Himachal Pradesh and in the south by Haryana and Rajasthan. The population of state according to 1991 census was 2,02,81,969 and its area is 50,362 sq. km. Punjabi is the principal language of the state. There are 17 districts of the state the largest being Ferozepur with an area of 5,865 sq. km. and smallest being Faridkot having an area of 1,472 sq. km.
Culture Of Punjab
Punjabi Culture is the culture of the Punjab region. It is one of the oldest and richest cultures in world history, dating from ancient antiquity to the modern era. The Punjabi Culture is the culture of the Punjabi people who are now distributed throughout the world. The scope, history, sophistication and complexity of the culture are vast. Some of the main areas include, Punjabi Philosophy, poetry, spirituality, education, artistry, music, cuisine, science, technology, military warfare, architecture, traditions, values and history.
Bhangra is one of the many Punjabi musical art forms that is increasingly being listened to in the west and is becoming a mainstream favourite. Punjabi music is being used by western musicians, in many ways, such as mixing it with other compositions to produce award-winning music. In addition, Punjabi Classical music is increasingly becoming popular in the west due to the beauty of sounds of the Punjabi language and its composition.
Punjabis are extremely energetic, hard working and hospitable. The cuisine is delicious and a guest in a Punjabi home is honored to the maximum. Punjabi songs are full of melody. The beats of drum (dhol) and the rhythm of the steel spoon on the dholak is a simple style but adds to the exuberance of Punjabi music. The dance styles of Punjab has more flavor with its bhangra, giddha, kikli and sammi.
Punjabi songs and dances are very much compulsory during get togethers and festivals. The festivals of Punjab makes the culture more interesting. There is a riot of colors in the pagdi-turban and phulkari dupattas, that comes out during the Baisakhi festival. The traditional dress of the Punjabis comprising of the salwar-kameez for women and lehenga-kurta with a waistcoast has many colors and styling. Turban styles can be explored and is compulsory for all Sikhs.
The people of Punjab are very warm by nature. They respect all cultures and weddings in a Punjabi family is a great occasion. Along with marigolds, silks and the delicacies there is a distinct Indianness felt in each ritual. Punjabi songs at the wedding range from emotional interludes to very peppy beats, where there is a constant chiding of the bride and groom. A sense of humor is essential to enjoy the wedding songs.
Punjabis are known for their keen interest in dress sense and up to date fashion essentials. They love to participate in all events and are sportive by nature. The balance is well maintained by yielding to western influences of pop culture in their bhangra beats and showing allegiance to God in the chants of Gurbani.
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