Punjab is the chief wheat producing area of the country. The Golden Temple-holy shrine for Sikhs is located in Amritsar. Punjab is the home of proud and independent Sikhs, the state of Punjab is steeped in history and culture of India.
The history of Punjab goes about to the beginning of the Indian Civilization. The land of five rivers, the state was earlier known as Panchal. The region was earlier inhibited by the Harappans and Ropar in today’s Punjab is an example of that civilization.
Punjab is bounded on the west by Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir in north and Himachal Pradesh on northeast and in south by Rajasthan and Haryana.
Among the places to visit when in Punjab is the most important tourist center in the state is Amritsar with its Golden Temple. This temple is considered to be the holiest of all the pilgrimages of Sikhism.
The Ram Tirth: The place has an ancient tank and many temples. A hut marks the site where Mata Sita gave birth to Luv & Kush.
Govindgarh Fort Amritsar: Has special defence mechanism against artillery attacks.
The Jalianwallah Bagh: It is a small park in the city where many pilgrims were massacred by the British police in the year 1919.
Mazaar, Pir Baba Haji Rattan, Bathinda City: It attracts devotees from all faiths.
Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Amritsar: Originally there was a garden spreading across 84 acres of various rare plants, trees and flowers and surrounded by a boundary wall which was 14 feet high. The place has several artistic buildings which were converted into clubs and the lawns were converted into tennis courts by the British.
Hari-ke-pattan, Amritsar and National Wetland & Wildlife Sanctuary: During winters it become home to about 350 different species of birds which migrate to India from as far as Siberia.
Bansar Garden, Sangrur: Sangrur is situated on Ludhiana-Jakhal Railway line. The garden is famous for its walking trails and plantations are famous for its marble Baradari which is a building with 12 doors, a mini zoo and a museum in a middle of the pool.
Among other places of piligrimage is Bhaini Sahib: Ludhiana.
The Festivals in Punjab are mainly related with agriculture as the state mainly prides itself for its good agriculture. The most important festival is Baisakhi which marks the arrival of the harvesting season.
Also particularly for Sikhs, Baisakhi has a special significance because on this day in 1699, their tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh organized the Order of the Khalsa. Festivals are always fulled with color and pomp.
The people of Punjab are lovers of music and dance. Bhangra is the characteristic dance one gets to see on all occasions in festivals of Punjab.
Punjab is famous for its handloom and handicraft products. They are exported to the major parts of the world. Embroidered shoes, carved products, woolen shawls are some of the famous products to shop for when in Punjab.
The land of Punjab is truly a fascinating place and a tourist’s dream destination.
