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Tourist Attractions
 The
most important tourist center in the state of Punjab is Amritsar
with its Golden Temple. This temple is considered to be the holiest
of all the pilgrimages of Sikhism and houses Akal Takht, the supreme
governing body of Sikhism. The Jalianwallah Bagh is a small park in
the city where many pilgrims were massacred by the British police in
the year 1919.
Wagah is the only open land point between India and Pakistan. The
Changing of Guards and the ceremonial lowering of the flags ceremony
at sundown are great tourist attractions and have their own symbolic
importance.
Ludhiana is famous for its hosiery and woolen goods and products
from Ludhiana are exported all over the world. For its production of
hosiery, Ludhiana is also known as the Manchester of India. It also
boasts of the world famous Punjab Agricultural University, which
organizes the Kisan Mela every Year. Nearby is Killa Raipur, which
is famous for its Rural Olympics.
Patiala is famous for its healthy food, loving people, wonderful
parandaas, exciting Patiala peg and jootis. Easily accessible and
well maintained, Patiala is a place that would give one the
much-needed tranquility far from urban chaos. The Sports School and
the Moti Bagh Palace are some of the places that one must visit to
get a clear picture of the past of the state.
If Varanasi symbolizes the spirit of ancient India, then Chandigarh
is its city of 'today'. It is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
The city is considered to be a Mecca of modern architecture and
planning all over the world. What makes Chandigarh extraordinary is
the fact that within four decades, a barren landscape has been
transformed into a modern and model human habitation. The making of
a new city is like inventing a new tomorrow. And Chandigarh succeeds
in ushering in a new dawn. The major attractions of this city are
the Capitol Complex, Secretariat, Assembly, High Court, Open Hand,
City Beautiful, Garden City, Piazza, Tower of Shadows, Geometric
Hill, Martyr's Memorial, Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, Leisure Valley,
Rose Garden, Garden of Tranquility, Garden of Rare Plants, Garden of
Annuals, Bougainvillea Garden, Botanical Garden, Garden of Aromatic
Plants, Government Museum and Art Gallery, Museum of Evolution of
Life, and International Dolls Museum.
Jalandhar is an ancient city but not much of its evidence is left
now. Today, it is a major rail and road junction and an army
cantonment.
The Yadavendra Gardens 24 kilometers on the Shimla road at Pinjore
has charming Mughal style terraced lawns, flower beds, fountains,
water channels and airy pavilions enclosed by high walls swathed in
the mauve and magenta bougainvillea.
An ancient Indus Valley settlement was found near Ropar, which was
also the meeting place of Punjab's legendary Maharajah Ranjit Singh
and Lord William Bentick on October 31, 1831.
Events
And Festivals
The
festivals in Punjab have always been celebrated with much exuberance
and fanfare. For the masses these festivals are popular occasions
for social interaction and enjoyment.
Punjab being a predominantly agricultural state that prides itself on its
food grain production, it is little wonder that its most significant
festival is Baisakhi, which marks the arrival of the harvesting
season. For the Sikhs, Baisakhi has a special significance because
on this day in 1699, their tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh organized
the Order of the Khalsa.
The Gurpurab festival is celebrated by the Sikhs to express their
reverence for their gurus. Two major Gurpurabs are celebrated during
the year. The first in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) to celebrate
the teachings of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, and the second
in the month of Pausa (December-January) to celebrate the birth
anniversary of Guru Govind Singh. On all Gurpurabs, non-stop recital
of the granth sahib and religious discourses are held. Langars (free
meals) are served to all without distinction of caste or creed.
A day after Holi, the Sikh community in Punjab observes Holla
Mohalla with thousands of devout Sikhs gathering at Anandpur
Sahib-where Guru Gobind Singh was baptized-to participate in the
grand fair of Holla Mohalla. The whole place wears a festive look
and processions are taken out and the people participate in the
festivities with gaiety and fervor.
Tika is celebrated in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov.) one day after Diwali.
Women put a tika of saffron and rice grains on the foreheads of
their brothers, to protect them from evil.
Like most other festivals of Punjab, Lohri too is a festival related
to the seasons. Celebrated in the month of Pausa (December-January),
it marks the end of the winter season. A huge bonfire is made in
every house and the fire god is worshipped.
Teej heralds the onset of Sawan (monsoon), which is essential for
the agricultural prosperity of the state. Dressed in all their
finery, with menndi on their hands, the womenfolk converge to
welcome the rains and pray for the long life of their husbands.
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