Amritsar has a special place in the history of Sikhism and undoubtedly is one of the most revered sites of the world. Amritsar city was founded by Shri Guru Ramdas Ji (Fourth Sikh Guru) in 1574 AD. Today it is also popularly known as Ambarsar in Punjabi. It is undoubtedly the second most populous city in the state of Punjab.
A perfect 2 day plan for sightseeing in Amritsar
1. Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh (जलियांवाला बाग) is a garden in Amritsar, holds a special place in the history of Indian freedom struggle. It was established in 1951 by the Government of India, to commemorate the massacre of peaceful celebrators including unarmed women and children by British forces, on the occasion of the Punjabi New Year on April 13, 1919 in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
Many innocent people including children jumped in the well to save themselves from the British bullets and lost their lives – this well is known as the Martyr’s well. Even today you can see the bullet marks on the walls surrounding the park and the sight is highly unsettling. Must visit to pay our homage to these Martyr’s.
2. Golden Temple – Shri Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara
In the year 1577 AD the fourth sikh guru – Shri Guru Ram Das lay the foundation of the holiest gurudwara (temple – home of the god) for sikhs in the world. The fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan, designed the Harmandir Sahib to be built in the center of this holy tank. Upon its construction, he installed the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, inside the Harmandir Sahib. The Harmandir Sahib complex is also home to the Akal Takht (the throne of the timeless one, constituted by the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind).
The gurudwara is well know by name Golden Temple because of the Gold Plated building top which literally transforms it into the GOLDEN TEMPLE! While the Harmandir Sahib is regarded as the abode of God’s spiritual attribute, the Akal Takht is the seat of God’s temporal authority. It looks the most beautiful at mid night with the clear reflection of the temple visible in the holy water in moonlight. The ambiance is simply breathtaking with the Gurbani music playing at the back end. Interesting Fact – Prince Wales also visited the Golden Temple during his visit to India in 1875-6!
3. Wagha Border Beating Retreat (25Km from Amritsar)
The lowering of the flags ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border (25Km from Amritsar) is a daily military practice that the security forces of India and Pakistan have jointly followed since 1959. The atmosphere is simply electrifying with both sides cheering their armed forces while the Jawans march past and showcase their strength in visual cues. Must visit once – you feel the patriotism run in your veins while you watch this retreat.
4. Street Food in Punjab – Amritsar
Like every other corner of India – Punjab is also well known for it’s street food like Punjabis are known for eating! You will find a lot of street food options across the city starting from Chhole Bhature, Amritsari Fish Fry, Aam Papad, etc.. Choose the street food to your liking and enjoy it with a big glass of Lassi. I am sure you will enjoy it a lot…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Amritsar is famous for the following reasons – Golden Temple, Jalianwala Bagh, Wagah Border and amazing Street Food.
The British army open fired on innocent unarmed people who had gathered together on the occasion of Punjabi New Year in order to protest against the British Government.
The Golden Temple was originally built with stone but later a Gold Plating was applied on top of the stone to give it the golden look.
Yes, Prince of Wales visited the Golden Temple during his India visit in 1875-6.
Add Comment
You must log in to post a comment.