PUNJAB

PUNJAB

The Punjab (/pʌnˈdʒɑːb/ ( listen), /-ˈdʒæb/, /ˈpʌndʒɑːb/, /-dʒæb/), also spelled Panjab (land of "five rivers";^[1] Punjabi: پنجاب (Shahmukhi); ਪੰਜਾਬ (Gurumukhi)), is a geographical and cultural region in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, comprising areas of eastern Pakistan and northern India. Not being a political unit, the boundaries of the region are ill-defined and focus on historical accounts.

Until the Partition of Punjab in 1947, the British Punjab Province encompassed the present-day Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Delhi, and the Pakistani provinces of Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory. It bordered the Balochistan and Pashtunistan regions to the west, Kashmir to the north, the Hindi Belt to the east, and Rajasthan and Sindh to the south.

The people of the Punjab today are called Punjabis, and their principal language is Punjabi. The main religions of the Punjab region are Islam, Sikhism, and Hinduism. Other religious groups are Christianity, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, and Buddhism. The Punjab region has been inhabited by the Indus Valley Civilisation, Indo-Aryan peoples, and Indo-Scythians, and has seen numerous invasions by the Persians, Greeks, Kushans, Ghaznavids, Timurids, Mughals, Pashtuns, British, and others. The foreign invaders mainly targeted the most productive central region of the Punjab known as the Majha region,^[2] which is also the bedrock of Punjabi culture and traditions.^[3]

HISTORY OF PUNJAB

The name Punjab is a xenonym/exonym and the first known mention of the word Punjab is in the writings of Ibn Batūtā, who visited the region in the 14th century.^[1] The term came into wider use in the second half of the 16th century, and was used in the book Tarikh-e-Sher Shah Suri (1580), which mentions the construction of a fort by "Sher Khan of Punjab". The first mentioning of the Sanskrit equivalent of 'Punjab', however, occurs in the great epic, the Mahabharata (pancha-nada 'country of five rivers'). The name is mentioned again in Ain-e-Akbari (part 1), written by Abul Fazal, who also mentions that the territory of Punjab was divided into two provinces, Lahore and Multan. Similarly in the second volume of Ain-e-Akbari, the title of a chapter includes the word Panjnad in it.^[2]The Mughal King Jahangir also mentions the word Panjab in Tuzk-i-Janhageeri.^[3] Punjab, derived from Persian and introduced by the Turkic conquerors of India,^[4] literally means "five" (panj) "waters" (āb), i.e., the Land of Five Rivers, referring to the five rivers which go through it. It was because of this that it was made the granary of British India. Today, three of the rivers run exclusively in Punjab, Pakistan, while Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, India have the headwaters of the remaining two rivers, which eventually run into Pakistan.

This is the original home of the Gypsies, Ods and Sadhs, the Gurjars, Ahirs and Khatris; here came Skylax, Alexander, Huen Tsang and Fa Hien. Here we saw past the pageant of Aryanism, Zoroastrianism, Hellenism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism. How did this land fare under each contact, under each cataclysm, under each fresh revolution in thought and deed? How in its blood and brain it received and integrated something of Greece, Persia, China and Tibet, Arabia, Egypt, Central and Western India? Knowing that, we would, also, understand why Buddhism and all it outwardly implied in wood and colour and stone and deed has not much survived in Panjabi life and letters, only, in part in Punjabi religion; and why Brahman ritualism has passed away while the Kshatriya philosophy, the Vedanta, has survived; why the spirit more than the word of Islam as it emerged from its Persian cradle, has appealed to the rural Panjab; why the Chinese and Bengaligames of children, the Chinese pigtail, the Chinese magic, the Greek semi-circular head-gear, the Turkish words for daily food and utensils, Vikramadityan Rajput tales and customs, Buddhist folktales, and the lore of saints; and lovers from Persia and Arabia, have found a congenial home in the soil or become favourites with the natives; why again the cult of Krishna or Rama worship has not struck roots here; why local saints have prospered; why comparatively so few traces of the changing past have got preserved in life or literature.

Indus valley civilisation

Archaeological discoveries show that by about 3300 BCE the small communities in and around the Indus River basin had evolved and expanded giving rise to the Indus Valley Civilisation, one of the earliest in human history. At its height, it boasted large cities like Harrapa (near Sahiwal in West Punjab). The civilisation declined rapidly after the 19th century BCE.

Vedic Era

The Vedic period is characterised by Indo-Aryan culture associated with the texts of Vedas, sacred to Hindus, which were orally composed in Vedic Sanskrit. It embodies a literary record of the socio-cultural development of ancient Punjab (known as Sapta Sindhu) and affords us a glimpse of the life of its people. Vedic society was tribal in character. A number of families constituted a grama, a number of gramas a vis (clan) and a number of clans a Jana (tribe). The Janas, led by Rajans, were in constant intertribal warfare. From this warfare arose larger groupings of peoples ruled by great chieftains and kings. As a result, a new political philosophyof conquest and empire grew, which traced the origin of the state to the exigencies of war.

An important event of the Rigvedic era was the "Battle of Ten Kings" which was fought on the banks of the river Parusni (identified with the present-day river Ravi) between king Sudas of the Trtsu lineage of the Bharata clan on the one hand and a confederation of ten tribes on the other.^[6] The ten tribes pitted against Sudas comprised five major the Purus, the Druhyus, the Anus, the Turvasas and the Yadus—and five minor ones, origin from the north-western and western frontiers of present-day Punjab—the Pakthas, the Alinas, the Bhalanas, the Visanins and the Sivas. King Sudas was supported by the Vedic Rishi Vasishtha, while his former Purohita the Rishi Viswamitra sided with the confederation of ten tribes.^[7]

Punjab during Buddhist times

The Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya^[8] mentions Gandhara and Kamboja among the sixteen great countries (Solas Mahajanapadas) which had evolved in/and around Jambudvipa prior to Buddha's times. Pali literature further endorses that only Kamboja and Gandhara of the sixteen ancient political powers belonged to the Uttarapatha or northern division of Jambudvipa but no precise boundaries for each have been explicitly specified. Gandhara and Kamboja are believed to have comprised the upper Indus regions and included Kashmir, eastern Afghanistan and most of the western Punjab which now forms part of Pakistan.^[9] At times, the limits of Buddhist Gandhara had extended as far as Multan while those of Buddhist Kamboja comprised Rajauri/Poonch, Abhisara and Hazara as well as eastern Afghanistan including valleys of Swat and Kunar and Kapisa etc. Michael Witzel terms this region as forming parts of the Greater Punjab. Buddhist texts also mention that this northern region especially the Kamboja was renowned for its quality horses & horsemen and has been regularly mentioned as the home of horses.^[10] However, Chulla-Niddesa, another ancient text of the Buddhist canon substitutes Yona for Gandhara and thus lists the Kamboja and the Yona as the only Mahajanapadas from Uttarapatha^[11] This shows that Kamboja had included Gandhara at the time the Chulla-Niddesa list was written by Buddhists.

Pāṇinian and Kautiliyan Punjab

Pāṇini was a famous ancient Sanskrit grammarian born in Shalātura, identified with modern Lahur near Attock in the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan. One may infer from his work, the Ashtadhyayi, that the people of Greater Punjab lived prominently by the profession of arms. That text terms numerous clans as being "Ayudhajivin Samghas" or "Republics (oligarchies) that live by force of arms". Those living in the plains were called Vahika Samghas,^[12] while those in the mountainous regions (including the north-east of present-day Afghanistan) were termed as Parvatiya Samghas (mountaineer republics).^[13] According to an older opinion the Vahika Sanghas included prominently the Vrikas (possibly modern Virk Jatts), Damanis, confederation of six states known as Trigarta-shashthas, Yaudheyas (modern Joiya or Johiya Rajputs and some Kamboj), Parsus, Kekayas, Usinaras, Sibis^[14](possibly modern Sibia Jatts?), Kshudrakas, Malavas, Bhartas, and the Madraka clans,^[15] while the other class, styled as Parvatiya Ayudhajivins, comprised among others partially the Trigartas, Darvas, the Gandharan clan of Hastayanas,^[16] Niharas, Hamsamaragas, and the Kambojan clans of Ashvayanas^[17] & Ashvakayanas,^[18] Dharteyas (of the Dyrta town of the Ashvakayans), Apritas, Madhuwantas (all known as Rohitgiris), as well as the Daradas of the Chitral, Gilgit, etc. In addition, Pāṇini also refers to the Kshatriya monarchies of the Kuru, Gandhara and Kamboja.^[19] These Kshatriyas or warrior communities followed different forms of republican or oligarchic constitutions, as is attested to by Pāṇini's Ashtadhyayi.

The Arthashastra of Kautiliya, whose oldest layer may go back to the 4th century BCE also talks of several martial republics and specifically refers to the [Kshatriya Srenis (warrior-bands) of the Kambojas, Surastras and some other frontier tribes as belonging to varta-Shastr-opajivin class (i.e., living by the profession of arms and varta), while the Madraka, Malla, the Kuru, etc., clans are called Raja-shabd-opajivins class (i.e., using the title of Raja).^{[20][21][22][23][24]} Dr Arthur Coke Burnell observes: "In the West, there were the Kambojas and the Katas (Kathas) with a high reputation for courage and skill in war, the Saubhuties, the Yaudheyas, and the two federated peoples, the Sibis, the Malavas and the Kshudrakas, the most numerous and warlike of the Indian nations of the days".^[25][26] Thus, it is seen that the heroicraditions cultivated in Vedic and Epic Age continued to the times of Pāṇini and Kautaliya. In fact, the entire region of Greater Punjab is known to have reeked with the martial people. History strongly witnesses that these Ayudhajivin clans had offered stiff resistance to the Achaemenid rulers in the 6th century, and later to the Macedonian invaders in the 4th century BCE.

According to History of Punjab: "There is no doubt that the Kambojas, Daradas, Kaikayas, Madras, Pauravas, Yaudheyas, Malavas, Sindhu and Kurus had jointly contributed to the heroic tradition and composite culture of ancient Punjab".^[27][28]

Geography

Punjab is in northwestern India and has a total area of 50,362 square kilometres (19,445 sq mi). Punjab is bounded by Pakistan on the west, Jammu and Kashmir on the north, Himachal Pradesh on the northeast and Haryana and Rajasthan on the south.^[29] Most of the Punjab lies in a fertile, alluvial plain with many rivers and an extensive irrigation canal system.^[30] A belt of undulating hills extends along the northeastern part of the state at the foot of the Himalayas. Its average elevation is 300 metres (980 ft) above sea level, with a range from 180 metres (590 ft) in the southwest to more than 500 metres (1,600 ft) around the northeast border. The southwest of the state is semiarid, eventually merging into the Thar Desert. The Shiwalik Hills extend along the northeastern part of the state at the foot of the Himalayas.^{[citation needed]}

The soil characteristics are influenced to a limited extent by the topography, vegetation and parent rock. The variation in soil profile characteristics are much more pronounced because of the regional climatic differences.^[31] Punjab is divided into three distinct regions on the basis of soil types: southwestern, central, and eastern. Punjab falls under seismic zones II, III, and IV. Zone II is considered a low-damage risk zone; zone III is considered a moderate-damage risk zone; and zone IV is considered a high-damage risk zone.^[32]

Government and politics

Punjab is governed through a parliamentary system of representative democracy. Each of the states of India possesses a parliamentary system of government, with a ceremonial state Governor, appointed by the President of India on the advice of the central government. The head of government is an indirectly elected Chief Minister who is vested with most of the executive powers. The term length of the government is five years. The state legislature, the Vidhan Sabha, is the unicameral Punjab Legislative Assembly, with 117 members elected from single-seat constituencies. The current Government was elected in the 2017 Assembly elections as Congress won 77 out of 117 Assembly seats and Amarinder Singh is the current Chief Minister. The state of Punjab is divided into five administrative divisions and twenty-two districts.

The capital of Punjab is Chandigarh, which also serves as the capital of Haryana and is thus administered separately as a Union Territory of India. The judicial branch of the state government is provided by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh.^[37]

The main players in the politics of the state are the Indian National Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal (with alliance Bharatiya Janata Party). The present government is headed by Amarinder Singh. President's rule has been imposed in Punjab 8 times so far, since 1950, for different reasons. In terms of the absolute number of days, Punjab was under President’s rule for 3510 days, which is about 10 years. Much of this was in the 80s during the height of militancy in Punjab. Punjab was under President’s rule for 5 continuous years from 1987 to 1992.

Climate

The geography and subtropical latitudinal location of Punjab lead to large variations in temperature from month to month. Even though only limited regions experience temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F), ground frost is commonly found in the majority of Punjab during the winter season. The temperature rises gradually with high humidity and overcast skies. However, the rise in temperature is steep when the sky is clear and humidity is low.^[33]

The maximum temperatures usually occur in mid-May and June. The temperature remains above 40 °C (104 °F) in the entire region during this period. Ludhiana recorded the highest maximum temperature at 46.1 °C (115.0 °F) with Patiala and Amritsar recording 45.5 °C (113.9 °F). The maximum temperature during the summer in Ludhiana remains above 41 °C (106 °F) for a duration of one and a half months. These areas experience the lowest temperatures in January. The sun rays are oblique during these months and the cold winds control the temperature at daytime.^[33]

Punjab experiences its minimum temperature from December to February. The lowest temperature was recorded at Amritsar (0.2 °C (32.4 °F)) and Ludhiana stood second with 0.5 °C (32.9 °F). The minimum temperature of the region remains below 5 °C (41 °F) for almost two months during the winter season. The highest minimum temperature of these regions in June is more than the daytime maximum temperatures experienced in January and February. Ludhiana experiences minimum temperatures above 27 °C (81 °F) for more than two months. The annual average temperature in the entire state is approximately 21 °C (70 °F). Further, the mean monthly temperature range varies between 9 °C (48 °F) in July to approximately 18 °C (64 °F) in November.^[33]

Seasons

Punjab experiences three main seasons. They are:

• Hot Season (mid-April to the end of June)
• Rainy Season (early July to the end of September)
• Cold Season (early December to the end of February).^[33]

Apart from these three, the state experiences transitional seasons like:

• Pre-summer season (March to mid-April): This is the period of transition between winter and summer.
• Post-monsoon season (September to end of November): This is the period of transition between monsoon and winter seasons.^[33]

Summer

Punjab starts experiencing mildly hot temperatures in February. However, the actual summer season commences in mid-April. The area experiences pressure variations during the summer months. The atmospheric pressure of the region remains around 987 millibar during February and it reaches 970 millibar in June.^[33]

Rainy season

The monsoon brings joy to the agricultural sector as farmers become very busy. Punjab's rainy season begins in first week of July as monsoon currents generated in the Bay of Bengal bring rain to the region.^[33]

Winter

Temperature variation is minimal in January. The mean night and day temperatures fall to 5 °C (41 °F) and 12 °C (54 °F), respectively.^[33]

Post-Monsoon transitional season

The monsoon begins to reduce by the second week of September. This brings a gradual change in climate and temperature. The time between October and November is the transitional period between monsoon and winter seasons. Weather during this period is generally fair and dry.^[33]

Post-Winter transitional season

The effects of winter diminish by the first week of March. The hot summer season commences in mid-April. This period is marked by occasional showers with hail storms and squalls that cause extensive damage to crops. The winds remain dry and warm during the last week of March, commencing the harvest period.^[33]

Rainfall

• Monsoon Rainfall

Monsoon season provides most of the rainfall for the region. Punjab receives rainfall from the monsoon current of the Bay of Bengal. This monsoon current enters the state from the southeast in the first week of July.^[33]

• Winter Rainfall

The winter season remains very cool with temperatures falling below freezing at some places. Winter also brings in some western disturbances.^[33] Rainfall in the winter provides relief to the farmers as some of the winter crops in the region of Shivalik Hills are entirely dependent on this rainfall. As per meteorological statistics, the sub-Shivalik area receives more than 100 millimetres (3.9 in) of rainfall in the winter months.

Economy

According to the 2008 Global Hunger Index, Punjab has the lowest level of hunger in India. Less than one-fourth of children below the age of five are underweight, although Punjab "came off worse than countries like Gabon and Vietnam when measured on the index".^[1]

Punjab has relatively good infrastructure. This includes road, rail, air and river transport links that are extensive throughout the region. Punjab has also one of the lowest poverty rate in India at 6.16% (1999-2000 figures), and has won the best state performance award,^[2] based on statistical data compiled by the Indian Government. In 2012, the state was one of the highest receiver of overall remittances to India which stood at $66.13 billion (4547429450000.00 Indian Rupees), below Kerala and Tamil Nadu.^[3

Macro-economic trend

This is a chart of trend of gross state domestic product of Punjab at market prices estimated by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation with figures in millions of Indian Rupees. The traditional long-term financial policy of the Union Government is to reward well-performing States.

Year	Gross State Domestic Product (Indian Rupee / Ten Million / Crores)
1980	50,250
1985	95,060
1990	188,830
1995	386,150
2000	660,100
2005	925,380 [4]
2011	2,213,320 [5]

The state's debt was estimated at 62 per cent of its GDP in 2005.^[6

CULTURE OF PUNJAB

The culture of the Punjab encompasses the spoken language, written literature, cuisine, science, technology, military warfare, architecture, traditions, values and history of the Punjabi people. The term 'Punjabi' can mean both a person who lives in Punjab and also a speaker of the Punjabi language. This name originates from the Persian language 'panj', (five), and 'ab', (river). Combined together the word becomes Panjab or Punjab-land of the five rivers. Indus River (the largest river in this five river system), and the five other rivers to the south that eventually all join it or merge into it later downstream in the Punjab valley. All the rivers start and flow out of the Himalayas. These other five rivers are Jhelum River, Chenab River, Ravi River, Beas River and Sutlej River.

Middle Ages

The culture of Punjab in the Middle Ages was extremely diverse dependent upon an individual's caste, community, religion and village^{[citation needed]}. An array of cultures can be found historically^{[citation needed]}. The main cultures that arose in the Punjab during the Medieval Age at the beginning of this era was of strong Indo-Aryan dominance^{[citation needed]}. The Brahmins and Khatris were once a singular group living in the Punjab who practiced Hinduism^{[citation needed]}. They were descended from the Vedic people who brought Indo-European language and society to a land dominated by Dravidian history^{[citation needed]}. Their culture was based on their religious beliefs, which could be described as identical to that of Hindus living across North India today. The second strongest emergent cultural identity was Jat-Gujjar culture, based on pastoralism, agriculture and ancestor worship, in modern Punjab. Most of the Western region are descended from Gujjars, whereas the Eastern region is ethnically Jat. Islamic traditions were incorporated into Punjabi Muslims' lives. These people would often live together marrying others like them and the customs practised centuries ago are still visible in the way all the castes and religious groups live^{[citation needed]}.

Modern era

In the 20th century, the majority of the people are Sikhs practicing Sikhism since the 16th century. Due to the large number of Punjabi people distributed throughout the world, especially Pakistan and India, many people are increasingly experiencing the culture and becoming influenced by it^{[citation needed]}. Glimpses of traditional Punjabi culture can be seen in the Western world (e.g. the U.S., the UK, the EU, Canada, Australia, Africa and the Middle East.^[1] Naturally people influence each other wherever they settle and live. Punjabi culture is evident from Punjabi philosophy, poetry, spirituality, education, artistry, music, cuisine, and architecture in all the^{[citation needed]}

Similar migrations by or invasions into the Punjab, in the past many centuries, were by the Aryans, Scythians, Greeks or Alexander the Greatwhich reached as far as the Beas River in the Punjab^{[citation needed]}. Arabs, Persians, Afghans, Mongols and then the Europeans (British) came to Punjab for various economic reasons of their own and its fertile agricultural lands and abundance of water resources in its five large rivers flowing down from the Himalayas through the Punjab valley^{[citation needed]}. These immigrants influenced the people of Punjab and, in turn, were influenced by the then prevailing culture of the Punjab.^[2]

Punjabi music

Bhangra is one of the many Punjabi musical art forms that is increasingly listened to in the west and is becoming a mainstream favourite.^{[citation needed]} Punjabi music is used by western musicians in many ways, such as mixing it with other compositions to produce award-winning music.^{[citation needed]} In addition, Punjabi classical music is increasingly becoming popular in the west.^{[citation needed]}

Punjabi dances

Owing to the long history of the Punjabi culture and of the Punjabi people there are many dances, normally performed at times of celebration, including harvests, festivals, and weddings. The particular background of the dances can be non-religious and religious. The overall style can range from the high energy "bhangra" men's dance to the more reserved "jhumar," the "gidha" women's dance.

Punjabi weddings

Punjabi wedding traditions and ceremonies are traditionally conducted in Punjabi and are a strong reflection of Punjabi culture. While the actual religious marriage ceremony among Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Christians may be conducted in Arabic, Urdu, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Hindi or Pali by the Qazi, Pundit, Granthi or Priest, there are commonalities in ritual, song, dance, food, and dress. The Punjabi wedding has many rituals and ceremonies that have evolved since traditional times.

Punjabi language and literature

Template:Punjabi language Punjabi language is written with the Gurmukhi alphabet in India. In Pakistan, the Punjabi language is written with the Shahmukhi alphabet which is similar to the Urdu language alphabet. Approximately 130 million people, mainly in Pakistan's West Punjab and India's East Punjab, speak the Punjabi language which is considered to be an Indo-Aryan language.^[3] In the Punjabi literature, there are three major Punjabi romantic epic poems based on folk love stories - Heer Ranjha by the poet Waris Shah (1722-1798), Sohni Mahiwal and Mirza Sahiban (sung by late Alam Lohar).^[2] The poetry gives a clear view into the Punjabi mindset. Many Punjabi language books are translated throughout the world into many other languages. Among the major Punjabi poets are Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar (1179-1266), Baba Guru Nanak (1469-1539) and Bulleh Shah (1680-1757). One of the most important Punjabi holy books is Guru Granth Sahib in the Sikh religion.

Punjabi dress

The traditional dress for Punjabi men is the kurta and tehmat, which is being replaced by the kurta and pajama, especially the popular muktsari style in India. The traditional dress for women is the salwar suit which replaced the traditional Punjabi ghagra. The patiala salwar is also very popular.

Punjabi festivals

Punjabis celebrate cultural, seasonal and religious festivals, which include Maghi, Mela Chiraghan in Lahore, Lohri, Holi, Baisakhi, Teeyan, Diwali, Dussehra, and Guru Nanak Jayant.

ARCHITECTURE OF PUNJAB

Sikh Architecture

Sikh Architecture is illustrated by the presence of values for open-mindedness, superb sophistication, ascetic beauty and consistent flowing lines. The presence of progressive style architecture makes their architecture special and stand apart from other styles of architecture. Due to this nature the architecture styles have been utilized for construction of several non religious structures. Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) and Shri Keshgarh Sahib are the classical example of such architecture.

The Sikh religion consists of five prominent historical shrines which are addressed as takhts or throne. These are the places where spiritual temporal decision or the gurmattas as they are called are taken after consent by the gathered people (sangat).   The decisions which are taken with due consensus of the gathered people influence the social, political and cultural life of Sikh followers. The five takhts are located at Talwandi Sabo (Gurdaspur district), Akal Takht (Amritsar), Harmandir Sahib (Patna, Bihar), Damdama Sahib Talwandi Sabo (Gurdaspur district), Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur (Ropar district) and Hazoor Sahib, Nanded (Maharashtra state). Akal Takhts or the immutable throne assumes a prominent place among the Takhts in Sikh religion owing to its location in Amritsar which is the Vatican City for Sikh followers.

Major Sikh Architectures

Darbar Sahib

As the name suggests Darbar Sahib means the main hall housed in a Gurdwara. This hall consists of the Guru Granth Sahib (Holy Book) placed on a Takth (Throne) in the central position. It also happens to be the place from where Guru addresses the congregation. The term Darbar Sahib is also used to describe the Golden Temple or the Harimandir Sahib. The worship of Darbar Sahib takes place from prayer Hall or Diwan Hall. The Diwan Hall consists of followers who recite hymns and sing religious songs. Guru Granth Sahib is considered as a living Guru and worshipped with great reverence.

The people who gather or attend prayers at the Gurudwara prefer to sit in cross-legged position as this helps them to avoid pointing their legs to any object or person. Also, it may give a feeling of disrespecting the Guru Granth Sahib. Another reason for sitting in this position is that it is regarded as the position of Yogic science.  The Sikh religion considers sitting on the floor as an indication of equality and universal brotherhoodness among people. It also gives a feeling that nobody s above God.

As per the tradition men and women and children sit on opposite sides in the Diwan hall. However, there is also no restriction on the mixed pattern seating in front of the Holy Book (Guru Granth Sahib)

Guru Granth Sahib is given high regards by Sikh people and it is placed over colorfully decorated pillows with beautiful satin cloths wrapped over them. The complete scripture is placed over a high raised platform. The satin cloths completely cover Guru Granth Sahib when it is not read. The beautiful cloths which cover the Guru Granth Sahib are called Romallas.

The Diwan Hall also has a special platform where the musicians play their instruments when the gathered people sing hymns to praise the God. Music is an essential part of any Sikh congregation.  The instruments played along with reciting of Guru Granth Sahib provide a serene and devotional atmosphere in the Diwan Hall. The hymns present in Guru Granth Sahib are termed as Gurbani. Gurbani means “words of the guru”.

Gurudwara

The word Gurudwara means an entrance to the path of guru. Followers of the Sikh religion visit the holy place Gurudwara. The religious tolerance of Sikh religion can be understood by the fact that people from all religion are free to visit Gurudwara. The main place of Gurudwara is the Darbar Sahib where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed. There is also a cooking place usually termed as ‘Langar’. Some of the bigger Gurudwara also contains classroom, nursery and library. In a group of buildings a Gurudwara can be recognized from a distance by the presence of tall flagpoles containing the Nishan Sahib (The Sikh flag). The most popular Gurudwara for the Sikh religion is the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib located in Amritsar.

Hazur Sahib Nanded

The Sikh religion has five Takhts (Throne). Hazoor Sahib which is also called as Takht Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib is one of the popular takhts ("thrones") of the Sikh religion. This takht is situated on the banks of river Godavari in Nanded district of Maharashtra. This site is the place where revered Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of Sikh religion breathed his last. The Gurudwara which houses in this Takht is termed as Sachkhand or "Realm of Truth".

There is an inner room in the Gurudwara which is called Angitha Sahib. This inner room stands on the site where revered Guru Gobind Singh was cremated in year 1708. This Gurudwara was constructed on the instruction of Maharaja Ranjit Singh between years 1832 to 37.

Hazuri Bagh Baradari

Hazuri Bagh Baradari is basically a baradari constructed using white marble. This Baradari which is located at Hazuri Bagh of Lahore in Pakistan was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the year 1818. The excellent construction of architecture contains some elegant carved marble pillars supported by fragile cusped arches. The Baradari has a central area where the Sikh ruler conducted his court proceedings. This structure has a mirrored ceiling. The pavilion of Baradari contained two storeys which were destroyed by a lightening that stroked in the year 1932.

Keshgarh Qila

The fort constructed by the tenth Master at Anandpur Sahib is the Keshgarh Qila. This fort is presently one of the Takht (Throne) called as Keshgarh Sahib. This Gurudwara has an historic significance and it was among the five forts constructed by Guru Gobind Singh at Amritsar’s Anandpur Sahib for the protection of the followers of Sikh religion. Guru Gobind Singh spent twenty five year of his life at Anandpur Sahib for protecting the Sikhs from Mughal rulers and the Kings of hill region.

The five prominent forts of Anandpur Sahib which are called Panj Qilas constructed by Guru Gobind Singh are listed below.

• Keshgarh at the center (now a Takhat),
• Anandgarh (fort of bliss),
• Lohgarh (fort of steel),
• Holgarh (fort of color) and
• Fatehgarh (fort of victory).

These forts are interconnected with each other using underground tunnels and earthworks. This complete work took ten years from the year 1689 when the work began.

Nanak Shahi Bricks

Decorative bricks which were very popular during the Mughal period were called as Nanak Shahi bricks. This type of brick tiles is excellent for strengthening lime concretes in structural walls. But its application in the manufacture of plasters, cornices and mouldings made its application ideal as decorative material.

Qila Mubarak, Patiala

Qila Mubarak which is situated at Patiala is a standard example of classic Sikh Palace architecture. Quila Mubarak was initially constructed as a mud fortress or kachigarhi in year 1763 by Baba Ala Singh. He is regarded as the founder of Patiala dynasty. Qila Mubarak was finally constructed using baked bricks. The Quila has an interior portion called as Quila Androon which was constructed by Maharaja Amar Singh.

Ramgarhia Bunga

Bunga in local language means mansion. Ramgarhia Bunga is a 3 storeyed architectural symphony depicting the grandeur of Sikh architecture. It is situated in the locality of Shri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar district. The only available surviving example of Bunga architecture is the Ramgarhia bunga,  which was constructed by the popular Sikh warrior Jassa Singh Ramgarhia in year 1755. The main motive behind construction of this mansion was to protect the area from foreign invasion.

Samadhi of Ranjit Singh

The Grave of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (Samadhi of Ranjit Singh) the great Sikh ruler is situated near the Badshahi Mosque and in Lahore Fort in Lahore district of Pakistan. The construction of Samadhi was commenced by his son, Kharak Singh on the location where his cremation took place. In 1848 his youngest son Duleep Singh completed the construction work.

Takht Sri Damdama Sahib

The Takht Sri Darbar Sahib Damdama Sahib is located in Bathinda district of Punjab. It is among the five Seat of Temporal Authority of Sikhism or Takhts.  This happens to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh (tenth Sikh Guru) wrote the complete Sikh scriptures, The Guru Granth Sahib in year 1705. Apart from this there are four other Takhts Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Takht Sri Patna Sahib and Akal Takht.

Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib

Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib is one of the five takths of Sikh religion which is worshiped with utmost reverence by the followers of Sikhism. The Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib is located in Anandpur Sahib in the state of Punjab.

FOOD OF PUNJAB

Style of cooking

There are many styles of cooking in Punjab. In the villages many people still employ the traditional infrastructure for cooking purposes. This includes wood-fired and masonry ovens. In the past many people employed wood-burning stoves. But this method is dying out. One derivation from this type of cooking is the tandoori style of cooking commonly known as tandoor.^[4] In India, tandoori cooking is traditionally associated with Punjab^[5] as Punjabis embraced the tandoor on a regional level.^[6] This style of cooking became popular in the mainstream after the 1947 partition when Punjabis resettled in places such as Delhi.^[7] In rural Punjab, it is common to have communal tandoors,^[8][9]which are also called Kath tadoors in Punjabi.

Staple foods

Punjab is a major producer of wheat, rice and dairy products. These products also form the staple diet of the Punjabi people. The state of Punjab has one of the highest capita usage of dairy products in India.^[10] Therefore, dairy products form an important component of Punjabi diet.

Common dishes

Breakfast

Aloo Paratha with Butter

Breakfast recipes with respect to different regions within Punjab varies. Common ones are Chana masala, Chole kulche, Parathas with Curd - Aloo Paratha | Panner Paratha | Gobi Paratha, Halwa poori,^[11] Bhatoora, Falooda, Makhni doodh, Amritsari Lassi, Masala chai, Tea, Amritsari Kulchas, Phainis, Dahi vada, Dahi, Khoa, Paya, Aloo Paratha with Butter, Panjeeri with Milk.

In upper Punjab Pakistan the Lahori Katlama is famous for the breakfast as well.^[12]

Meat

The consumption of poultry, lamb and goat meat is higher compared to pork

Many dishes of meat variety is available and some of them are named below.

Tandoori Chicken

• Biryani:^[13] lamb and chicken
• Kebab: braised minced lamb meat, commonly served with naan.
• Keema : Braised minced lamb meat, commonly served with naan.
• Lamb : including Rogan Josh, Bhuna Gosht,^[13] Kadhai Gosht, Raan Gosht, Dal Gosht, Saag Gosht, Nihari, Rara Gosht, Paye da Shorba
• Shami Kebab, Chicken karahi, Amritsari Tandoori Chicken,^[13] Punjabi Karhi (The Chicken yogurt curry of Punjab),^[14] Butter Chicken,^[13]Chicken Tikka, Paye.
• Kunna Goshtmeat prepared in Kunna (mitti ka bartan (clay utensil)).

Fish

Since Punjab is the land of five rivers, freshwater fish is an important part in its cuisine. However, sea fish are not consumed since Punjab is not close to the sea.^[15] Carp, rohu and catfish are the most commonly prepared fish. Other fish types include thela machi and tilapia. Recently shrimp has been introduced.^[16] Fish tikka is an Amritsari speciality.^[13]

Vegetarian

Kulcha Amritsari

Paneer One of the South Asian Cheese variants commonly used in cooking in Punjab

Panjeeri.

• Khichdi, a grain-and-lentil dish:^[17] In the Punjab, khichdi is made of millet flour, mung beans and moth lentils(Vigna aconitifolia). However, khichdi made of rice and red lentils or mung beans is also consumed.
• Paneer (freshly made cottage cheese) Recipes like Shahi Paneer; Khoya Paneer, Paneer Kofta (paneer chunks battered and fried, then simmered in a spicy gravy), Amritsari Paneer, Matar Paneer (paneer with green peas), paneer paratha (wheat flatbread stuffed with paneer)
• Panjiri: This is a traditional Punjabi dessert dish^[18] which has a generous amount of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, dry dates, cashew nuts along with whole wheat flour, sugar, edible gum, poppy seeds and fennel seeds to make the traditional dish of ‘panjri’ or also known as ‘dabra’.
• Legumes: a variety of legumes are used, including chickpeas, pigeon peas, red lentils, mung bean,red kidney beans (originally an import from the Americas) and black gram. Legumes may be used singly or in combination. ^{[19][20][21][22]}
  
  

  Tarka Daal Ambarsari
• Saag: a variety of leafy greens (including spinach and mustard greens), typically cooked down to a stew, seasoned with ginger, garlic, chilies and other spices, and often enriched with paneer or cream.
• Eggplant: Baingan bharta is similar to baba ghanoush in the way the eggplant is prepared by roasting and peeling the skin off, but much richer, with the incorporation of lots of cooked tomato, browned onion and a variety of spices instead of tahini.^[23]
• Punj Ratani Dal:^[13] A thick gravy that uses 5 legumes, with tomato, browned onion and spices.
• Punjabi Kadhi Pakora (traditional curry with rice. Kadhi is a type of curry made with yoghurt or buttermilk, which is thickened with chickpea flour and seasoned with ginger, turmeric, chilies, and tempered spices.Deep-fried lumps of spiced chickpea-flour batter (pakoras)are also added.
• Punjabi Lassi paneer: In the Punjab, it is traditional to prepare lassi and then extract the paneer which would then be consumed by adding water, salt and chili. Lassi paneer can also be added to potatoes and spices to make a curry which resembles scrambled eggs. Lassi paneer cannot be cut into cubes as paneer from milk can be.^[17]

Snacks

• Toasted grains: In the Punjab, toasting corn and wheat grains on the Punjabi bhathi is a traditional delicacy.^[17]
• Samosas.
• Sattu: ground barley grains mixed with salt and turmeric rolled into balls. Millet and corn grains are also used.^[17]

Raita and chutney

Along with all types of main dishes chutney is also served.

Sweets and desserts

Gajar Ka Halwa ( Dessert made from Carrot)

Punjabi cuisine includes various types of desserts and Mithyai which include:

• Amritsari ^[13]
• Khoya
• Kulfi, an ice-cream-like dessert
• Malpua^[13]
• Rabri^[13]
• Semolina based desserts:^[24] Halva^[13]
• Sheer korma

Bread[edit]

Punjabis eat a variety of Breads. Flatbreads and raised breads are eaten on a daily basis. Raised breads are known as khamiri roti. Sunflower and flax seeds are also added in some breads occasionally. The breads may be made of different types of flour and can be made in various ways:

• Baked in the tandoor like naan,^[13] tandoori roti,^[13] kulcha,^[13] or lachha paratha^[13]
• Dry baked (Indian griddle), jowar ki roti, baajre ki roti and makki ki roti (these are also smeared with white butter)
• Shallow fried like paratha
• Deep fried like puri^[13] and bhatoora^[13] (a fermented dough)
• Salt-rising bread: Salt rising bread is a unique bread found only in the Salt Range region of Punjab, Pakistan. Since rock salt is readily available in salt range so many people in the past made use of salt instead of yeast to leaven the bread.
• Papar

Fermented foods

Achar Gosht ( A famous dish made from chicken and pickles mixture)

Fermented foods are common in Punjabi cuisine. Also fermented foods are added in the preparation of some dishes as well.^[33] Mango pickle is especially famous in many villages of Punjab.^[34][35]

Industry

The state has essentially an agrarian economy with a lower industrial output as compared to other states of India. A prominent feature of the industrial scenario of the Punjab is its small sized industrial units. There are nearly 194,000 small scale industrial units in the state in addition to 586 large and medium units.Dera Bassi, Ludhiana is an important center for industry. In the 1980s there was a chance of a Hero Honda and Maruti Suzuki plant to be set up in Ludhiana but due to some circumstances of terrorism it was cancelled.^{[citation needed]}

Important industries

The industrial units in the state are broadly divided into three-

• Agro-based industrial units
• Machinery units
• Chemical units

Textile industry

The state produces nearly 70% of the best quality cotton in India. In spite of several advantages, there is one major disadvantage that the total spindlage capacity of the state is only 1.5% of the country.Dera Bassi, Ludhiana is known as manchester of India. Batala was once called as "Iron bird of Asia" as it produced the highest amount of C.I.Casting, Agricultural and mechanical machinery. Batala is still one of the leading cities in Northern India in manufacturing of C.I Casting and mechanical machinery. It's also an agricultural marketplace and industrial center. Cotton ginning, weaving, sugar refining, rice milling are some of other business taking place here.

The cotton mills are located at Abohar, Malout, Phagwara, Amritsar, Kharar, Mohali and Ludhiana. Malerkotla, Abohar, Malout and Bhatinda are important for cotton ginning and pressing and nearly 25.3 million (25,300,000) bales of cotton are pressed annually over here. About 97 million kilograms of yarn and 36.5 million metres of cloth were produced in the cotton textile mills of Punjab. But only 43% of the cotton yarns formed in Punjab is used within the states and the remaining is sold outside the state. Pesticides introduced in the Green Revolution^[9] played an important part in the bustling cotton industry. The most common biopesticides in Punjab are Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). With the introduction of Btcotton, the total Punjab cotton area increased from 449,000 hectares in 2002 to 560,000 hectares in 2005. During this time frame, production of cotton has also increased: from 1.08 million bales (170 kg each) to 2.2 million bales, making up about 11-12% of the country's total production of cotton.^[10]

Overall textile production of Punjab is predictable at Rs.105000 Million, as well as Rs.32500 Million sell abroad of knitwear, shawls, made-ups (bed sheets, pillow cases, duvet covers, and curtains) and yarns. The direct and indirect employ of textile doings in the state of Punjab is predictable at 2 Million people. “Said Mr H.S.Cheema, Chairman, Punjab committee, Northern India Textile Mills Association (NITMA)”.^{[citation needed]}

Sugar industry

The sugar mills in Punjab are located at Batala, Gurdaspur, Bhogpur, Phagwara, Nawanshahr, Zira, Morinda, Rakhra, Dhuri, Fazilka, Nakodar, Dasua, Budhewal, Budhladha, Mukerian, Tarn Taran, Ajnala, Faridkot, Jagraon, Amloh, Patran and Lauhka. Butter Sivian Near Baba Bakala One of the salient feature of the sugar industry is that out of the 22 mills, 15 are in the Co-operative sector and 7 are privately owned. Compared to the state of Uttar Pradesh and some other Indian states, the size of the sugar mills in Punjab is small. The Co-operative sugar mill at Morinda is the biggest in the state with a daily crushing capacity of 4,000 tonnes of sugarcane. Six of the cooperative sugar mills are inoperative while the remaining nine crush cane during the season which is about 150 days.

Dairy industry

The primary source of milk and other dairy products in the state is the buffalo. The state ranks at the top in the country in the availability of milk after Haryana and gujarat.

The milk plants are mainly located at Verka (Amristar district), Ludhiana, Mohali, Jalandhar, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Sangrur, Bhatinda, Faridkot, Nabha, Moga, Kot Kapura and Hamira. The plant at Moga is the biggest plant in the state with a processing capacity of nearly 435 thousand litres of milk. The first AMUL milk plant of Punjab state was opened in 2015 at Batala.

Agriculture

Punjab (the five rivers region) is one of the most fertile regions on earth. The region is ideal for growing wheat crop. Rice, sugar cane, fruits and vegetables are also grown. Indian Punjab is called the "Granary of India" or "India's bread-basket." ^[7] Many records mistakenly mention that it produces 43% of India's wheat, but that is actually its contribution to the national pool. It produces 17% of India's wheat, and 11% of India's rice (2013 data). The total area of Punjab is just 1.4% of total area of India, but it produces roughly 12% of the cereals produced in the country.^[8] The largest grown crop is wheat. Other important crops are rice, cotton, sugarcane, pearl millet, maize, barley and fruits. The principal crops of Punjab are barley, wheat, rice, maize and sugarcane. Among the fodder crops are bajra and jowar. In the category of fruits, it produces abundant stock of kinnow. The main sources of irrigation are canals and tube wells. The rabi or the spring harvest consists of wheat, gram, barley, potatoes and winter vegetables. The Kharif or the autumn harvest consists of rice, maize, sugarcane, cotton and pulses. Agriculture sector is the largest contributor to the gross state domestic product (GSDP) of Punjab. According to 2013-14 data, the contribution of agriculture and allied industries in GSDP at factor cost is 28.13%.

Transportation In Punjab

Punjab is one of the well developed states of Indian Union in all fields. The state with a total area of above fifty thousand sq km has an excellent infrastructure. The state is famous for its excellent road networks and availability of various modes of transport like taxis, buses, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws. Availability of these transportation modes helps the tourists visiting the state and also the locals. Rail and road transport forms the bulk of transportation in the state. There are numerous National Highways and state highways passing through the state. Apart from this availability of various intercity trains makes the daily commuters life very comfortable. The ensuing paragraphs provide a better insight to local transport in Punjab.

Airways

Punjab state has a total of five civil airports. Amritsar International airport, which is known as Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is the largest airport in Punjab. Also, it is the second busiest airport in North India after Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi.

Other airports in Punjab are:

• Bhatinda Airport
• Pathankot Airport
• Patiala Airport
• Sahnewal Airport

Buses

Buses are the most accessible and comfortable means of transportation within the state. The Punjab State Roadways run a number of public buses by the name Punjab Roadways and PUNBUS. These buses provide utmost comfort and have very reasonable fares. This is the reason why majority of people prefer to travel by bus in the state. Apart from the buses run by the government, several private bus services also operate in the state. It is very easy to travel from one destination to other using these abundant and comfortable bus services.

About Punbus

PUNBUS is the dream project of Punjab Govt. It aims at providing better quality and comfort levels in the field of public service. It also strives to provide modern amenities to popularize public transport sector among the people.

PUNBUS or Punjab State Bus Stand Management Company Limited came into existence in the year 1995 at Jalandhar. Complete equity participation of PUNBUS is by the Punjab State. Commencement of business certificate was granted to PUNBUS by the Registrar of Punjab (Jalandhar) in June 1995.

Objectivies of Punbus Company

The prime objective of PUNBUS company is:-

• Maintenance and renovation of bus stands across the state of Punjab.
• Operate commercial bus services across India.

Trains

In Punjab, you can avail train facilities for traveling from one city to other. There is no provision for trains within the city.

Taxis

For comfort loving people taxis are the best means of journey both within the cities and from one city to another. So do not hesitate to pay more for little extra comfort. There are numerous taxis and taxi service agents available on important locations in Punjab.

Auto Rickshaws

Auto Rickshaws are easily accessible means of journey within the city. They are cheaper and comfortable than the city buses. However, it is advisable to bargain and fix fare at the time of boarding auto.

Cycle Rickshaws

Cycle Rickshaws are pulled manually and hence are only suitable for short distances. It is the cheapest means of travel within the city.

TOURISM

Punjab, famously referred to as ‘The land of five rivers’, is situated in the north western part of India. This fertile land ranks amongst the most ancient civilizations in the world. Punjab is also famous for its religious diversity as it was here many religious movements were initiated. The scenic landscape, rich history and famous religio

us sites are the most important reasons for increasing number of visits by tourists. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Punjab.

1. Amritsar

The moment you hear Amritsar mentioned, your mind is sure to recall the famous attraction in the land – The Golden temple. This ancient land is home to various shrines and places of historical importance. Here are the top destinations in Amritsar. 

• Golden Temple
• Jallianwala Bagh
• Akal Takht
• Tara Taran Sahib
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama
• Wagah Border
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
• Rambagh Garden
• Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
• Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary
• Khalsa College
• Durgiana Temple
• Bathinda Fort
• Kaiser Bagh Park

2. Chandigarh

Chandigarh is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. The city is considered the best planned city in the country. It is called ‘The City Beautiful’ and you will sure agree with it once you visit the beautiful city where modernization has not destroyed the natural treasures of the land. Here are the top destinations in Chandigarh.

• The Rock Garden
• Sukhna Lake
• Leisure Valley
• Shanti Kunj
• Morni Hills
• Chhatbir Zoo
• Rose Garden
• Le Corbusier Centre
• Government Museum and Art Gallery
• Sarkaria Cactus Garden
• Timber Trail
• Butterfly Park
• Yadvinder Garden
• Garden of Fragrance
• Chandigarh Botanical Garden and Nature Park
• Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park
• Chhatbir Zoo
• Terraced Garden
• International Dolls Museum

3. Jalandhar

Jalandhar, the land that boasts of a rich history is also famous for sports goods. This ancient part of the world, which is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata, has some of the most famous sites of historical importance and religious significance. Here are the top attractions in Jalandhar.

• Imam Nasir Masjid
• Tulsi Mandir
• Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Museum
• Wonderland Theme Park
• Devi Talab Mandir
• Shiv Mandir
• St. Mary’s Cathedral Church
• Pushpa Gujral Science City
• Company Bagh
• Niku Park
• Rangla Punjab Haveli
• Prithvi’s Planet
• Sheetla Mandir

4. Ludhiana

Ludhiana is the largest city in the state. It has its share of historical monuments and religious centers. It is situated closer to the banks of river Sutlej. The land had made a significant contribution during freedom fight. Though not in great numbers, the tourist attractions it has cannot be missed on your tour to Punjab. The important places of Ludhiana include:

• Lodhi Fort
• Rural Heritage Museum
• Tiger Zoo
• Punjab Agricultural University Museum
• Gurudwara Charan Kamal
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
• Phillaur Fort
• Nehru Rose Garden
• Deer Park

5. Patiala

The erstwhile princely state, Patiala, is famously referred to as the ‘City of newspapers’. The city has some of the best architecture that reflects the glorious past of the land. It is a blend of Rajput, Punjabi and Mughal cultures. Given below are the top attractions in Patiala.

• Qila Mubarak Complex
• Moti Bagh Palace
• Banur
• Samana
• Baradari Garden
• Sheesh Mahal
• Darbar Hall
• Bir Moti Bagh Sanctuary
• Lachman Jhoola
• Kali Temple

6. Bhatinda

Bhatinda is amongst the ancient cities of Punjab. Some of the monuments found here belong to 3000 BC. Famous for its historical associations, the land was where Guru Gobind Singh challenged and fought the Mughals bravely. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Bhatinda include:

• Bhatinda Fort
• Qila Mubarak
• Rose Garden
• Bhatinda Lake
• Bhatinda Zoological Park
• Lakhi Jungle
• Bir Talab Zoo
• Chetak Park
• Dhobhi Bazaar

7. Pathankot

The geographical location of Pathankot gains importance as it is the meeting point of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The scenic beauty of the land and its rich history have made the land a popular tourist destination. Here are some of the leading tourist attractions in the city.

• Mukteshwar Temple
• Ashapurni Mandir
• Kathgarh Temple
• Nurpur Fort
• Ranjit Sagar Dam
• Hydraulic Research Station
• Shahpurkandi Fort
• Kali Mata Ka Mandir

8. Kapurthala

Earlier referred to as the ‘Paris of Punjab’, Kapurthala is an excellent city with amazing architecture and breathtaking gardens. It was here that Guru Nanak attained enlightenment in 1499. Historical significance, scenic landscape and spectacular monuments make this place a unique destination. Given below are some of the important tourist attractions in Kapurthala.

• The Jagatjit Palace
• Jagatjit Club
• Elysee Palace
• Panj Mandir
• Kanjli Wetland
• Shalimar Garden
• Nihal Palace
• State Gurudwara
• Moorish Mosque

9. Mohali

Mohali, Chandigarh and Panchkula together are called Tri-city. The city acquired its name after Guru Gobind Singh’s eldest son Sahibzada Ajit Singh and hence is also called as SAS Nagar. While retaining its ancient heritage, Mohali, is also home to a good number of IT industries. The top tourist attractions in Mohali include:

• Rose Garden
• Silvi Park
• Mataur Lake
• Rock Garden
• Sukhna Lake
• Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
• Gurdwara Amb Sahib
• Mansa Devi Temple
• Gurudwara Nada Sahib
• Punjab Cricket Association Stadium

10. Ropar

Ropar, also known as Rupnagar, is yet another ancient town in Punjab. Archaeological evidences show that the place belonged to the era of Harappan civilization. Ropar also happens to be the first Harappan site to be excavated in independent India. The top destinations in Ropar include:

• Anandpur Sahib
• Chamkaur Sahib
• Bhakra Nangal Dam
• Ropar Wetland
• Gurudwara Parivar Vichhora Sahib
• Gurudwara Bhatta Sahib
• Jateshwar Mahadev Temple

You feel part of the ancient world when you travel the length and breadth of Punjab. Even a couple of weeks in Punjab will not suffice to cover all the important destinations in the land of five rivers.

Wagah border

Wagah (Punjabi (Gurmukhi): ਵਾਹਗਾ, Hindi: वाघा, Urdu: واہگہ) is a village situated near a road border crossing, goods transit terminal and a railway station between Pakistan and India,[1] and lies on the Grand Trunk Road between the cities of Amritsar, Punjab, India, and Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

The border is located 24 kilometres (15 mi) from Lahore and 32 kilometres (20 mi) from Amritsar. It is also 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from the bordering village of Attari.

Wagah, named Wahga in Pakistan, is a village near which the accepted Radcliffe Line, the boundary demarcation line dividing India and Pakistan upon the Partition of India, was drawn.[2] The village lies 600 meters west of the Border line. At the time of independence in 1947, the migrants from the Indian parts of the subcontinent entered the present day Pakistan through this border crossing. The Wahga railway station lies 400 meters to the south and only 100 meters from the Border line itself. In Pakistan the Border crossing is known as Wahga Border whereas in India it is called Atari Border crossing, named after the Indian village Atari, which lies 500 meters east of the border line within Indian territory.

It is particularly known for the elaborate Wagah border ceremony that happens at the border gate, two hours before sunset each day.[2] The flag ceremony is conducted by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers (PR).

Virasat-e-Khalsa

Virasat-e-Khalsa (Punjabi: ਵਿਰਾਸਤ-ਏ-ਖਾਲਸਾ) is a museum of Sikhism. It is located in sri Anandpur Sahib, the holy town near Chandigarh, the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. It is situated at a distance of around 45 km from Chandigarh.

Khatkar Kalan

Khatkar Kalan is a village between Banga and Nawanshar towns in Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar district in the Indian state of Punjab. This is the ancestral place of S.Bhagat Singh, the a well known freedom fighter of India. The district is named after his name, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.^[1][2]

Neighboring villages that share a boundary with Katkar Kalan are Thandian, Dosanjh Khurd, Manguwal, Karnana, Kahma, Bhootan, Bhukhari and the town of Banga

Hussainiwala National Martyrs Memorial

Hussainiwala (Punjabi: ਹੁਸੈਨੀਵਾਲਾ)is a village in Firozpur district in Punjab state, India. It is situate on the bank of the Sutlej river. Hussainiwala National Martyrs Memorial {(Hindi:हुसैनीवाला राष्ट्रीय शहीदी स्मारक, पंजाब, भारत)} is built here in memory of Indian freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru.

Durgiana Temple

The Durgiana Temple, Durga Tirath and Sitla Mandir, is a main Hindu temple of Punjab (India) situated in the city of Amritsar.^[3] Though a Hindu temple, its architecture is similar to the Golden Temple of Sikh religion.^[4] It is named after name of the Goddess Durga, the chief Goddess deified and worshipped here.

Qila Mubarak

Qila Mubarak inside view Qila Mubarak (Punjabi: ਕ਼ਿਲਾ ਮੁਬਾਰਕ, Hindi: क़िला मुबारक, Urdu: قلعہ مبارک), is a historical monument in the heart of the city of Bathinda in Punjab, India. It has been in existence from 90-110 AD in its current place and is the oldest surviving fort in India. It was here that Razia Sultan, the first woman to take charge of the Delhi throne was incarcerated on her defeat and dethroned. The bricks of the fort date back to the Kushana period when emperor Kanishka ruled over Northern India/Bactria. Raja Dab, along with emperor Kanishka, is believed to have built the fort.