[ Edit ] Overview

Punjab, literally meaning the "Land of Five Rivers" (a network of the Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers), enjoys one of India's most fertile land - and is often referred to as the "food bowl" of India.   As such, Agriculture is the 'culture' of this state.   While Punjab only comprises ~2.5% of India's population, the State produces 22% and 10% of India's wheat and rice respectively. Punjab also produces a third of all of India's milk .

Historically, the boundaries of Punjab extended up to the borders with Afghanistan.  However, with India achieving her independence from British rule in 1947, the state was split between Pakistan and India.  Punjab was further divided with creation of the states of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana ( in 1966).  Chandigarh is the common capital city for both the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.  With the partition at India's independence, Punjab became a predominantly Sikh and Hindu state with most of the Muslims moving across to Pakistan.

Noteworthy destinations and monuments in Punjab include Amritsar, Golden Temple, Wagah Border (w/ Pakistan) and Anandpur Sahib.  Festivals in Punjab that are celebrated with particular fervor include: Baisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, Guru Nanak Jayanti and Lohri.

For more general information on Punjab (Economy, History, Demographics, etc.), please refer to the Punjab Wiki Guide.

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Highlights

[ Edit ] Destinations in Punjab

• Amritsar: Amritsar "The Lake of the Holy Nectar" is located at the western end of Punjab and on the Grand Trunk Road bordering Pakistan, 32 kilometres east of Lahore. Amritsar is home to Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion. Amritsar is also known for the incidents of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919 under British Rule and Operation Bluestar in 1984 under the Indian Army. Amritsar's attractions include it roadside dhabas and the spectacle of the daily closing of the India-Pakistan border gate at Wagah.

• Patiala: Patiala is the administrative headquarters of Patiala District of Punjab and was the capital of the princely state in the former Punjab. Sheesh Mahal, Qila Mubarak, Qila Androon, Darbar Hall, Old Moti Bagh Palace etc. are some of the many attractions in Patiala.

• Jalandhar: Jalandhar previously known as Jullundur,is a city in Jalandhar District of Punjab.  Jalandhar was the capital of Punjab from India's independence (1947) until Chandigarh was built in 1953. It is well connected by road and train. The nearest Airport is RajaSansi Airport, Amritsar at a distance of 90 kms. Jalandhar is famous for its textiles, leather goods, wood products, and sporting goods.

• Anandpur Sahib: Anandpur Sahib, known as "the holy City of Bliss," it is a holy city and sacred places for the Sikhs that is closely linked to their religious traditions and history. Anandpur Sahib has about 40 Gurudwaras within the city.

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[ Edit ] Festivals of Punjab

Some of the important festivals of Punjab are:

• Baisakhi:  Baisakhi, is essentially a North Indian Harvest Festival especially celebrated by the large farming communities of Punjab and Haryana - and marks the time for harvest of rabi (winter) crops. For the Sikh community, the festival has religious significance, as it was on this day that Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs founded the Akal Khalsa (Community of the Pure) at a ceremony organized at Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur.

• Chaitra Navratri:  

• Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti:  Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is the most important day in Punjab's festive calendar. It is the birthday of tenth and last guru of Sikhs and is celebrated by millions of Sikhs all over the world with religious fervor and gaiety. According to the Nanakshahi Calendar, the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib falls on 5th Jan every year.

• Guru Nanak Jayanti:  Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion was a poet, philosopher, a humanist and a social reformer. The festival marks his birthday - he was born in the month of Kartik (October/ November). The Golden Temple in Amritsar is where the main celebrations are held - although all Gurudwaras (Sikh Temples) partake in the celebrations.

• Lohri: 

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[ Edit ] Foods of Punjab

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[ Edit ] Monuments and Temples in Punjab

• Golden Temple: Golden Temple also known as Harmandir Sahib or Durbar Sahib is one of the oldest and most significant place of worship of the Sikh gurdwaras. The temple was established by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs. About 40,000+ visitors are feed for free everyday at the Guru ka langar (community kitchen) without any distinction based on caste, nationality or religion. October to March is the best time to visit Amritsar. The Golden Temple is open daily.

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Other Information

[ Edit ] Capital of Punjab

Chandigarh

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[ Edit ] Punjab Area

50,362 sq.kms

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[ Edit ] Punjab Languages

Punjabi

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[ Edit ] Punjab Population

24,289,296

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