Amritsar, as the name suggests, is rightfully a pool of nectar. Located in the state of Punjab, Amritsar is one of the most important pilgrimage centers especially for the Sikhs in the country. The city is characterized by some of the must visit religious, historical as well as contemporary sites of importance. The Golden Temple, where Sikhs from all over the world come to pay their reverence to Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in the Amrit Saras Kund (Pool of Immortality) for spiritual purification is the major landmark of the place. Amritsar is also characterized by the hard working and warm-hearted people.
Before Sikhism came into origin and the present city came to be known by Amritsar, legends has it that this was the place where, Luv and Kush, the twin sons of Lord Ram, got education and were taught the Ramayana by the learned sage Valmiki.
Today Amritsar is a historical place and a religious hub of the Sikhs. A major part of the city's history revolves around the Golden Temple. Guru Ram Das is supposed to have selected the villages of Tung, Gumtala and Sutanwind to lay the foundation of a new village, which would be a centre for the congregation of Sikhs. Initially, a tank was dug that was completed by Guru Arjan Dev. On the orders of Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das then built the Guru ka Chak or the Guru's residence. This House is now known as the Guru ke Mahal (guru's palace). Guru Arjan Dev then invited traders, artistes and craftsmen to settle down in at this place. The place came to be known as Ramdaspur at that time. Later on when the sacred tank (Amrit Sarovar) was completed, Ramdaspur was renamed Amritsar.
Before independence, Lahore, which is now a part of Pakistan, and Amritsar were the major educational centers of the country. The Hindu College, Khalsa College, DAV College and many other institutes in Amritsar still enjoy world fame. Amritsar also has been a major centre of Indian independence struggle and the valorous people of the city actively participated in the freedom struggle. In AD 1947, the entire city of Amritsar strongly protested against the partitioning of Punjab between India and Pakistan and had to face riots and bloodshed for a long time that year.
Amritsar Festivals
Baisakhi : Baisakhi, the festival of spring, is celebrated here every year on 13th of April. It is all the more auspicious because it is on this day that Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa panth. Through out the city the atmosphere is of gaiety and colour. It is believed that wheat crop is also ready for harvesting and on this day, farmers start reaping the harvest for which they have waited patiently. So the occasion is of happiness. The Guru Granth Sahib is read in all the Gurdwaras and a procession is carried out in the city. People enjoy be dancing the Punjabi folk dance bhangra.
Guru Nanak Jayanti : The festival falls in the month of October. The day commemorates the birthday of Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj. The Guru Granth Sahib is read and langars are organized in the Gurdwaras and at homes.
Getting there
By Air : The Raja Sansi Airport is just 10 km from the main city of Amritsar and taxis are easily available to and from the airport.
By Rail : Amritsar is well connected by rail, almost to every corner of the country. There are direct trains to Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Puri and other places.
By Road : Amritsar is well connected to all the major cities of northern India. It is at a distance of 234 km from Chandigarh.
Climate : The holy city of Amritsar has an extreme climate with very hot summers and very cold winters. Monsoon hits the city around the first week of July and brings average rainfall.
Best time to visit : October and March
