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Punjab
Punjab is one of India's most beautiful states. The century old Punjabi culture is renowned for its tolerance, progressive and logical approach to life. The state is the location of one of the world's first and oldest civilizations - the Indus Valley Civilization. Above all, the warmth and hospitality of the people are the main attractions in this region. Punjab has many things to offer to an enthusiast who wants to explore it. Some of the main cities in Punjab are Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala. Punjab has a vast public transportation network, which provides excellent tourist transportation.
Punjab fulfills the dream of a perfect traveler. This north Indian state is a perfect destination for pilgrimage tour in the country. The world’s largest gurudwara – the Golden Temple is here which attracts millions of devotees from across the whole world to see its inimitable architecture. Apart from gurudwaras, the land is also studded with historical monuments, temples, churches, mosques and a number of other holy shrines that remain unexplored.
History
The history of Punjab is as old as the history of the Indian Civilization. The land of five rivers, this state was known as Panchal when the Aryans came to India in the third millennium BC. before that, the whole region of the Sindhu (Indus) and its tributaries were inhibited by the Harappans or the people of Copper age who constructed great cities in this region. Ropar in modern Punjab is a great example of this civilization. The Harappan culture declined suddenly between 1800-1700 BC and its end is as puzzling as its beginning. After the decline of the Harappans, Aryans from Central Asia ventured into this land and made this their home.
Punjab was the first place on the Indian subcontinent where the Aryans actually decided to settle after a long period of grazing and fighting with the aboriginal communities. This was the place where later parts of the Rgveda and other Vedas were written. This was also the place where first war for the control of entire north India or Aryawart (as it was known in those days) was fought between the Aryans and non-Aryans, known as Dasragya War (war of 10 kings).
Draupadi, wife of the Pandava princes in Mahabharat, was the princess of Panchal though her father fought in the war of Mahabharat against the Pandavas. When the Aryans finally settled down in India, the region came under the rulers of Magadh kingdom in the last century BC.
Punjab always had a strategic importance due to its position on the famous Grand Trunk Road that connected the eastern parts of India to the extreme northwest point of Taxila (now in Afghanistan). This road was first constructed by Ashoka to have a better administration of the northwestern frontier, which was always a problem. After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, the Indo Greeks, Guptas, and Vardhans ruled this region in succession. After the coming of Muslims in the 9th-10th century AD, the region became an integral part of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. It was also under the Maratha rule for some time.
Punjab fulfills the dream of a perfect traveler. This north Indian state is a perfect destination for pilgrimage tour in the country. The world’s largest gurudwara – the Golden Temple is here which attracts millions of devotees from across the whole world to see its inimitable architecture. Apart from gurudwaras, the land is also studded with historical monuments, temples, churches, mosques and a number of other holy shrines that remain unexplored.
History
The history of Punjab is as old as the history of the Indian Civilization. The land of five rivers, this state was known as Panchal when the Aryans came to India in the third millennium BC. before that, the whole region of the Sindhu (Indus) and its tributaries were inhibited by the Harappans or the people of Copper age who constructed great cities in this region. Ropar in modern Punjab is a great example of this civilization. The Harappan culture declined suddenly between 1800-1700 BC and its end is as puzzling as its beginning. After the decline of the Harappans, Aryans from Central Asia ventured into this land and made this their home.
Punjab was the first place on the Indian subcontinent where the Aryans actually decided to settle after a long period of grazing and fighting with the aboriginal communities. This was the place where later parts of the Rgveda and other Vedas were written. This was also the place where first war for the control of entire north India or Aryawart (as it was known in those days) was fought between the Aryans and non-Aryans, known as Dasragya War (war of 10 kings).
Draupadi, wife of the Pandava princes in Mahabharat, was the princess of Panchal though her father fought in the war of Mahabharat against the Pandavas. When the Aryans finally settled down in India, the region came under the rulers of Magadh kingdom in the last century BC.
Punjab always had a strategic importance due to its position on the famous Grand Trunk Road that connected the eastern parts of India to the extreme northwest point of Taxila (now in Afghanistan). This road was first constructed by Ashoka to have a better administration of the northwestern frontier, which was always a problem. After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, the Indo Greeks, Guptas, and Vardhans ruled this region in succession. After the coming of Muslims in the 9th-10th century AD, the region became an integral part of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. It was also under the Maratha rule for some time.
| Capital | : | Chandigarh |
| District Area | : | 50,362 sq km |
| Altitude | : | 300 m from the sea level |
| Best time to visit | : | October - March |
| Temperature | : | Summer: 43.33°C Max Winter: 4.44°C Min |
| Climate | : | Hot in summer and cold in winters |
| Rainfall | : | Between 96 cms sub-mountain region to 46 cms in the plains |
| Clothing | : | Summer: Cotton Winters: Woolens |
| Local Languages | : | Punjabi, Hindi |
| Religion | : | Hindus (34.46%), Sikhs (62.95%), others (2.59%) |
Amritsar
It is the home of the world famous Golden Temple founded by Guru Ramdas, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, in the year 1579. Amritsar is the most important seat of Sikh history and culture, trade, and also, the gateway for travellers coming to India, on the overland route through Pakistan. Diwali, Baisakhi, Basant and Gurparabs are the main festivals celebrated in Amritsar.
Ludhiana
An important industrial town, Ludhiana is famous for its hosiery goods. Woollen garments produced here are sold all over the world. The famous Punjab Agricultural University is situated on the outskirts of Ludhiana. Rural olympics of Qila Raipur, Chharpper Mela, and Kila Mela at Pau, attract lakhs every year.
Anandpur Sahib
This place has a number of historical Gurudwaras, with a backdrop of Naina Devi Hill. On the day following the festival of Holi, devotees flock to Anandpur Sahib, to participate in the Hola Mohalla celebrations, re-enacting Sikh battles of yore, with ancient arms and weapons.
Patiala
Patiala has magnificent forts, palaces and gardens. The Quilla Mubarak, the nucleus of Patiala, houses impressive armoury and chandeliers. Patiala also produces some exquisite handicrafts.
Sirhind
Sirhind was an important city of the Mughal period. It has a number of fine mosques and tombs. It was here, in the ancient Sirhind Fort built by Firoze Tughlak, that the two young sons of Guru Gobind Singh were bricked alive, when they refused to embrace Islam. The Fatehgarh Sahib Gurudwara marks the spot . Closeby is the Rauza of Hazrat Mujadadud-din Altaf Sheikh Ahmed Farooqu, regarded by many Muslims to be only second to the Prophet Mohammed.
Jalandhar
Jalandhar is renowned for its sports goods, and is an important industrial centre. Monuments of this city include the 800 years old Imam Nasir Mausoleum, Devi Tala and the 400 years old Jama Masjid.
Sanghol
Located in the district of Ludhiana, Sanghol is an important archaeological site. Excavations of the site have yielded coins of the Nomadic rulers Toramana and Mahiragula. A Buddhist stupa was excavated in 1968. In February 1985, a rich collection of 117 intricately carved stone slabs, pillars and crossbars relating to the Kushan dynasty, were excavated. These treasures have since been showcased in the Museum at Sanghol.
It is the home of the world famous Golden Temple founded by Guru Ramdas, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, in the year 1579. Amritsar is the most important seat of Sikh history and culture, trade, and also, the gateway for travellers coming to India, on the overland route through Pakistan. Diwali, Baisakhi, Basant and Gurparabs are the main festivals celebrated in Amritsar.
Ludhiana
An important industrial town, Ludhiana is famous for its hosiery goods. Woollen garments produced here are sold all over the world. The famous Punjab Agricultural University is situated on the outskirts of Ludhiana. Rural olympics of Qila Raipur, Chharpper Mela, and Kila Mela at Pau, attract lakhs every year.
Anandpur Sahib
This place has a number of historical Gurudwaras, with a backdrop of Naina Devi Hill. On the day following the festival of Holi, devotees flock to Anandpur Sahib, to participate in the Hola Mohalla celebrations, re-enacting Sikh battles of yore, with ancient arms and weapons.
Patiala
Patiala has magnificent forts, palaces and gardens. The Quilla Mubarak, the nucleus of Patiala, houses impressive armoury and chandeliers. Patiala also produces some exquisite handicrafts.
Sirhind
Sirhind was an important city of the Mughal period. It has a number of fine mosques and tombs. It was here, in the ancient Sirhind Fort built by Firoze Tughlak, that the two young sons of Guru Gobind Singh were bricked alive, when they refused to embrace Islam. The Fatehgarh Sahib Gurudwara marks the spot . Closeby is the Rauza of Hazrat Mujadadud-din Altaf Sheikh Ahmed Farooqu, regarded by many Muslims to be only second to the Prophet Mohammed.
Jalandhar
Jalandhar is renowned for its sports goods, and is an important industrial centre. Monuments of this city include the 800 years old Imam Nasir Mausoleum, Devi Tala and the 400 years old Jama Masjid.
Sanghol
Located in the district of Ludhiana, Sanghol is an important archaeological site. Excavations of the site have yielded coins of the Nomadic rulers Toramana and Mahiragula. A Buddhist stupa was excavated in 1968. In February 1985, a rich collection of 117 intricately carved stone slabs, pillars and crossbars relating to the Kushan dynasty, were excavated. These treasures have since been showcased in the Museum at Sanghol.
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
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
Hot weather is from April to June when the climate of the plains is excessively hot and dry with temperatures as high as 49° C (120° F).
Rainy season is from July to September. The average rainfall annual ranges between 96 cms in the sub-mountain region and 58 cms in the plains. More than 70 percent of the annual rainfall occurs during this monsoon season.
Winters are cool with some frosts. Annual rainfall ranges from about 915 mm (about 36 in) in the north to 102 mm (4 in) in the south. The average temperature in January is 13° C (55° F), although at night the temperature sometimes lowers to freezing. Winter months are October to March with cool and pleasant weather.
Rainy season is from July to September. The average rainfall annual ranges between 96 cms in the sub-mountain region and 58 cms in the plains. More than 70 percent of the annual rainfall occurs during this monsoon season.
Winters are cool with some frosts. Annual rainfall ranges from about 915 mm (about 36 in) in the north to 102 mm (4 in) in the south. The average temperature in January is 13° C (55° F), although at night the temperature sometimes lowers to freezing. Winter months are October to March with cool and pleasant weather.
By Air:
Chandigarh and Amritsar both have airports are connected to other cities in India by regular flights.
By Railway:
Punjab is extensively linked to the other parts of the country by rail. Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Pathankot, and Jalandhar are the major railway hubs in the state from where one can take trains for most parts of the country.
By Road:
The entire Punjab State is connected through an extensive network of medalled roads. State Highways connect major cities to the state capital. NH 1 or the Grand Trunk Road connects the state with most of the north as well as east India.
Chandigarh and Amritsar both have airports are connected to other cities in India by regular flights.
By Railway:
Punjab is extensively linked to the other parts of the country by rail. Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Pathankot, and Jalandhar are the major railway hubs in the state from where one can take trains for most parts of the country.
By Road:
The entire Punjab State is connected through an extensive network of medalled roads. State Highways connect major cities to the state capital. NH 1 or the Grand Trunk Road connects the state with most of the north as well as east India.