Things to do in Amritsar, India

Things to do in Amritsar, India

Amritsar has a small but enchanting list of its own. The moment you here about it, you will want going to the places of Amritsar.

1. The Golden Temple
The main areas of the temple include Darshani Deori sporting a distinctly Victorian clock-tower. Then Amrit Sarovar - the giant pool of water that surrounds and reflects the Golden Temple.

Perched at the center of the pool is the Golden Temple known as the Harimandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib. The foundation of the Harmandir Sahib was laid by Pir Mian Mir of Lahore on the request of Arjan Dev. Adi Granth Sahib was first installed here on August 16, 1604. This is the most crowded point, accessible by a bridge from the edge of the pool, and entry here is regulated by guards.

Akal Takht is the place where Guru Granth Sahib is put to bed every night after an elaborate procession brings the holy book on beautifully decorated Palki.

The Central Sikh Museum, upstairs in the clock-tower entrance, is devoted to large gallery of paintings, mostly showing the gruesome ways countless Sikhs have been martyred. Included are scenes from the British period and Operation Bluestar.

2. Durgiana Temple
Belonging from the 16th-century, Durgiana Temple, opposite Gole Bagh, south of the train station, is a Hindu shrine to the goddess Durga, which in its design replicates its more famous Sikh neighbour. It is also called by the name of Lakshmi Narayan Temple. The temple was constructed by Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor on the pattern of the Sikh Golden Temple and it is located near the Lohgarh gate. It is sometimes called Silver temple for its carved silver doors.

3. Wagah-Attari border
Also called as "Berlin wall of Asia", the Wagah-Attari border crossing about 30 km west of Amritsar is a well-known checkpost on the India-Pakistan border. The daily flag-lowering ceremony, in the evenings around 6 pm, is the draw here, Pakistani and Indian soldiers in full-dress uniform go through a sort of competitive ritual of winding up the day, and even shake hands at the end.

4. Jallianwala Bagh
Who can forget the blood covered massacre that took place on this very soil of Jallianwala Bagh ? The catastrophic events that occured due to the ruthlessness of British Brigadier General Reginald E. H. Dyer is still fresh in the minds of the people. Today the garden is planted with a few rosebushes, but the bullet holes from the British arms remain. The well, into which some dove in a vain attempt to save themselves, is on the north side.

5. Pul Kanjari
Pul Kanjari, a small village on the Amritsar-Lahore road, was an important trading centre, during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is said that during the Raja's stay here, a dancer regularly entertained him. One day, while crossing the canal, one of her shoes fell into the water. It was on her insistence that the Maharaja built a pul or bridge over the canal. The village was captured during the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, but recaptured after some fierce fighting.

6. Ram Tirath Temple
Ram Tirath Temple is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama's sons Lav and Kush were born, and where sage Valmiki's ashram once stood. The temple is located on the outskirts of Amritsar. The temple also has sculptures illustrating scenes from the Ramayana.

7. Guru Purab
Guru Purab is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first guru of the Sikhs is celebrated across the country. The Golden Temple is decked up beautifully on the occasion of Guru Purab. The `Akhand Path` recitation of the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib and Langars in the gurudwaras are integral part of the celebrations.

8. Baisakhi
Baisakhi marks the Hindu New Year. On the 13th of April every year, Amritsaris celebrate Baisakhi with great gusto. For the Sikhs, it is the day Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Guru, organised the community into the order of the Khalsa. On this day which denotes the advent of spring, the Khalsa panth was also founded by Guru Gobind Singh. It is joyous occasion and the people come out on the streets dressed in colorful clothes dancing the boisterous bhangra.

9. Hola Mohalla
Celebrated the day after Holi, the Hola Mohalla festival makes for a thrilling spectacle. Hola Mohalla has great historical significance, for it marks the militarisation of Sikh followers into the order of Nihangs by Guru Gobind.  Martial arts like archery, fencing, and horse riding are displayed.

10. Amritsar Heritage Festival
Organised by the tourism department, the Amritsar Heritage Festival features shabad kirtans, poetry readings, and plenty of music and dance. It is usually planned in the month of November. The dropping temperatures add further delight to attend this festival.

11. Forget Pizzas & Burgers
From the proverbial Tandoori Chicken to the Chhole Kulchas on Maqbool Road and Amritsari Fish that is available at most of the dhabas sprinkled around the town, all the food are delicious. Also you can try Chawla Chicken on Lawrence Road for their sumptous butter chicken and Kesar da Dhaba for traditional punjabi food as also thier phirni and lassi. For veggi lovers, Bhrawa da Dhaba is the ultimate choice

12. Shop until you Drop
Amritsar is full of traditional fashion. From salwar suits to bangles and other trinkets, the bazaars of Amritsar have it all especially in the old city. The little shops opposite the Golden temple are full of interesting little trinkets. The best woolens – shawls, sweaters and mufflers are available in Amritsar’s Hall bazaar. Guru Bazaar is the best place to check out gold jewellery and sandalwood carvings. But before leaving, do not forget to buy some of the famous Amritsari papads and wadiyans.

- By Sunil R Yadav

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