Amritsar is one of the largest and historical cities in the state of Punjab. The government of India program that is Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) program has chosen it as one of the heritage cities. Mainly, it lies in the northern and Northwestern parts of India. Sri Guru Ramdass Ji, the fourth Sikh guru, founded Amritsar in approximately 1574 AD.
Moreover, Ambarsar is the informal name of Amritsar, and Ramdaspur is its historical name. The city plays a vital role in the state of Punjab. Amritsar accommodates its importance through the historical events and emotional attachment of the Sikh community.
The beauty of Amritsar city is worldwide. Specifically, some of the glories are the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Sadda Pind, Wagah border, partition museum, Punjab State war heroes’ memorial and museum, Gobindgarh fort, and Durgiana mandir. Amritsar stimulates various temples and shrines dedicated to Sikh culture.
Most popular sites in Amritsar
Golden Temple- This is the place that is a symbol of equality and human brotherhood. It is not just a religious place for the Sikhs but also a place where people of different races show their admiration. Also, the temple’s popularity in the world is due to its decoration with marble sculptures and paintings that look similar to the Taj Mahal.
Furthermore, the dome at the top of the temple is made from pure gold. It is the best part of Amritsar where one can spend devotional and peaceful time. It is the place where Sikh comes to worship, meditate, and connect with their faith. On 1st June 1984, Operation Blue Star was conducted in the Golden Temple on the order of PM Indira Gandhi against Bhindra Wala.
Jallianwala Bagh – The ordinary people of India protested against the repressive Rowlatt Act in Jallianwala Bagh. A great massacre happened. And, the main culprit of the massacre was General Michael O’Dwyer. Hundreds of people lost their lives.
From the viewpoint of tourism, the place is historical as well as a rebellion against British colonial rule in India. In the present time, our generations get to know about their past. Here in the garden, the site of the Martyrs’ Gallery and Museum is a memorable and heart-warming place. In other words, a portrait of Udham Singh is on display in the gallery. One of the seven urns containing his ashes is kept in the museum.
Pleasure in the city
Shri Durgiana Temple – The location of the temple is in the city of Amritsar. Though it is a Hindu temple, the architecture of the shrine is indistinguishable from the Golden Temple. People worship Mata Durga, who is the chief goddess of the temple. Here, many devotees worship Mata Lakshmi and Bhagwan Vishnu every year. The rich collection of Hindu scriptures is accessible in this temple. Furthermore, Silver Temple is the other name, which is designated due to the large, designed silver doors. Additionally, an individual uses a marble bridge to reach the temple.
Ram Tirath – For Hindus, Ram Tirath is a holy place in Punjab. The pilgrimage has its Past related to Maa Sita. In history, the place was the ashram of Sage Valmiki, where Mata Sita took shelter after leaving Ayodhya. Even, it is people’s belief that it is the birthplace of Luv and Kush, who were the sons of Shri Ram.
Country-loving places in Amritsar
Wagah border –It is a line between India and Pakistan. Wagah is a village near Lahore, Pakistan. The border lies on the Grand Trunk Road. Specifically, this zero line is 32 km from Amritsar. For example, one can enjoy various activities here such as the Beating Retreat ceremony, the parade of soldiers, a visit to Khalsa College, a War memorial, and museum, exploring Pul Kanjari (village), and experiencing Punjabi traditional culture. Additionally, special features of Wagah are the India BSF and the women personnel of the Indian BSF at the Wagah border. One can have the best experience visiting the Wagah border in winter.
Gobindgarh Fort – In the 18th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh built this Killa. The fort was named after Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh guru. After independence, the fort became a military base. But in 2017, the state government undertook the fort. At present, it is a popular tourist destination after the restoration project. For example, sites to visit in Fort are Sher-e-Punjab, Country Museum, Ambar sari Zaika, Haat Bazaar, the traditional market of handicrafts, and the Whispering Wall. Moreover, it contains a rich heritage and culture of Punjab, which attracts tourism in the state.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum – This museum is named after Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first king of the Sikh Empire. The museum was first the summer place of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The palace became a museum later. It is a rich collection of Sikh heritage and Punjabi culture of the 18th and 19th centuries. Moreover, the building functions as a provider of informative details about the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The museum contains various King’s possessions such as swords and armor, coins, jewelry, manuscripts, and more.
Traditional places in the city –
Sadda Pind – It is a Punjabi village. It spreads over 12 acres of land, which is a living museum of the tradition of Punjabi culture. Here, an individual can rejoice in traditional dance, folk songs, traditional food, bravery stories, and local handicrafts. The young one can find satisfaction in performing these acts and can reconnect to their roots. This will surely help many of them to recognise the values of their fathers and forefathers. In Amritsar, Sadda Pind is the focus of foreign tourism and plays a vital role in the presentation of Indian culture and lifestyle.
Conclusion
To sum up, Amritsar, the holiest city in Punjab, has various sites and places to visit and to take pleasure in various activities. The city has economic importance in the state.
Punjab has heroes’ memorials and museums. It gained importance and attraction due to the martyrs of Punjab. It lists many warriors who sacrificed their lives. The land area of the museum is three acres in Amritsar. It attracts tourists and especially the youth to gain motivation from their ancestors, who bravely fought their wars. The museum’s boundary walls were constructed using Nanak Shahi bricks.
The combination of ancient and modern society in Amritsar has attracted the city for various purposes. It is also a market hub for traders, a glorious site for tourists, as well as an educational university for students, etc.
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