Punjab is a state of colours, festivals, joy and a goodvibrant life! So what all are the things that you MUST try out when in Punjab?Let’s take a look:
UNLOCKTHE ANCIENT HERITAGE OF THE CITIES OF PUNJAB
While in Punjab, explore the history of Punjab's culture,Sikhism, and architecture – visit the famous towns and cities of Punjab. Eachtown of Punjab has its unique history to talk about. While some history ismodern some are ancient. Amristar, is one of the holiest cities of Punjab, withthe Golden temple as the shrine for the devotees. Also, in Amritsar is the veryfamous JalianwalaBagh memorial, where many Indians were martyred by GeneralDyre. Wagah Border is another place to explore.
Apart from that, the whole Punjab has a lot many fortslike the Lodhi Fort in Bhatinda, the Pathankot Fort in Pathankot, thePuranaQila in Patiala are just a few. Their palaces are in ruins now, but atone point in time in history, they were the elegant entrance to many Empires –Lodhis, Rajputs, and Mughals. Most of the Forts or the cities have museums,which tell the history of Punjab. Virasat e Khalsa is one such museum thattraces 500 years of Sikhism and 300 years of the formation of Khalsa.
EXPLORETHE GREENERY OF THE GARDENS AND PARKS
The entire state of Punjab is interspersed with a wholelot of gardens! Rose Gardens, Terraced Garden, Japanese Garden, Rock Garden –are few main attractions in just Chandigarh alone– the capital city of Punjaband Haryana. Similarly, there are other gardens too in the other cities ofPunjab. The JalianwalaBagh Gardens and Rambagh Garden in Amritsar, the BaradariGarden in Patiala, Nehru Rose Garden in Ludhiana, Shalimar Gardens inKapurthala are the other Gardens that will take your breath away! Also, Punjabhas many parks in all its cities. With architecture that is a blend of Rajput,Sikh, and Mughal cultures, the spectacular monuments and buildings make a sightto behold.
EXPERIENCETHE JOY OF FESTIVALS
Qila Raipur is a small village in the Ludhiana City ofPunjab. It is famous for hosting the Qila Raipur Sports Festival, which is alsocalled Rurak Olympics. The participants include the different breeds of cattlelike – bullocks, cows, buffalos, mules, etc. There are many other festivalsliketh the Rose festival, the Mango Festival, which is held typically in thewinter and summer season respectively. Apart from these, celebrations forfestivals like teeyan or Punjabi Teej, Lohri, BasantPanchami, etc, are theseasonal festivals which are celebrated in Monsoons, Spring and Winters.
Every festival has a characteristic platter of food, acertain style of celebration, and very important history and traditionassociate with its celebration. The most important festival is the celebrationof Guru BAnakJayanti, also called the PrakashUtsav. Prakash means light. Hence,in this festival, the whole city and all the important shrines of Sikhpilgrimage and Gurudwaras are decorated with lights to remember the Light OFKNOWLEDGE, Humanity, and wisdom as was done by Guru Nanak DevJi. The festivalof Gurupurab is celebrated for every Guru of the ten gurus of Sikhism. Even theHindu festivals of Holi, Diwali, Karwachauth are celebrated with just as muchfervor and positivity!
EATA LANGAR
The best part about Punjab is the infinite Gurudwaras!Anandpur Sahib, HArmandir Sahib, Hoshiarpur Sahib, Nada Sahib are a few famousones. So just go to any Gurudwara, and enjoy a langar meal. Langar is a mealthat is served by the Sikhs at the Gurudwaras, as a part of their Seva.Experience the joy of unconditional service to humanity. Not only do they servethe food, but they also wash the plates, serve water and keep the shoes! InSikhism serving God is through serving humanity. So see and grow with humanity
LETTHE FLAVORS WORK THEIR MAGIC
If you didn’t try out the Punjabi cuisine, then coming toPunjab is absolutely worthless! Punjab has one of the yummiest platters tooffer. Whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian, Punjab has food for every taste.
With so many varieties in just parathas – Aloo, Paneer,Gobhi, etc, one can very well imagine what will it be for the rest of theitems? Evening starters like Tandoori Chicken, Chickentikka, paneertikka soyatikka- just make your mouth want it all! Street food includes Raj Kachori,Alootikka, papri chat, DahiBhalla, and a lot! Dinner includes Butter Chicken,KadhaiPaneer, Rara Mutton, Dal Fry, Dal Makhni – to each his favorite! So whatmakes the Punjabi food so yummy? It’s the Punajbigaram masala and the Desi Ghee!( Intadka and for garnishing) which lends the delicious taste. This is whatmakes it famous for its burst of flavors in the mouth – all over the world.
SHAKEA LEG AND GROOVE TO THE MUSIC
Punjab is very diversified in terms of Music. On onehand, you have the peaceful, and soulful Shabad recitation and Gurbani., on theother hand, you have the rocking Punjabi music with the Bhangra beats!Initially, Punjabi music was restricted to only Punjab with Chamkeela andGurdas Mann. Today, with artists like Baadshah, Aastha Gill, HarshdeepKaur,DiljitDosanjh, GippyGrewal, YoYo Honey Singh, Punjab music has not crossed theboundaries of Punjab, but it has given India international fame.
With many karaoke hangouts not becoming popular with livemusic, you can come and try your voice too, at signing along and if you do notknow, then just move to the groove of the Punjabi Dhol. Put your hands up andjust relax and do the Bhangra on the beat. The Punjabis are very gracious andfun-loving, so even if you do not know the Bhangra, they will teach you how todo it! Bhangra is also the traditional dance of Punjab. Bhangra is danced onevery occasion be it Baisakhi or a wedding – Bhangra is a must! And, withPunjabis like they say, Bhangra is where the Dhol is! So, chill with the Beats!
Punjab is a state of colours, festivals, joy and a goodvibrant life! So what all are the things that you MUST try out when in Punjab?Let’s take a look:
SHOPTO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT
Punjab follows the mantra shop till you drop! Whether itis shopping at the Malls or just street fashion, Punjab has it all! Startingfrom Patiala SalwarKameez, dhoti salwar with Kurti – one has too many optionsto explore! Not to mention the beautifully embroidered Phulkaridupatta orkurta! The sheer simplistic beauty if it is mesmerizing. Punjabi Juttis comenext. A mix of shoes and slippers, they are the most comfortable and convenientfootwear, and look amazing when paired with the Punjabi suit! Sequins, silkthread work, mirror work, stones – they just make your feet dazzle with theJutti. Also, the men can shop for beautiful colors of Turbans, Kurta Pajamasets, and Sherwani. If you are a would-be bride, then pick up those Chhura andKalira for your big day! Handwoven winter clothing – sweaters, shawls, stoles,mufflers, ponchos, etc, are great gifting souveniers too.
SWEETTRUTH
A trip to Punjab is never complete without the sweets.Piniyan, Panjeri, Laddoo, BesankaLAddoo, GajarkaHalwa, Moong Dal kaHalwa – allmade in Desi ghee are unforgettable! Onc e you have tasted these sweets, youwill never want to give up on them! In Punjab, there is a sweet for everyoccasion – buying a new car, a puja at home, a wedding, an invitation! And itis awesome in flavor. The best is the KadaPrashad in gurudwaras!
These are just the most important of the many otherthings, that we can think about when it comes to Punjab! But Punjab has muchmore than this – Gurudwaras, Golden fields, LangarSeva, ChabeelSeva, and thelist can just go on!