This is how we celebrate Vaisakhi

Since childhood, my family use to celebrate Vaisakhi at our village. I belong to a Sikh family. So, Vaisakhi has been

one of the religious and most important festival for us. Celebration of Vaisakhi has very important reason religiously

and culturally. My village is located in the district of Sri Muktsar Sahib, the one of the religious cities in Punjab.

Mallan, where i enjoyed my childhood, the festivals are celebrated with huge enthusiasm. Vaisakhi has the utmost

importance in our Sikh community. Vaisakhi has been celebrated in very respectful and in religious manner in our

village, this is how we celebrate Vaisakhi.

Vaisakhi , also known as Baisakhi, Vaisakhi is a historical and religious festivals in Sikh religion. It is usually celebrated

in 4th month of the year on 13th or 14th  April.

Arrival of the festival,Vaisakhi marks the Punjabi new year. According to Sikh religion Vaisakhi is the first day of the new

year and the month is known as Vaisakh.  It also marks the (Khalsa era) which honour the formation of Khalsa panth of

warriors under Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. It is also a spring harvest festival for the Sikh community,this is why we celebrate Vaisakhi.

Baisakhi, originally a Hindu festival, was celebrated as a main Sikh festival by Guru Amar Das Ji and is since

celebrated with great zest and zeal by people belonging to the Sikh community around the world.The Khalsa Panth was  formed

on the same day and it gives the Sikh community all the more reason to celebrate this festival.

Vaisakhi

The ‘Akhand Paath’ is initiated at the Gurudwara which is for three days. The ‘Paath’ is recited continuously for

the two days and nights. At the third day the closure is done that is the ‘Akhand Paath Da Bhog’.Two days

before Vaisakhi the place near the Gurudwara Sahib is cleaned properly. At the day of Vaisakhi, the small shops are

installed in the shape of tents. Those shops include the toys for kids, the jewellery pieces , the decoration pieces

and much more. The sweets shops are installed where the traditional Punjabi sweets are served. People enjoy

ice-creams , sweets,etc this day.

My family use to organize family reunions on this festival . Our  relatives and their families use to join us on this

day.The gurudwara where the fare is organised is decorated with the lights and flowers.We use to wear new clothes this day  to go to
Gurudwara early morning and recite prayers for the good start of new year. The Kirtans held at

the Gurdwara
enshrines the path of glory to the Sangat. We all go together to the cremation place of our ancestors

and pray for
their peace and wish for health and happiness for families.This is how we celebrate Vaisakhi enthusiastically
with our families and closed ones.  

Various sweets and drinks are served to the relatives and friends. We all enjoy the eve with togetherness

and love. At this time families unite with each other, share their problems with each other and worship god

together for good start.

Vaisakhi celebration

Agriculturally, the arrival of this festival marks the harvest of the crop (wheat). At this time, the wheat plants are

ready for the harvestation. The golden plants of the crop seems like the sheet of gold has been laid on the earth.

Everywhere when one sees the fields, there are the gold coloured plants which are ready for the harvestation. The

wheat seeds are harvested at the arrival of this festival.

This is how we celebrate Vaisakhi at our home. The festivals are meant to be celebrated with love and affection.

In this hectic life, we get very less time to meet up our families and friends. Festivals not only arrive for their

importance but to reunite our near and dear ones. They come with the light and hope that relationships

could become more stronger, healthier and happier. So, festivals must be celebrated with our families,

our closed ones, where we come to know more about them and build more stronger relationships.

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Gobindgarh fort

Gobindgarh fort is the fort with great historical history and is located in the heart of the city Amritsar in

the indian state of Punjab. The fort is being developed as the unique live museum, the repository of
Punjab’s culture and history. The fort was earlier occupied by the army but now is open for the public
from 10th February 2017.

The Gobindgarh fort was popularly known as the ‘Bhangian Da Qila’. This fort is located in the
perimeter of 1000m and is made up of lime and bricks.
History

In the 18th century, Punjab region was ruled by clans called misls. This fort  was originally built by, the
local chieftain, Gujjar Singh Bhangi in the 18th century. Maharaja Ranjit Singh renamed the fort-
Gobindgarh fort, after the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. In 1805, Maharaja Ranjit Singh strengthened
the fort. One of the main reasons to upright the fort was to protect Harmandir Sahib and the city from the
attackers using the Grand Trunk road.

Gujjar Singh Bhangi was the owner of the fort till 1809. However when the financial position of the misl
collapsed in 1809 then the minor ruler ‘Gurdit Singh Bhangi’ who was the descendant of Gujjar Singh
ruled Amritsar with the cooperation and assistance of his mother Mai Sukha. In this way Gobindgarh fort
came to be known as one of the historical forts in Punjab.  

Attractions of the Fort

Sher e Punjab -The fort have has various attractive spots.You may see a 7D show based on the life of
Maharaja Ranjit Singh that drives you back to the 19th century in intentness leaving you captivated and
is called Sher e Punjab.

Toshakhana . Coin museum - The Toshakhana, which once stored the  Kohinoor diamond, is now a

home for old and rare coins including a replica of the Kohinoor which was worn by the Maharaja Ranjit
Singh. The coin museum consists of circular structure of the roof that was made with the use of the
original nanakshahi bricks and is unharmed till date.

Spirit of Punjab - A stage that keeps the fort alive all day long with live performances of traditional
Punjabi cultural dances- bhangra, gatka, gidda, comedy, games, dholi etc.The stage gives the platform
to show up the talent of youth and various awards are awarded.

Ambarsari Zaika - People are engaged in the various food shops and stalls that offer the taste of
Amritsari and Punjabi cuisines. Punjab is famous for its richness in food.

Haat Bazaar - while one explore the Gobindgarh fort, one can feast your eyes in Haat Bazaar that offers
fares right from phulkaris, juttis, shawls, antiques and various cultural things to purchase them.
Whispering Walls - Kanda Boldiyan Ne or Whispering Walls is a show which is organised in the fort using
state of the art projection mapping technologies and laser lights. A show of this quality has never before
been displayed in India and it states that it is spectacular. This show is held every evening after sunset.

The Gobindgarh fort

For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2TQc7V0

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BORDERS IN PUNJAB

INDIA-PAKISTAN BORDERS IN PUNJAB

India - Pakistan borders is locally known as International Border(IB). The international border runs between India

and Pakistan that separates the Indian states and the Pakistani four provinces. The border runs from the

Line of Control(LoC) ,which demarcates the Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistani-controlled Kashmir that lies

in the north, to the Zero Point between the Indian state of Gujarat and Sindh province of Pakistan which lies

in the south.

The state Punjab has three main borders those separates Punjab from Pakistan.

WAGAH BORDER

Wagah is a village and union council which is located in the Wagah Zone of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.Wagh is the

border that separates the India and Pakistan which is named after the place, the village Wagah. This town is famous

for the Wagah border ceremony,which also serves as a goods transit terminal. The rail line also passes through this

town which connects Pakistan and India. Wagah is located in 600 metres east of the border and lies on the Grand

Trunk Road between Lahore in Pakistan and Amritsar in India. The border is located 24 kilometres (15 mi) away from

Lahore and 32 kilometres (20 mi) away from Amritsar. It is located at 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) away from

the village of Attari.

Wagah Border, Amritsar

WAGAH BORDER CEREMONY

The Wagah-Attari border ceremony takes place at the border gate,every day, two hours before sunset. The flag

ceremony is guided by the Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force (BSF). Flags of both the countries flies

high into the skies after the march.

Following India's building of a 360ft (110m) flagpole on the border in Attari, in August 2017, a 400ft (122m) flag

was established on the Wagah side. The flagpole in Wagah is considered to be the tallest in South Asia.

Wagah border is one of the major spots in Punjab Tourism. Many people from different states, countries visit here

to see ceremony at this border. It helps increase in the economy of Punjab. It is the major sightseeing that should

be included in one’s list while tour to Punjab.

HUSSAINIWALA BORDER

Hussainiwala border is situated in a village in Firozpur district in Punjab state, India. It lies at the banks of the Sutlej river.

The village is located on the border with Pakistan opposing the Pakistani village,Ganda Singh Wala.

Hussainiwala is the place of the National Martyrs Memorial, which states the site where Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and

Rajguru,the martyr’s were cremated on 23 March 1931. It is also the cremation place of Batukeshwar Dutt, who

was also involved in bombing the Central Legislative Assembly with Bhagat Singh. After the Partition of India and

Pakistan, the cremation site became the part of Pakistan but on 17 January 1961 it was again declared to be the part of India in interchange of 12 villages near the Sulemanki Headworks (Fazilka).

An annual fair is organized at the memorial on 23 March in concern with the anniversary of Bhagat Singh's death.

The border crossing is closed for travelers but the flag retreat ceremony is still organized daily. Until 1970,

the road crossing between India and Pakistan was a trade route for truckers that used to import the Kandahari Angoor

and other fruits and food products from Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Hussainiawala Border, Ferozpur

 SULEMANKI BORDER

The BSF and Pakistani Rangers, at a flag meeting on the Pakistan side, conduct the Retreat (flag-lowering

ceremony) at the Sadiqi joint check post (JCP) in Fazilka district in the same fashion as at Wagah in Amritsar

and Hussainiwala in Ferozepur.

Till now, a parade was conducted by the two countries in their respective territories on either side of the

International Border. Now, the ceremony helds on Zero Line by BSF personnel and Pak Rangers jointly.

This has expected to increase the footfall of visitors.

To witness the parade, hundreds of visitors visit the Sadiqi post every day. It is observed that there is a huge

rush at the Sulemani post in Pakistan’s territory. This place is considered as one of the best places in

Punjab to visit as this spot is the major eyecatcher to the tourists and as well enhanced the growth in economy of Punjab.

The construction activity, including the raising of bunkers is only allowed to be carried out up to 150 metres on either side of Radcliffe Line. Also, security measures are strong for harvesting and it is ensured that no

farmer took to straw burning.

Sulemanki Border , Fazilka

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FESTIVALS IN PUNJAB

Basant Panchami

The festival of spring is celebrated in Punjab as the colourful festival of Basant Panchami. ‘Basant’ in Punjabi is

a mustard color which is also linked with the crop ‘Mustard’. This festival is celebrated on the fifth day of lunar

month of Magh.A golden sea of mustard flowers flourishes the fields of Punjab which act as perfect scene for

Basant Panchami. During this festival Punjabi people use to dress in bright yellow,signifying themselves

as mustard blooms. This festival has the major importance in culture of Punjab and is also known as kite festival.

People use to fly kites to celebrate this festival and one can see the  entire sky full of colourful and liberating kites.

Festivals in Punjab: Basant Panchami

Hola Mohalla

Hola Mohalla is one of the religious festivals in Punjab which is a three-day festival. This festival is celebrated at

takht Sri Anandpur Sahib and got its initiation in 1700s by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Thousands of Sikhs get

together to celebrate this festival, as it has a cultural importance for them. This festival takes place on the

second day of the lunar month of Chett, a day after the Hindu spring festival Holi is celebrated but sometimes

coincides with Holi. this festival is of huge importance to the sikh people and is celebrated with huge enthusiasm

and with religious belief.The event terminates on the day of Hola Mohalla with  military-style parade near

Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (one of the five seats of temporal authority of the Sikhs).

Festivals in Punjab: Hola Mohalla

Baisakhi

Baisakhi is one of the historically significant festival in culture of Punjab. The day is celebrated as the tribute to

the martyr, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.It is usually celebrated on 13th or 14th of  April every year .The festival is

also known as harvest festival for the winter crop, rabi. It has been observed as the major events in Sikhism.

The significance of Baisakhi celebration marks the birth of Sikh order when Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji refused to

convert to Islam religion under the orders of the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. This prompted the inauguration

of the tenth Guru of Sikhism and the historic establishment of Khalsa, both on the Vaisakhi day. It was the day

of Vaisakhi when colonial British empire officials committed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on a gathering,

an event organized for the Indian movement against colonial rule.

Due the historical importance of the festival in Sikhism, all over Punjab, various fairs and processions

are held, where everyone celebrate the festival with zest and zeal. The entire state is lit up in the celebration

of Baisakhi, producing enthusiasm among people. People dress up in beautiful cultural dresses and perform the

cultural dances and recite folk songs. This festival has huge importance in culture of Punjab.  

Festivals in Punjab: Baisakhi

Gurpurab

The most important festival in the Sikh community, the Gurpurabs are a symbols of holiness, spirituality and jubilance

for the Sikhs. It is a composition of the word purab (or parva in Sanskrit), meaning a festival or celebration, lead

by the word guru. Gurpurab in sikh religion is celebrated as the birth anniversaries of sikh Guru’s which are marked

as festivals. Gurpurabs are a mixture of the religious and the festive, the devotional and the spectacular,

the personal and the communal participations.Over the years a standardized pattern is followed, but this pattern

has no special virtue, and local groups may invent their own variations.

During these celebrations, the Guru Granth Sahib is read through, in private homes and in the gurdwaras,

in a single continuous ceremony lasting in about 48 hours. This religious event, called Akhand Path, must be without

interruption that ensures no breaks within.

Special assemblies are held in gurdwaras and discourses given on the lives and teachings of the gurus which

are recited by the Ragi’s or Dhadi Jatha. Sikhs march in processions through towns and cities reciting the

holy hymns. Special langars, or community meals, are gripped for the participants. The open Langars are

clasped

even on the roads by the people which is served to every passer by which signifies their devotion to

the god as they believe “God resides in the hearts of every human”.  

Festivals in Punjab: Gurupurab

 Teeyan(Teej)

A lively and one of the most amused cultural festival of Punjab, mostly for women, Teeyan is celebrated in the

blooming season of spring. This festival is also known as “Teej”. This festival is dedicated to the onset of the

monsoon and focuses on daughters and sisters. The traditional folk dance of Punjab, Gidda is performed

during this festival, by the women,which is a magnificent sight to behold.The festival is celebrated during the

monsoon season from the third day of the lunar month of Sawan till the full moon of Sawan, by women.

Married women visit their maternal houses to participate in the festivities. They use to celebrate this festival with

their friends with whom they used to play in their childhood. In the past, it was tradition for women to spend the

whole month of Sawan with their parents.

Women gather up somewhere under the lap of nature where there are bundle of trees and tie swings to the trees

and use to swing in them. Girls dress themselves in proper Punjabi traditional dresses and recites the Punjabi

folk songs. The eve gets the momentum in the teeyan Gidha. This festival is of major importance in culture of Punjab.

The festival is closed by the women performing the closing dance called 'bhallho'. Bhallo is performed by

the women standing in two rows. Nowadays, this tradition of women getting together in villages in lost somewhere

in this hectic life.

Festivals in Punjab: Teeyan

Maghi

Maghi is the annual festival which involves gathering of the Sikhs. It is celebrated at the district of the Punjab,

Sri Muktsar Sahib, in the memory of forty Sikh martyrs (Chalis Mukte), who once had left the tenth and last

Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib, but later felt downhearted and rejoined the Guru and

died while fighting the Mughal Empire army led by Wazir Khan in 1705. The gurudwara “Tuti Gandi sahib” is

situated in the district Sri Muktsar Sahib that was built in remembrance of the patch up between the 40 martyrs

and the Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

At this day,

Sikhs make a journey to the site of this Sikh-Muslim war, and take a dip in the sacred water tanks, Sarovar of Muktsar.

A fair (mela) is held at Muktsar Sahib every year called the Mela Maghi in the month of Magh(January)

is held in memory of the forty Sikh martyrs. Huge amount of Langars are mounted for the Shardhalu’s

that have travelled from so far to visit the gurdwara. Maghi is one of the religious

festivals in Punjab which celebrated by the people of Punjab with

zest and zeal. Sri Muktsar Sahib is one of the best places in Punjab to visit during this festival.

Festivals in Punjab: Maghi

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FORTS IN PUNJAB

Gobindgarh Fort

Gobindgarh Fort is one of the historic forts in Punjab which is  located in the center of the city Amritsar .The Fort

was earlier engrossed  by the army but is now open to the public from 10 February 2017 as  fort is now developed as

a unique live museum, as a repository of Punjab’s history.Maharaja Ranjit Singh constructed the fort with bricks and

lime andis. Every corner of the fort has a fence and two doors. The main entrance is named as Nalwa Gate and

the back entrance is named as Killer Gate. The fort views the armory and certain other belongings of  the 

Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This fort is one of the most attractive sites to the tourists and is main spot for Punjab tourism.

Forts in Punjab: The Gobindgarh Fort

 Rambagh Palace

The Ram bagh palace was the palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of ‘Sikh Empire’ in Punjab. Ram Bagh

 Garden is a major site in  heritage destinations of Punjab tourism. This palace is expanded across an area of 81 acre

 and lavished with rare flower species and other valuable plants. This palace is known the Summer Palace of

 Maharaja Ranjit Singh as he used to spend the summers in this palace. This palace is  declared as protected 

monument under Punjab Government.

Forts in Punjab: The Rambagh Palace

 Qila Mubarak in Bathinda

One of the top most prestigious heritage tourist site in Punjab, the fort, Qila Mubarak is located in the heart of

 the city of Bathinda.This fort is also known as Bathinda Fort and was constructed in 1764 by Maharaja

 Ala Singh. Rajia Sultana, the first woman ruler of Delhi was imprisoned in this fort. The fort constitutes

 of  two main parts called Qila Androon and Qila Mubarak. The imperial journal describes the fort having

 36 bastions and a height of about 118 ft. It was a very attractive landmark for many miles around.

Forts in Punjab: Qila Mubarak in Bathinda

 Sheesh Mahal

Sheesh Mahal is known to be palace of mirrors. It was Built by Maharaja Narinder Singh in 1847, and is a

 beautiful royal residence that reflects the princely stature of Punjab kings. It is a three-storied building

 which is located behind Moti Bagh Palace .It is famous for its beauty as it is designed with coloured glass

 and mirror works. It is one of the best places to visit in Punjab, this palace have a beautiful centrally located

 artificial lake with a small bridge over the lake. That bridge is known as Laxman Jhula and is surrounded 

by a fountain and beautiful flowers all around. Even a museum is located inside the palace.

Forts in Punjab: Sheesh Mahal in Patiala

 Old Moti Bagh

Moti Bagh is one of the very delightful sightseeing and is one of the best places in Punjab to visit . Old Moti Bagh Palace is

 situated in Patiala. It is only around 2 km away from Sheesh Mahal and reflects the taste and majesty of

 royal Punjab. The old quarters of this palace were constructed under the provision of the Maharaja of Patiala in 

1840s and renovated in 1920s by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. The National Institute of Sports (NIS) Patiala is 

situated in the East wing of palace where the Patiala Heritage festival is celebrated every year.

There is another building, called the New Moti Bagh palace,which is now the residence of Captain,Amarinder Singh.

Forts in Punjab:Old Moti Bagh in Patiala

 Qila Anandgarh Sahib

Qila Anandgarh Sahib is located in Anandapur District of Punjab.It is a historical monument built by Guru 

Gobind Singh Ji. It is one of the five Qilas which were built to fortify the Sikhs from attackers.

 Qila Anandgarh Sahib along with other four prominent forts called Keshgarh, Lohgarh, Holgarh 

and Fatehgarh of Anandpur District makes a wonderful Sikh Tourist spot. All these forts are connected with 

underground passage.

Forts in Punjab: Qila Anandgarh Sahib

 Jagatjit Palace

A strong and major part of tourism in Punjab, Jagatjit Palace must be included in your list of sightseeing. 

This palace is also known as the ‘Paris of Punjab’.This popular heritage building is located in Kapurthala

 District of Punjab. It was designed taking inspiration from Versailles and Fontainebleau. The interior hall of the palace

 is the mixture of Indian and French architectural style. While the painted ceilings of the palace portray majesty

 of French architectural beauty, the Darbar Hall views the magnificence of Indian decoration. This palace was the

 home of Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, the main architect of modern day Kapurthala. Jagatjit Palace is famous for its

 beauty and uniqueness, as it enshrines the aspects of Indian and French aesthetics.

Forts in Punjab: Jagatjit Palace

Rajmahal, Faridkot

Rajmahal Palace is an example of Gothic style of architecture. It was built during the monarchy of Maharaja

 Balbir Singh. The ghaint royal fort is spread over an area of around 15 acres and is stunningly beautiful.

It consists of the main palace, the Tasveer Ghar (picture house), a Baradari (a twelve-door, open dome), 

a gurdwara, three small domes called doll houses, two swimming pools, a well and service quarters.

 The main entrance is a magnificent three-storey gateway called Raj Deori which is a hospital today. The ghaint 

structure is flourished with beautiful green lawns which signifies their importance in arid area.

Forts in Punjab: The Rajmahal, Faridkot

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