During Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign the lower half of the temple was decorated with marble while the entire upper half was inlaid with copper covered over by gold plate : hence its new name, the Golden Temple. Free kitchen and recitation of the divine word never cease here. Its four gates invite everyone from all directions. Akal Takhat : Sixth Guru Sri Har Gobind had got it constructed as a seal of temperal authority symbolising the unity of spiritual and temporal life in 1609. Tower of Baba Atal Rai : Built in the memory of Baba Atal Rai, son of Sri Har Gobind Ji, this octagonal nine-storeyed structure about 50 meters high has several beautiful frescos on its walls, relating to the life of Guru nanak Dev Ji.
The para seems incomplete, has an abrupt ending. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorma It is situated in the middle outskirts of Golden Temple. Here, about 1500 to 2000 persons who were attending a peaceful meeting during the freedom movement fell under the bullets of the British General Dyer, on April 13, 1919. The British Queen Elizabeth II and her husband laid a wreath at the Memorial on 14 Oct.' 1997.
The Punjab region in the 18th Century was ruled by clans called Misls. It was in the 1760s that Gujar Singh Bhangi, - a local chieftain- built this as a mud fortress- and it came to be known as “Bhagian da Qilla”. They owned it till 1809 or for almost 49 years. However, the financial position of the misl deteriorated over time and by 1809 a minor ruler Gurdit S. Bhangi, a descendent of Gujjar Singh, was ruling Amritsar with the help of his mother Mai Sukhan. Mai Sukhan asked Arur Mal, a sahukar (trader) of the Bhangi township, to pay nazrana (Tribute). Not wanting to do so, Arur Mal migrated to the township of the rival Kanhiyas misl in order to avoid payment. At that time Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a rising star belonging to the Sukerchakia Misl. Arur Mal conspired with Shaikh Kamaluddin, a leading citizen and they invited Ranjit Singh, to take over the fort and the territories of Gurdit Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was looking for just such an opportunity. He called upon Mai Sukhan to surrender a big cannon famously known as the Zamzama Cannon also known as “Bhangian Di Tope”. Maharaja Ranjit Singh claimed that he had the right to the cannon as it was the Sukerchakia Misl’s share of the spoils of the war with the Afghan king, Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1765. The word Zamzama means “the Taker of Strongholds.” Mai Sukhan refused. Ranjit Singh thereupon entered the city through the Ahluwalia gate. The Bhangies could not hold up again Ranjit Singh’s huge force.
The Wagah border is a post between India and Pakistan. It has become famous for the beating the retreat ceremony which includes the closing of international gates and the lowering of the flags of both the countries. Around 5000 people visit the Wagah border, which has become very popular among tourists all over the world. The flag code of India mandates that the national flag shall be flown only from sunrise to sunset. It is an entertainment ceremony and a highly stylized patriotic display as well as an energetic performance. The guards who perform are chosen carefully among those who have great height, ability to perform and imposing stature. People from both the sides watch the ceremony. The crowd on weekends is heavy and people watch it from the stands. There are certain things that one should remember while visiting Wagah border. There are jammers here so no mobile phone service is available here. No covered bags are allowed, including ladies handbags or purses. There are stalls nearby,to buy food and bottled water.
An important Hindu temple situated in the city of Amritsar, Durgiana Temple is devoted to Goddess Durga. It is also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple and was built during the 16th century. Similar to the sarovar in Golden Temple, there is also a water tank or lake surrounding the main temple construction. Travel Tip: Try scheduling your visit during the aarti (prayer ceremony) for a truly wonderful experience at this beautiful temple.
Sadda Pind is the portrait of Punjab. Spread over 12 acres and marked by Punjab's vibrance and tradition, it showcases the lifestyle in a pre-Independence Punjabi village. The village has constructed live brick-and-stone houses of the sunar, kumhar, lohar, kissan, sarpanch, zamindar, nambardar and tangewala. Just like in a PIND, each house features the life of a rural artisan within authentic rustic interiors and celebrates their work. The place, bedecked with vibrant lights and throbbing with Punjabi music all day, glorifies Punjabi folk charms by presenting the talents of traditional local artists. The harmonious and musical culture of Punjab is displayed in the baraat ghar and the village haveli, where folk songs and dances are performed all day. The display of folk dances like bhangra, jhumar, kikli and gidda, and musical instruments like nagara, gagar and tumba represent the endless energy of Punjab. Every day, guests are invited to participate in spirited and musical sangeet, jaago and baraat processions around the resort. In addition, visitors can watch stunning performances of magicians, gatka (Sikh martial arts) and stuntsmen in a Maut Ka Kuan, compete in mela games like archery, bowling and balloon shooting, and ride on horse carts and camel carts.