Punjab , situated in the north west of India , is one of the smallest and the most flourishing states of India . The five rivers Sutlej , Beas ,
Ravi , Chenab and Jhelum gave it its name 'punj-ab' or the 'land of five waters'. Punjab is primarily an agricultural state and enjoys the natural benefits of fertile soils and plentiful waters. The Punjabi language has its origins in the Indo-European family of languages, which also included Persian and Latin. A land of ethnic and religious diversity, it is the birthplace of Sikhism.
Enterprise and effort, these two words symbolize the important spirit of the people of Punjab . Since Independence , over 5 decades, the state has earned its epithet, "Granary of India" through the enterprising spirit, and untiring toil of its people. Its average growth rate of 10% is amongst the highest in the country, clearly reflecting the progressive economy of the state.
The world famous Golden Temple . Harmindar Sahib in which is enshrined the Holy Book of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib, is the center of a 400-year-old pool in Amritsar . Next to the Golden Temple is the Akal Takht or the Immortal Throne, which was established by Guru Har Gobind Singh in the early 17th century.
This is the supreme seat of Sikh temporal authority. Another edifice is a 9-storey tower built in the memory of Baba Atal Rai decorated
with frescoes depicting the life of the founder of Sikhism - Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Jalianwala Bagh is a pilgrim place of every Indian, as it symbolizes India 's struggle for freedom. On the outskirts of Amritsar is Hari-ke-Pattan, a picnic spot (Bird Sanctuary) where rivers Beas and Sutlej meet. Thirty kilometers southeast of Amritsar is Govindwal Sahib, which has a fine Gurudwara and Samadhi of Guru Angad Dev, the second Sikh Guru. Twenty kilometers southeast of Amritsar is Taran Taran, which has a Gurudwara in Mughal architecture with a Tomb covered with copper.
SHOPPING
Besides a thriving industry, Punjab is known for its handicrafts and handlooms, Phulkari (the age-old traditional embroidery), lacquer woodwork, furniture, footwear, carpets, jewelry, woolens and blankets. Jalandhar is shoppers' paradise for sports-wear and sports goods, Patiala is known for jutties (shoes) and parandees (hair ornaments).
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Punjab has its own colourful vibrant way of celebrating festivals.
| January-February |
Basant Panchami (spring festival). |
| March |
Hola Mohalla |
April |
Baisakhi |
| October-November |
Dussehra and Diwali. Guru Purab, the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh. |
| December |
Jor Mela at Fatehgarh Sahib. |
CUISINE
Famous for it's rich cuisine and milk products. Punjab offers the food lover lavish options. Its traditional Makki-ki-Roti and Sarson-ka-Saag with chunks of homemade butter and accompanied by a glass of buttermilk (Lassi) is best known. Also popular are exotic pulaos, biryanis and kebabs.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Climate/Clothing :
Summer: March to June (Warm) Light Cottons
Monsoon: July to August (Warm) Woolens
Winter: November to February (Cold & Pleasant)
