Amritsar: “The Land of Milk and Honey”
Posted on June 18, 2008 in Travel by Prarthna
Amritsar is a popular town in Punjab. Known also for the “land of the five rivers” and the “land of the Golden Temple”, Amritsar has much reason to be talked about. It is barely 50 miles from the India’s border with Pakistan and is home to one of the largest Sikh communities. The Golden Temple is popular for being the most sacred shrines of the Sikhs but also for being a significant pilgrimage site for tourists.
Amritsar is also very famous for its finger-licking recipes which have the origins in the villages of Punjab. The “sarson da saag and makkai di roti” and/or “tandoori root” are some of the most relishing recipes of Amritsar.
The Golden Temple at Amritsar
The foundation stone for the Golden Temple was laid by Guru Arjun Dev - Nanak V (1563-1606) in 1589. The Golden Temple is a two-storey marble structure with a golden dome. The Golden Temple is integrated with varied architectural styles and is well-decorated with frescoes, glass work and semi-precious stones on the inside.
Commercial Activities in Amritsar
Some of the most popular commercial activities in Amritsar include – carpets, fabrics, tourism, handicrafts and light engineering industries. What makes Amritsar even more popular is the food and culture.
Food and Culture of Amritsar
The most authentic food prepared in Amritsar is the sarson da saag and makkai di roti. Cooked on “chulahs” at open courtyards, the flavors are unique to the place of origin. Ghee prepared butter and/or cow’s milk is another important ingredient of the dishes prepared in Amritsar with crisp tandoori roti’s also finding their origins in Amritsar.
The “gidda” or “bhangra” is the next upbeat thing about Amritsar. Commonly known as the “balle balle”, this form of dance is full of energy and vibrant moves and/or steps that include foot tapping and jerking of the shoulder.
Currently, Amritsar is undergoing rapid urban growth owing to its potential for agriculture, cropping, industries and now a much visited tourist destination. Oblivious of the governments plans of urbanization and development, Amritsar stands proud of its original culture and ethnicity. Very interestingly, its name, “amrit saagar”, suggests that it is the ocean of the nectar of immortality.
The most recommended time to visit Amritsar is from October to March. Weekly flights to Amritsar are also abundant from Delhi. If you’re opting for the road route, Amritsar is well-connected by bus from Delhi, Jammu, Ambala and Chandigarh.
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