Amritsar Tourism

Amritsar is a city located in the northwestern state of Punjab in India. With a rich cultural and historical significance, it has a population of approximately 1.5 million and is the administrative center of the Amritsar district. This city is situated just 28 km from the Wagah Border that separates India from Pakistan.

History

Amritsar was founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of the Sikh religion. He chose this location as it was situated in the midst of several holy rivers, including the River Ravi. The city was originally called Ramdaspur, but it was later renamed as Amritsar after the holy lake called Amrit Sarovar that surrounds the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the most famous landmark in the city and is considered one of the holiest shrines for Sikhs.

Amritsar has witnessed several important historical events, including the Jallianwala Bagh massacre that took place on April 13, 1919. During this incident, British troops fired on a peaceful gathering of civilians who had gathered to protest against the arrest of two nationalist leaders. This incident led to widespread protests across India and played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.

Geography

Amritsar is located in the northwestern region of India and covers an area of approximately 5090 km². It is situated at an elevation of 234 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the River Ravi on the northwest and the River Beas on the southeast. The city experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The monsoon season lasts from July to September, and the city receives most of its rainfall during this time.

Demographics

Amritsar has a population of approximately 1.5 million people, with a literacy rate of around 80%. Punjabi is the primary language spoken in the city, followed by Hindi and English. The majority of the population in Amritsar is Sikh, with a significant minority of Hindus and Muslims. The city is also home to several other religious communities, including Christians and Jains.

Economy

Amritsar is an important commercial and industrial center in the state of Punjab. The city's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with wheat, rice, and cotton being the major crops grown in the region. The city is also famous for its handicrafts, including textiles, embroidery, and jewelry. In recent years, there has been significant growth in the city's tourism industry, with a large number of domestic and international visitors visiting the Golden Temple every year.

Culture

Amritsar is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its food, music, and festivals. The city is famous for its Punjabi cuisine, which includes dishes like butter chicken, tandoori chicken, and makki di roti with sarson ka saag. The city is also known for its music, with Bhangra being the most popular form of folk music in the region. The city celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Diwali, Holi, and Vaisakhi.

Tourism

Amritsar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, attracting millions of visitors every year. The city's main attraction is the Golden Temple, which is considered the holiest shrine for Sikhs. The temple is surrounded by a man-made lake called Amrit Sarovar, which is said to have healing powers. Visitors to the temple can also witness the langar, a communal meal served to all visitors regardless of their religion or social status.

State :

Punjab

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