Punjab
Land of five rivers and the Golden Temple
Punjab, whose name means land of five rivers, is home to the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, Sikhism's holiest shrine, its gold-plated upper floors reflecting in the surrounding sacred pool visited by tens of thousands of pilgrims and visitors daily regardless of faith. The state forms the heart of Sikh culture and is often called the breadbasket of India for its role as one of the country's leading wheat and rice producers.
The Wagah border ceremony, held daily at the Pakistan frontier near Amritsar, draws large crowds to watch a synchronised military flag-lowering display that has become one of Punjab's most visited spectacles. Punjab's bhangra music and dance, vibrant festivals such as Baisakhi, and its role as the historic Sikh homeland give the state a cultural identity distinct within North India.
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Popular Attractions
3 places
Attraction
Golden Temple
Golden Temple, Amritsar: Sri Harmandir Sahib, the holiest gurdwara of Sikhism, set in its sacred pool and open to all.
Attraction
Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar: the walled garden and memorial where British troops fired on a crowd on 13 April 1919.
Attraction
Wagah Border
Wagah Border, Amritsar: the Attari-Wagah crossing where the Beating Retreat flag ceremony is held every evening.
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
October–March
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Stories from Punjab
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