Family Trip to Amritsar: experience peace, history, tradition & patriotism
It was Sunday evening I along with my family went for an evening walk
at Sukhna Lake, My daughter met her friend she shared experience of her recent visit to Amritsar. She narrated the scenic beauty of Golden Temple and exciting tour of Atari Border which made us curious and spellbound. We planned to visit the holy city. The next morning my daughter Neha booked online tickets of the train from Chandigarh to Amritsar as well as a return journey. She also booked accommodation for the weekend stay.
It was December month we packed our luggage at night. We got up early
in the morning. Neha and mom cooked a variety of food for the journey. We
reached the Railway Station at 6:30 am, we took our seats, the train started at the right time, we all were extremely happy. We enjoyed chatting, listening to music and had breakfast and train reached destination Amritsar at
11 am.
Within a few minutes, we reached Golden Temple also known as Harmandir Sahib. Golden Temple really one of the most beautiful places it gave us positive energy. It is surrounded by pools really lovable scenic beauty all around. As we entered Sarovar lake we had a divine feeling. We meditated for some time. Then we joined a huge crowd queue to visit the Golden Temple. We were spellbound by traditional music being played over the entire complex.
The sevadars emanate selfless service, thus making every interaction a meeting with God. There was never a moment during our visit that the chanting was not happening in the complex. We had a nice darshan of Harmandir Sahib. After darshan, we joined pilgrims and went to Langar hall, which is a huge dining area where 60,000 to 80,000 people are fed for free every day. We sat down on the floor, everyone rich, poor, foreigner sat down together to share a meal.
The sevadars served food to all Sangat, the food langar was indeed very tasty and delicious. Everyone was treated equally Really it is HEAVEN ON EARTH.
“If you are in search of true peace”, visit Golden Temple
It’s a place where you get all the answers to your questions about the meaning of your life. It is worth paying your obeisance.
Durgiyana Temple
After visiting Golden Temple we went to visit Durgiana Mandir. A sense of peace, tranquility, and spirituality was witnessed by us at Durgiana Temple. It is a Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Durga, set around a Sarovar, it displayed similar characteristics to Golden Temple. The devotional chants created a mystical atmosphere. We saw shooting fountains and a lot of fishes swimming in water.
Floating statues of Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu were amazing. We went inside the main temple, Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, and took blessings. Then we had a walk through the bustling streets of Katra Jaimul Singh Market We then rushed to very famous Lucky Amritsar Dhabha and ordered Super Rich Punjabi Thali. Huge thali with mouth-watering dishes was very tasty, yummy, and flavored. After dinner, we went to our hotel.
Jallianwala Bagh
There was a Martyr’s well also situated inside the park. In 1919 on 14t April during vaisakhi celebration Many people jumped inside the well to avoid the firing. however, they died subsequently. for a moment we were in deep thinking how cruel some of the British officers and British raj, and How brave our freedom fighters
More history here
We saw the walls of the park that carried bullet marks. To easily identify the
bullet mark holes, rectangular-shaped white-colored birders have been
painted. There was a monument named Flame of Liberty in memory of
Martyrs. There is a museum, very rich in contents. Where photographs
of various freedom fighters are displayed. This was a humbling emotional
experience. Overall a must-visit place to understand one of the great
atrocities committed during colonial rule.
Atari Border
Next morning we decided to visit Attari-Wagah Border, which is geographical the boundary separating India and Pakistan. We booked a cab in advance as it was an hour’s journey from the hotel. The cab was to arrive at 2-pm, so we had enough time. We once again had a dip in Sarovar and did darshan at Harmandir Sahib. In the meantime, the cab driver called us. We reached outside WAGAH ATARI BORDER. There was a huge rush of civilians, tourists, and foreigners, to get the best seat for watching retreat parade you need to be an early bird. We had to go through a security check. We deposited our bags etc at the counter. Major General of Army befriended our family and made our entry through VIP entry we got the best VIP seat in the venue. Desh Bhakti/patriotic songs were being played. Children young boys and girls danced as DJ was in full swing my Daughter also enjoyed dancing.
Special Retreat Ceremony started it was a spellbinding event. The Lowering of the Flags ceremony at Attari Wagah Border is daily Military practice run jointly by Indian BSF and Pakistan RANGERS. The Drill Parade is worth watching. The Drill is characterized by raising legs as high as possible which is a colorful attraction. Shouting slogans Bharat Mata Ki Jai is
amazing. It is a symbol of two countries rivalry as well as brotherhood and co-
operation.
Conclusion
No matter how stoic you are in demeanour witnessing the spectacular Retreat
Ceremony held at Atari Border can make hardest heart turn over with national pride so a visit to Atari Border is amuse. As my experience in trip to Amritsar you will receive best value for money and one takes best memories back home. I bet you would love your visit to Amritsar but keep the plan for at-least three days as you would be able to see the beauty of this holy city.
if you have any suggestions and feedback do let me know in the comment sections.
About Me
I am 65 years old Punjabi husband and father, who just realised his new passion for writing and blogging thanks to lockdown and my daughter. if you like my content don’t forget to give a clap, it will help me to share some of my life experiences through blog.
