Culture of Amritsar. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Taking into consideration the unique culture and traditions of Amritsar, it is no wonder why spectacular Harmandir Sahib is the main landmark in this Indian city. Many travelers know this temple by its informal name – the Golden Temple. This name is not random as the temple’s facade is covered with gold. It took almost 20 years to build the temple, and Harmandir Sahib opened its doors in 1604. Starting from its foundation, the temple has been the main shrine for not only local people but everyone who practices Sikhism. An interesting fact – the temple was built in the center of a large water reservoir that is now an important part of the architectural complex.

Before entering the temple, everyone needs to perform the ritual purification in the sacral reservoir. Note that only people who practice Sikhism need to do this. Everyone else cannot enter the temple and is only allowed to admire it from the outside. A large square covered with marble surrounds the important Sikh shrine. Although there are always many people in the temple complex, this place has an incredibly calm and peaceful atmosphere. It is also interesting to visit the shrine in the evening because a sophisticated lighting system illuminates Harmandir Sahib after sunset. The temple is situated in the heart of the historic quarter of Amritsar. There are other notable attractions nearby.

Of course, there are old Hindu temples in the city, and Mandir Mata Lal Devi is one of the most famous and attractive. Absolutely everyone can visit this temple. Mandir Mata Lal Devi has an interesting and attractive design. Perfectly crafted mirror mosaics, traditional Indian woodwork, and numerous sculptures of Hindu gods decorate the temple. Many elements of décor have been unchanged for more than a century. This old temple is made in a cave, and all of its halls were carved into the rocks. A surprisingly complex inner structure is one of the main peculiarities of the temple. Numerous passages and stairs form a labyrinth, and it is so easy to get lost here. The location of the temple is not random. There are waterlogged caves nearby, and local people believe that there was an ancient shrine here many years ago. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The 16th-century Mandir Durgiana Temple is a no less interesting attraction. It is also built in the middle of a beautiful lake. This lake is a sacred object for locals. Mandir Durgiana still has the gorgeous décor of the past centuries. Even massive silver gates have survived to this day. Every day, traditional ritual singing takes place in the temple. Tourists can listen to it in the morning and evening.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is one of the most famous, interesting, and visited museums in the city. This museum is dedicated to the legendary guru - Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Singh was a prominent ruler, the founder and leader of the Sikh Empire. The museum’s collection is diverse – it exhibits multiple ancient weapons and artworks, a large collection of old coins, and other artifacts. A significant part of the exhibition is dedicated to important historic events that the city had to endure. You will see many interesting installations and admire ancient manuscripts. Visitors can also participate in interesting excursions in the museum. A large landscaped garden surrounds the museum building. It is very pleasant to take a stroll here once the excursion is over.

Khalsa College, which was opened at the end of the 19th century, is an unusual architectural attraction in Amritsar. The building in the traditional architectural style of the region resembles a small castle. It hasn’t changed since the construction period. A picturesque garden surrounds this building as well, providing visitors with refreshing coolness on hot days.

Tourists can even visit old fortifications in Amritsar. If you like excursions to historic attractions, take a look at Gobindgarh Fort. The territory of the old fort is open for visitors. Moreover, the historic building was thoroughly restored not many years ago. The fort’s walls were painted in bright terracotta color, making the building look even more impressive. Some protective walls got artistic drawings with scenes from the most famous fights. You will have an opportunity to take a walk in the winding corridors of the fort and look inside old prison cells. There are models of old cannons and other weapons throughout the fort. Hundreds of years ago, these weapons protected Amritsar from invaders. The fortress regularly hosts interesting shows and performances of local dancers and musicians.