Introduction
Punjab is the representation of love and prosperity in all forms. The state is abundant with green fields, clear waters, blue hills, and a welcoming atmosphere. The festivals of Punjab are known to be celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Despite modernity today, it is observed that Punjab never fails to present its ancient culture in the best possible manner. And the festivals of Punjab are the ideal time to witness this cultural grandeur.
Vaisakhi is one of the main festivals of the region and marks the birth of the Khalsa order in Sikhism. Hinduism celebrates the beginning of the Hindu solar year.
Many places in and around Punjab celebrate Vaisakhi by hosting shows, plays, fairs, and showcasing the traditional beauty of Punjab. These places in Punjab are safe and worth visiting for everyone, predominantly female travelers.
Let us have a look at some of the best places where one can witness the magic of Vaisakhi!
Best places to witness the magic of Vaisakhi
Amritsar
This city in Punjab is home to the incredible Golden Temple. The tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, laid the foundation of Khalsa Panth on Baisakhi Day in 1699. As per tradition, the Sikhs gathered in the Golden Temple to celebrate the festival of Baisakhi in 1919. The beauty and calm of the Gurudwara attract devotees from worldwide.
During the celebration of Vaisakhi, the place is decked up with lights, and the surroundings seem to beam with joy. Devotees start visiting the shrine early in the morning to offer prayers. Various shops and stalls get set up in the vicinity of the Golden Temple.
The holy meal called Langar is served to all the devotees present, and a semolina dish called Kadha Prashad. Amritsar is known for its lip-smacking snacks, including chana bhaturas, sweets, lassi, papads, etc. Although this second-largest city of Punjab is always beaming with joy, the festival of Vaisakhi makes it even more mesmerizing.
You can experience the warmth of the Golden Temple, try delicious street food or shop for authentic Punjabi outfits!
How to reach
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is 13 km from the Golden Temple. The Gurudwara is well connected to other major cities by road and regular railways. Cabs, buses, and autos are readily available near the location.
Pinjore
The Pinjore Garden is a popular tourist destination located in Panchkula, Haryana. The garden was built by Fadai Khan in the 17th century and is a fantastic example of Mughal architecture.
Pinjore Garden, also called the Yadavindra Garden, is easily approachable from all major cities, and excellent accommodation is available near the place. The entire garden is decked up with colorful lights and water fountains in the evening. Every year, the site hosts Vaisakhi fests.
The two-day event marks the onset of the spring season in North India. Food, handicraft, and art stalls are set up throughout the garden. Live folk dance performances and concerts are also organized during the fest.
Many arts, dance, and music competitions are held for school students. The fest is a fun-filled affair for all age groups. Pinjore Garden never fails to enthrall its visitors with its grandeur.
How to reach
Pinjore is connected to major cities like Chandigarh, Panchkula, Delhi, etc. The nearest railway station is Chandigarh Railway Station (17 km), and the nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport (33 km). Cabs, buses, and autos are readily available near the location.
Jalandhar
Jalandhar is another major city of Punjab that falls into the Doaba region. Sikhism and Hinduism constitute a large part of the city’s religions.
As Jalandhar is home to hundreds of villages, the town hosts grand-level Vaisakhi celebrations. The city celebrates this festival with great pomp and shows every year. The fields in Jalandhar beam with joy as the festival approaches during the months of spring.
The Vaisakhi festivities in Jalandhar include great music, Punjab beats, and energetic dance performances. It is undoubtedly a delight to visit Jalandhar during this time and experience the aura of ancient Punjabi traditions.
Other places to visit in Jalandhar are Devi Talab Mandir, Wonderland Water Park, Science City, and Surjit Hockey Stadium.
How to reach
Adampur Airport is the primary airport of Jalandhar city, located at about 25 km from Jalandhar Bus Stand and 23 Kms from Jalandhar City Railway Station. The town is easily accessible by car, cabs, and autos.
Chandigarh
The City Beautiful is an all-time famous tourist spot for most of North India. Chandigarh’s mesmerizing architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it worth visiting again and again.
The city is home to places like the Rose Garden, Rock Garden, International Dolls Museum, Sukhna Lake, Bird Park, etc. The festival of Vaisakhi is celebrated with great energy in Chandigarh. The city holds majestic fairs and fests in Parade Ground, Sector-17, and the Leisure Valley, Sector-10.
The fests include concerts, live musical evenings, rides, handicrafts, exhibitions, plays displaying rich Sikh culture, food, and colorful outfits. The Gurudwaras in various city sectors are also decorated with lights and flowers.
A combination of traditions and modernity, Chandigarh always manages to make a spot in the hearts of its visitors.
How to reach
The City Beautiful is home to Chandigarh International Airport and Chandigarh Railway Station, located at 9 km and 8 km from the city center, respectively. Bus stands in Sector-17 and Sector-43 offer excellent connectivity. Local and interstate buses ply at regular intervals. Cabs are available at the tap of a button.
Ludhiana
Ludhiana is the largest city in Punjab and a central textile manufacturing hub. It is also called the Manchester of India and is known for its hosiery industries, the ancient ruins of the Lodi dynasty, and the war museum.
As Vaisakhi reminds us of the rich heritage of Punjab, the street of Ludhiana offers traditional Punjabi wear and food. Colorful Phulkaris, Punjabi Juttis, Silk Salwar Suits, and Paradis surely make one go in awe of these.
The city celebrates Vaisakhi with holy processions, decorated Gurudwaras, and a sense of happiness all around. Visiting Ludhiana, visiting famous tourist hotspots, including Rakh Bagh Park, Gurudwara Nanaksar Jagroan, Phillaur Fort, Punjab Agricultural University Museum, Gurudwara Shri Manji Sahib, to name a few.
How to reach
Ludhiana is connected to other cities by all routes. The Ludhiana Airport has located about 13.6 km from the Ludhiana Railway Station. One can use cabs/taxis, buses, or rickshaws to go around the city.
Delhi
The capital of India houses a large Sikh and Hindu population. The money is not only famous for its excellent street food but also for many religious places.
New Delhi is home to several Gurudwaras. The prominent Gurudwaras of Delhi are Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Gurudwara Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Gurudwara Mata Sundri, and Gurudwara Moti Bagh Sahib.
The beauty of Sikh culture is reflected in the welcoming nature of these sites. Festivals like Vaisakhi, Gurpurab, and Basant Panchmi are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in Delhi.
Delhi also houses tourist places like the Red Fort, the India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, etc. No city in India celebrates festivals as Delhi does!
How to reach
Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi is the primary airport in Delhi, located 15 km southwest of the New Delhi Railway Station and 16 km from the New Delhi city center. The city offers metro trains, buses, and cabs to commute within Delhi.
Anandpur Sahib
Located in Ropar, Punjab, Anandpur Sahib is where Guru Gobind Singh chose the ‘Panj Pyares’ and the Khalsa Panth was born.
It is one of the holiest sites in Punjab and home to the Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum, celebrating five hundred years of the history of Sikhism. Many people visit the Gurudwara and museum to witness the glorious history of Sikhism.
The markets here in Vaisakhia are filled with traditional stuff and handmade items that display the glory of Punjab. The area around Anandpur Sahib offers local ‘shakkar’ or jaggery, lime sodas, and sweet orange juice.
How to reach
Anandpur Sahib is located near Chandigarh and can be reached by car, cab, or bus. The nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport, and the nearest railway station is Roopnagar Railway Station, located at 41.3 km and 28 km from Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara, respectively.
What's unique about Vaisakhi?
- Great food: You must have heard about Makki ki Roti and Sarson ka Saag. Well, what makes Punjab famous is its hospitality and food. With lush green leaves all around in the months of spring, Punjab never fails to impress its visitors. The festival of Vaisakhi falls in the months of spring. During this time, the markets and eating joints are full of sweets, seasonal veggies, summer drinks, and some of the most famous delicacies of Punjab. Make sure not to miss the mouth-watering food this Vaisakhi.
- Energetic dance: The people of Punjab are well-known for their vibrant personality and welcoming nature. Any festival in Punjab is incomplete without the regional folk dances, Bhangra and Gidha. Vaisakhi brings along a lot of fairs and exhibitions where one can witness the enthralling Bhangra and Gidha performances. The beats of Punjabi music and the festival’s vibes are such that they can make anybody dance to the tunes!
- Colorful dresses: Vaisakhi is celebrated as the harvest festival of spring, a festival that marks the blossoming of vibrant colored flowers. Along with this vibrancy come the colorful outfits of Punjab and the neighboring states. Colorful clothes reflect a state of happiness and ecstasy and the festival of Vaisakhi brings out the best in everyone. If you visit Punjab, Delhi, or Haryana this Vaisakhi, do not forget to try out some famous Punjabi folk dresses.
- Ancient traditions: As Vaisakhi originates from the land of traditions and cultural richness, there are undoubtedly a hundred ancient traditions that make the festival unique. Special processions, chanting of hymns, fests, and fairs that celebrate the folk culture of Punjab are all a significant part of Vaisakhi.
- Happy vibes: Festivals are meant to be celebrated with great vigor and joy. The population of North India makes sure to leave no stone unturned when it comes to fantastic celebrations. Vaisakhi brings great vibes and positivity to the region. Come and be a part of the celebrations this Vaisakhi!
Conclusion
The glory of Punjab reflects in its celebrations. Vaisakhi is the perfect time to witness Punjab’s ancient culture and traditions. The cities in and around Punjab offer lovely sights and are a delight to the human heart. If you are a solo female traveler or a female friends group, these travel locations might be the best for you this spring season. This Vaisakhi, travel to these places with Donna Wanderer and dive into the cultural beauty right away!
