For the first time, I realized that winter vacations are not just meant for lying down, enjoying warm rooms, and reading books. This winter, I had the opportunity to visit Punjab, the land of five rivers: the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum. It was beyond my imagination to witness a place where five major rivers nourish the land. It was a stroke of luck to attend a wedding in Amritsar. For the first time, I attended a non-Muslim wedding ceremony. When it comes to a Sikh wedding, music is an integral part of the celebration. The traditional attire of the bride and groom was the most fascinating sight I witnessed. I felt that every region has its own colours and textures to enjoy. The marriage ceremony was conducted in a Gurudwara. It started with prayers and rituals.
The delicacies that were served had their own aroma, which was hard to ignore. The hospitality truly touched my heart. You feel as if you are at home, and the people around you are generous and caring. Punjabi food has its own distinct aroma, different from our traditional wazwan. One must taste Punjabi food, as it is rich in both presentation and flavour. During my stay, I also visited the famous Golden Temple. Visiting the Golden Temple, especially when it is illuminated at night, is a mesmerizing experience. It feels as if the entire holy shrine is radiating its glory and presenting an unimaginable view. I also visited Jallianwala Bagh, a historic garden in Amritsar known for the tragic massacre that took place on 13 April 1919. To be in Punjab and not visit the Wagah Border is like visiting Kashmir without taking a Shikara ride in the world-famous Dal Lake.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience to visit Punjab. I believe that travel teaches us more than conventional learning, and we must promote traveling not merely as a leisure activity but as a means to learn more about the diverse cultures of our country.
By: Eazaz, 9th E
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