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Amritsar - a major attraction for all

        Amritsar: At the heart of Punjab's burgeoning tourism industry stands Sikhism's spiritual hub, Amritsar. And beyond the religious aspect, those age-old bylanes steeped in culture and heritage of the state, and the city's role in modern indian history, play a major role in attracting the visitor from near and far.

        Eagerly traversing the last stretch on foot, the path to the Indian subcontinent's most historical border pass, the only working gateway between India and Pakistan, at Wagah. Some 30 kilometres from the main city, this border outpost has attracted greater tourist attention over the last few years, as a slice of history running into present rivalries. Steeped in pageantry and patriotic fervour, the charged beating retreat ceremony played out on both sides reflects the power of this rivalry, a national pride pouring through, moving sensitivities to the core. The Wagah border outpost, every evening around the year, becomes a symbol of pride at being an Indian. "It was a wonderful feeling. The Wagah border ceremony, the symbolism and feeling attached to the flag - the feeling is so powerful and beautiful."

         "I'd advise children from all over to come here at least once, to see this ceremony that tells and teaches so much. Amritsar is full of places of Indian history - the Jallianwala Bagh, Golden Temple and others that tell us of our culture and heritage." And coming back to the city - the outer complex and shops of artefacts that lead to the greatest religious monument for the Sikh community worldwide - reaching beyond symbols and memorabilia that the outside world contents itself with - to the peaceful reverence of the shrine itself. At the heart and soul of Sikhism, the Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple, its holy tank - Amrit sarovar - giving the city its name and identity. The Darbar Sahib steeped in Sikh history going back to its roots, remains the city's greatest attraction witnessing a stupendous rise in inflow at weekends and holidays, drawing devotees from around the world. Bhair Man Singh, priest, has this to say: Despite the heat, the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (caretakers of gurudwaras in India) and its associate bodies - schools and social institutions - have worked to make things comfortable for the devotees. Talking about the numbers, though there is no exact count, between 100,000 and 125,000 devotees and visitors come to the Golden Temple every day.

         An opportunity to show off its numerous specialities, from the typical handlooms and sarees to an array of craftwork, culinary delicacies and more, Amritsar revels in the unique wealth that attracts the tourist. Add to that the nostalgic romanticism of the city's bylanes and bazaars, its gradual metamorhosing towards urban life even while retaining an earthy flavour, and the aura grows. And that glow depends on the tourism industry. The one depends on the other. Ram Chander, hotelier, says: The promotion of tourism would lead to creation of employment opportunities directly or indirectly for thousands of people. Hotels, shopping centres, craftsmen of the traditional items - shawls, papad-vadian and more - all of them would feel the positives of tourism. Taxi drivers and rickshaw pullers, hoteliers of every level and so many others associated with the industry would gain employment. It is a big plus for local businesses all round. As the birthplace of India's freedom struggle .... the city's geographical position on the border as a step away from the neighbour, Pakistan, with whom India shares a hot-and-cold, yet deeply enmeshed relationship, its spiritualism and nostalgia, Amritsar has carved a unique place in human history. And the magic goes on.
- July 4, 2004

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