After a heavy breakfast and 3 hours journey we finally reached Amritsar. There are basically three main attraction of Amritsar; The Golden Temple, JallianWala Baug and the Wagah Border between India and Pakistan. Wagah Border is almost 30 kms from the city. Its basically famous for the lowering of flags ceremony every evening.
Looking at the time we had and the fact that we needed to report to our base camp that very day, Wagah border was out of question. Golden Temple and Jallianwala Baug are very close to each other.
The moment we entered the city, the traffic and roads took our one hour. Being the major tourist attraction in addition to being the devotional centers for Sikh, the city needs a major overhaul. But then its just my perspective.
Banana shake
The traffic on the road slowed our progress. In addition the sky was overcast and foggy. We saw this banana vendor carrying his wares on the horse cart. Bananas are very delicate fruits and can get squished under weight. Strangely the man was sitting quite comfortably on them. Maybe they were not ripe yet
It Shines
Golden Temple was the only place of worship where I could take my camera. Outside the golden temple, you see lots of people. Its a sea of people around it very typical of many devotional places in India. Once we entered the gate after washing our feet in water, the first view of the Harminder Shahib is so mesmerising. Covered in gold, it shines even on that foggy day. The chaos outside the wall turns peaceful within the walls of the temple.
Birds of a feather…
Hundreds of birds fly in unison at the Minars of Ramgarhia Bunga. Close to it is the Langar. I guess that explains the birds up there.
One
A family prays as the sun tries to peep from the cloud. I could not get enough light on this one and yet I like the shot of the family against the temple backdrop
The man was deep in prayers oblivious of the surroundings. I guess that is what it is to be “One” with God.
As we came out a lot of procession were coming toward the temple. It was some festive occasion that day. That is one big sword that I have seen.
The man below came dangerously close to the crowd while swinging the heavy ball.
Jallianwala Baug
Jallianwala Baug Massacre was one of the biggest massacre in the history of India’s freedom struggle. The picture shows marks where bullets hit the building. More than a 1000 people died. None of them were armed. The memorial below
Picture Courtesy: Hemant
After so many years of freedom, do we really respect the sacrifice those people gave for us?
Full2 Faltu 