We all know how all the different states in India are unique when compared to some other states in the country. But Punjab? Well, it has to be one of the most popular states in the north of India, that’s for sure. You might know some basic things about Punjab like it is Sikh majority state, the 16th largest state in India, and is famous for agriculture and all that. But today, we are here to introduce you to another side of Punjab with these lesser known facts about Punjab that will wow you for sure. Well, that’s what we are aiming for, so, let’s get to these super interesting facts about this amazing Indian state. Here we go.
1. The World’s Most Visited Temple
We all know where the Golden Temple is, but did you know that it is actually one of the most visited temples on the planet? Yes, the World Book of Records says that no other religious site receives more visitors each year than the Golden Temple.
2. Punjab’s Ancient Kingdom: Trigarta
In ancient times, this place, now known as Punjab, was referred to as “Trigarta” in old manuscripts, including the Mahabharata, did you know that already? And yes, this “Trigarta” kingdom was once very civilized and powerful back in those days.
3. Silly Walk Ceremony
The very first thing that comes to your mind when thinking of the Wagah-Attari border between India and Pakistan is probably the daily “Silly Walk” ceremony, which is a remarkable and a bit dramatizing performance by the forces of both countries, you know?
4. Manchester of India
Many people often refer to one of the biggest Punjabi cities, Ludhiana, as the “Manchester of India”, but why’s that exactly? Well, that’s because the textile industry here is literally huge, just like how it is in Manchester.
5. Highest Gravity Dam
Located on Sutlej River, in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, the Bhakra Nangal Dam has become one of the highest gravity dams globally. And why is it so special? Well, its significance lies not only in the fact that it is most used for irrigation and electricity generation in the region but also in the role of drinking water supply for the region as well.
6. Pollywood
And did you know that Punjab has its own film industry which is known as “Pollywood” and each year a great number of films are being made and shown around the world. These movies are often the funniest, the action-packed ones, and sometimes really heart-touching. So it’s a great mix.
7. Ancient Civilization
In the place that is now known as Punjab, the ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization have been discovered with the important archaeological sites of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro, though the majority of that is in modern-day Pakistan, which used to be just a big state called Punjab before 1947.
8. Gurmukhi Script
In the 16th century, the second Sikh Guru, Guru Angad, created this beautiful script known as ‘Gurmukhi’ for the Punjabi language. And did you know that it is the least altered script in India?
9. Largest Free Kitchen
No matter which corner of the world you are from, at some point in your life, you may have heard of the Golden Temple, but mainly the part that says there are as many as 100,000 meals served to people of all religions and backgrounds, and that too for free. Right? That’s true!
10. Low Forest Cover
Punjab has an alarmingly low forest area, about 3.5% only hence it is ranked low nationally as compared to other Indian states, you know? This is mainly due to the widespread agricultural growth in the state.
11. Paris of Punjab, Really?
Kapurthala, a town of Kapurthala state, is mostly known for its European-style architecture, thus it is frequently called the “Paris of Punjab.” The town’s architecture reflects the rich history of the Kapurthala state, as can be seen from the Jagatjit Palace.
12. Sikh Martial Art
There is a traditional Sikh martial art form, Gatka, that originated in Punjab and is still alive. This is not only a means of self-defense, it is also a form of worship and often performed at Sikh blessings and other such functions.
