Body found from his residence in Ludhiana

Alarm and concern has spread across the city of Ludhiana following the recovery of the body of the owner of Metalfabriks Private Limited, Prem Nath, from the bedroom of his residence on Sunday.
Police said that while there was no trace of robbery in the house, they suspected business rivalry to be the cause of the murder.

Amritsaris hearts won by Pakistan Sufi Singer

It was an unforgettable moment for the people of Amritsar when a popular Pakistani Sufi singer, Sher Miandad, gave a spell bounding performance before a crowd of Sufi music lovers in Amritsar recently.

Miandad's Qawwali gave the people of Amritsar, the taste of what a melodious performance could possibly be. Having a 700-year-old family tryst with Sufi singing, Miandad left everyone feeling celebrated to the hilt be being a part of the function.

Pakistani Sufi singer further said the exchange of culture between the two countries would help to promote peace and Sufi singing.

Wagah Border in Amritsar

Wagah Border is about 28 kms from Amritsar. It is the only border crossing between India and Pakistan, where one can view the ceremonial changing of the guard at dusk.

Wagah is an ellaborate complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. 'Retreat' ceremony takes place with the BSF at the sunset on the Indian side of the border.

The flag lowering ceremony at the actual border line up the road is a wonderful view. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause.

Hotels in Ludhiana

Hotels in Ludhiana

Hotel Gulmor
Ferozpur Road,
Airport is 15 kms. away.

Hotel City Heart
Near Clock Tower, G.T. Road,
Airport is 10 kms. away.

Hotel Nanda
Bhadaur House Market,
Airport 8 kms. away.

Hotel Sheba
Ferozpur Road, Bharat Nagar Chowk,
Airport 7 kms. away.

Kanjli Wetland- Kapurthala

Kanjli Wetland was built by Maharaja of Kapurthala. Kanjli comprises a permanent stream, Kali Bein, converted by construction of a small barrage into a water storage area.

Maharaja had built a retreat called The Villa on French design on the banks of this lake. On the left of lake, there is a green forest with some wildlife. The lake is a beautiful home of migratory birds in winters.

Now this wetland has been developed as a beautiful picnic spot with all the infrastructure facilities. The tourists can enjoy boating also.

Depletion of Ground water in Punjab

Sukhwant Singh Saini, Punjab Chief Conservator of soil said that Punjab is facing an alarming situation in the depletion of groundwater. This problem arises as water has been over exploited in more than 100 blocks of the total 141 blocks in the state.

He also informed that in the early 1960’s in central Punjab, the average water table depth was about 15 feet and now the depth had gone beyond 50 feet. If this problem is not solved in time , the water table would further go beyond 100 feet by 2020.

Tarn Taran Sahib in Amritsar

Tarn Taran is about 25kms south of Amritsar. There is a gurudwara, Gurudwara Tarn Taran Sahib, made by Guru Arjun Dev ji in the memory of Guru Ram Das ji. Guru ji also built tank in this gurudwara. Parikrama around the still waters of the tank takes much longer.

It is believed that bath taken with full true heart in the tank can even cure leprosy. A big fair is held every month on the Amavas day here.

Holla Mahalla in Punjab

The transformation of 'HOLA MOHALLA' from Holi was first perpetuated by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj, who in A.D. 1699 who created the Khalsa in Anandpur.

Guru Ji divided his Army into two groups and made them fight mock battles -hence strengthening their military techniques and fighting abilities. During and after the Sikh Raj the 'Hola Mohalla' took a different turn.

The festivities of Hola are performed for a period of four days, which include all kinds of religious programmes, concerts, exhibitions etc. Hola Mohalla is celebrated every year in the month of march with great religious programmes in Anandpur Sahib.

Sultanpur Lodhi- Kapurthala

Kapurthala was named after its founder Nawab Kapur Singh. Gurudwara Ber sahib is situated in Sultanpur Lodhi. There are several Gurudwaras, connected with Guru Nanak Devji who spent the early years of his life in and around Sultanpur Lodhi. Serai is the oldest building in Sultanpur Lodhi. There are many other historical buildings in Sultanpur Lodhi.

Handira Mausoleum is located on the banks of the river Kali Bein. It is a fine monument of strength, weight and balance built on an octagonal plan with four gates in cardinal directions.

Jalandhar Industry

It is the oldest city in Punjab and situated at a distance of about 84 kms southeast of Amritsar on the G.T road. This city has twelve kots and twelve gates. Jalandhar Industry has the nucleus of sports goods industry in Punjab.

Jalandhar is also known for the manufacturing of Hand Tools like Spanner set, screw driver, nose pliers etc. Jalandhar industry also engaged in the manufacturing of auto parts. Several units are supplying auto parts to the orginal manufacturers of automobiles.

Jalandhar is known for the manufacturing of rubber goods items like V-shape chappals,V-Belts, Scooter/Cycle tyres and rubber rolls. Tanning Industry in Jalandhar is known for manufacture of shoes and a number of allied units.

Khadur Sahib

Khadur Sahib is situated close to Goindwal. It is the sacred village where the second Guru Angad propagated the message of God, for many years.

Thara Sahib and Killa Sahib are the two other Gurdwaras which are located at Khadur Sahib. These gurudwaras are associated with Guru Amar Dasji.

Gurudwara Thara Sahib, stands on the spot where Guru Amar Das received tilak as Guru from the Baba Budhaji who performed Tilak ceremonies of five Sikh Gurus.

Gurudwara Killa Sahib, stands where Guru Amar Das used to place his pitcher full of water for a moment's respite, from fatigue of the long tiring walk.

Killa Raipur- famous for Rural Olympics

Killa Raipur is about 20kms away from Ludhiana. It is very famous for the Rural Olympics which are held in mid February. People from different corners of Punjab come every year to observe the village youth demonstrate their sporting skills.

Kabaddi, Wrestling, and Weight lifting are the purely rural games. The performing sports are Acrobatics, Twisting an Iron-rod by placing it on the Adam's apple, passing a tractor over the rib cage, cracking a big stone slab on the chest. There are the modern sports like Athletics, Hockey, Football, Volleyball, Handball, Cycling etc.

Sidhu- Punjab facing economic crisis

Cricketer-turned-Politician Navjot Singh Sidhu said that Punjab was facing economic terror. He accused the Centre and the Amarinder government of failing to remove the tag of disturbed state affixed on Punjab which kept many industrial houses away from it.

He also said that state government had done nothing for welfare of the people during its three-and-a-half-year rule.He also complained government of not opening the border.

Engineering Colleges in Punjab

Some of the Engineering Colleges in Punjab.

1) Bhai Maha Singh College of Engg. Kolkapura Road, Muktsar.
2) Chandigarh Engineering College, landran, (Mohali).
3) Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa Instt. of Engg. & Technology Chhapian wali, Malout.
4) Giani Zail Singh College of Engineering & Technology, Bathinda.
5) Swami Vivekanand Institute of Engg. & Tech., Vill. Ramnagar, Distt. Patiala, Punjab.
6) Beant College of Engineering & Technology, Gurdaspur.
7) Sri Sukhmani Institute of Engineering & Technology, Dera Bassi.
8) Lala Lajpat Rai Institute of Engineering & Technology, Moga.
9) RIMT Institute of Management & Tech., Sirhind Side Mandi Gobindgarh, Distt. Fatehgarh Sahib.
10) D.A.V. Institute of Engg. & Tech., Jalandhar.
11) Malout Institute of Management & Information Technology, Malout, Distt Muktsar.
12) Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana.

Punjab's Agriculture

Punjab occupies only 1.5 per cent of the geographical area of the country and around two-third of the food grains procured annually in the country come from this state.

Before independence, pesticides and fertilizers are not used by the farmers. But now, as 58 years have passed, with the proper use of education and techniques, production of food grains has increased many times in Punjab.

Punjab houses India's largest tractor population and has the highest per hectare fertiliser consumption. Proper utilisation of water for irrigation became available through the Bhakra Nangal Canal System. Tractors and tubewells started dotting the landscape everywhere. Land of Punjab is more fertile.

Sugercane, Pulses, Coarse grains, Oilseeds, Cotton, Wheat, Rice are the major production in Punjab.It also has a large production of Potato, chilly, all vegetables & fruits also.

Baalu addressed 7th meeting of Consultative Committee at Amritsar

Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, T.R. Baalu, Addressed the Seventh Meeting of the Consultative Committee of Parliament at Amritsar. Baalu said some states had already taken initiatives for development of state roads through innovative methods of financing.

These included taking assistance from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank or establishing corporations fully dedicated to building road infrastructure projects.

He also said, Thirty-four Districts in the North-Eastern Region would get connected under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North-Eastern Region.

Responding to queries about over-loading, the Minister said that over-loading was the major cause of early deterioration of roads and it should be checked very firmly.

Anandpur Sahib

Anandpur Sahib is one of the sacred place for the Sikhs. It was founded in the year 1664 by the ninth Guru, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji, near the ruins of an ancient place, Makhowal. The Guru purchased this site from the ruler of Bilaspur.

It was here that the budding flower of divine light in the form of the young Gobind Rai received his early education and training under the patronage of his divine father.

Takht Sahib is a square hall. The space being limited on the top of the hill, the sarovar is on the plain ground west of the Takht Sahib. Anandpur Sahib is fully surrounded by many other historical gurudwaras.

Hola Mohalla is celebrated every year in the month of March with great joy. This tradition dates back to the times of the 10th Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This festival recaptures its old glory and splendor.

How to reach :
1 . By Air - Nearest Airport at Chandigarh which is about 75km away.
2 . By Rail - Nearest railhead at Nangal. The Delhi-Una Himachal Express is a direct and very convenient train from Delhi to Anandpur Sahib.
3 . By Road - There are ample of buses from Delhi & Chandigarh.

2nd edition of India-Pak Punjab Games has been postponed

The second edition of India-Pakistan Punjab Games has been postponed due to the widespread devastation caused by the Oct 8 quake in northern Pakistan. Now, they will held in Febuary-2006 instead of December-2005.

These games were earlier scheduled to be held in Pakistan's Punjab for the first time. But due to earthquake tragedy, Pakistan's provisional government has postponed these games.

Indian Punjab is likely to send nearly 450 sports persons for the games. They will participate in 18 disciplines.

Traditional cuisines of Punjab

Punjab is the land of plenty, which has a cuisine that caters to the characteristic needs of the people. Punjabi cuisine is not subtle in its flavour.

There are no intricate marinades or exotic sauces but it has full-bodied masalas cooked with liberal amount of desi ghee and always served with a liberal helping of butter or cream. Milk and its products are an essential part of everyday cookery. People in Punjab generally prefer to have home-made butter. Women keep them busy in making different dishes of milk. Curd and buttermilk are also an essential concomitant with every Punjabi meal.

In winter, rice is cooked with jaggary known as gurwale chawal or with peas called matarwale chawal or as a delicacy called Rao Ki Kheer made of sugarcane juice.

Mah ki Dal, Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti, meat curry like Roghan Josh and stuffed paranthas can be found in no other state except Punjab. The food is suitable for those who burn up a lot of calories while working in the fields and tilling their small acres.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Museum

Anandpur Sahib is one of the holiest Sikh shrines. Punjab museums have a wide range of paintings and sculptures which shows us the art of various Indian.

Guru Teg Bahadur Museum is situated in Anandpur Sahib, Ropar. Anandpur depicts the saga of Sikh history. Its paintings have been done by leading contemporary artist of Punjab.

There are several museums, they have a fine collection of medals, arm and armours, objects of princely states with sections on Archaeology, Anthropology, Tribal and folk arts depicting different concepts and scopes in the patterns of Art and Culture.

Punjab Volleyball team will play in Pakistan National championship

A Punjab Volleyball team is likely to take part in Pakistan's national championship next month following a request from the Pakistan Volleyball Federation to its Indian counterpart.

A team from the Indian Punjab had previously taken part in Pakistan's national championship and their participation makes the event more competitive and interesting.

CM said Food processing project by Reliance to be purely private

Chief Minister of Punjab, Amarinder Singh in Jalandhar said that agro products and food processing project proposed to be set up in the state by the Reliance Group would not be a joint venture.

Addressing to the reporters, Capt Singh said the project would purely or totally be in the private sector and the state government would just play the role of facilitator.

He said the mega project had enough potentials to provide employment to the youth of the state.The chief minister also presented cheques to families of the martyrs and to the army personnel who sustained fatal injuries during army operations.

Gurpurab ( Holy festival of Sikhs )

The Gurpurab festival is celebrated by the Sikhs to express their reverence for their gurus. Two major Gurpurabs are celebrated during the year.

The first Gurpurab is celebrated in the month of Kartik i.e Oct-Nov to celebrate the teachings of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and the second in the month of Pausa i.e Dec-Jan to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Govind Singh Ji.

Holy Procession is also carried out before 2 or 3 days of Gurpurab. Hundreds of people take part in it & sing Shabads and Kirtan. Large no. of devotees pay homage to the various Gurudwaras. At various places, fairs are also conducted.

On all Gurpurabs, non-stop recital of the granth sahib and religious discourses are held. Langars
are served to all devotees without distinction of caste or creed.

8th Punjab Special Olympics on Nov 12-13

8th Punjab State Special Olympics (for mentally Challenged) will organised by Special Olympics Bharat Punjab Chapter. This special Olympics will be held on November 12 and 13 at Ludhiana .

321 special athletes from 23 special Schools of Punjab will be participating in various sports and games activities.

Chief Minister of Punjab, capt Amarinder Singh will inaugurate the Olympics on November 12. Torch run will be organised on November 11 in which special athletes from Pakistan, special schools of Ludhiana and students from various schools will participate.

48 special athletes from Pakistan along with 17 Coaches and 7 Officials will also be participating in the meet.

Ram Bagh (A Historic Garden)

Ram Bagh is situated outside the Amritsar. This beautiful garden is named as a tribute to Guru Ram Das. The historic Garden is a big attraction in the evenings when people throng is green parks to relax and breathe fresh air.

Summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is situated in the middle of Ram Bagh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is built in the summer palace. Museum display the oil paintings, miniatures, coins, abd weapons relating to the Sikh period.

Several clubs function in the Garden which also houses the well-known Summer Place of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. To commemorate the memory of his valour Ram Bagh has a lively statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh saddled on a horse.

This garden is laid out on the pattern of Shalimar Bagh at Lahore. Only its architecturally unique ´darshani deorhi´ has remained intact.