Village Tours of Amritsar are an experience to have because Punjab’s cultural and historical roots are not found in the city and the urban but in the rural villages. These landscapes encapsulate the warmth of Punjab’s hospitality and the vibrancy of folk music and dance. Exploring these parts of Punjab gives an immersive and unforgettable experience. It lets you witness the relationship of the people and their land first-hand.
There are several things you can explore in the villages of Punjab like the old games, traditionally created food and cuisines, tractor rides, and living life as a local of the villages. The sunrise in the morning, the golden sunset, the fields of villages the clear night sky. The celebrations and festivity which the villagers celebrate with the most grandeur.
Villages of Amritsar : See what these villages hold
Nestled in the serene rural landscape of Amritsar, these Villages have a rustic charm and are culturally rich. Surrounded by green lush fields the village holds the simplicity of real traditional Punjabi life. You can find mud-brick houses, cattle, and hand pumps and just stepping into this village takes you back to rural Punjab, Village life of Punjab, Its narrow lanes and houses give a glimpse into the region’s architectural history.
The village not only includes roads and houses but even centuries-old temples that showcase devotion and the artistry of those times. Beyond its visual appeal, These villages offer several cuisines that give you the taste of authentic rural life. The local markets there buzz with activity, artisans display their crafts, and farmers sell fresh and raw produce that is just perfect to make any type of cuisine.
Talking about the various seasons and how they affect the village, In the summer season These villages transform into a painted canvas with golden colors of Punjab’s warmth. The sunlight casts a radiant glow on the golden crops in the fields creating a serene peaceful moment to take in. The winter season brings the village together as people sit together and light bonfires. Amidst this, the villagers give their welcome to become a part of their knit-tight community.
As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the fields, These villages transform into a haven. The flickering lights of traditional oil lamps illuminate the village, The night brings a magical and breathtaking view as the skies are lit up with beautiful constellations and the big vibrant moon throws white light on the surface. Sleeping on the terrace on a manja (Cot made with ropes) with a rajai (Locally made blanket) while looking at the sky might just be the thing you need. Such is the experience you can enjoy on our Real Village Tour of Amritsar.
Daily Life of Villages of Punjab : Become a Local!
Amritsar beyond its bustling city, tourist spots and historical places offers a number of experiences. One of these experiences lets you in on the life of people there, Homestay. These homestay options not only let us see the daily life of people but also define the essence of Punjabi life with ages-old traditions and sharing meals around a dining table. The aroma of mouth-watering cuisines spreads through the house giving a tempting feeling.
Interacting with locals and hearing their stories about traditions, history, and the everyday nuances faced by them in their daily lives. This lets you in on the culture of Punjab but also gives you the experience to share your stories and deepen the bond between the family and tourists.
Aside from living in the urban areas of the city, living with the rural people offers you an immersive adventure, exploring their customs and daily activities. These customs include a number of activities like trying out a datoon (A neem plant stick used as a brush) using a tubewell, tying a turban, having a local barbecue, and much more.
As a part of our Real Village Tour, dive into the experience of tying a turban and knowing its significance and the history behind it. A symbolic representation of pride and identity for the Sikhs. Customs celebrations include the tradition of folk dance, Bhangra. Making a “Phulkari”, a traditional Punjabi embroidery to get hands-on experience. Trying it out with their own hands and intricate details with the help of local skilled artisans. These customs and traditions give an immersive journey into the world of local people in the city as well as the rural areas. These activities are all included in the Real Village Tour of Punjab of our company.
Celebrations & Festivals : Watch the Villages Glow in Night.
The festival celebrations light up the city with beautiful and vibrant colors. Baisakhi is a harvest festival celebrated with great passion in Punjab. The day marks the beginning of the New Year for Sikhs. Amritsar, the holy city celebrates it hugely with all the religious processions and prayers. It blesses everyone as the new year starts. Not only religiously but the people of Punjab also celebrate it on a huge scale culturally with folk dances and songs like Gidda and Bhangra.
In rural Punjab, the festival is also celebrated with a large communal meal and a number of delectable sweets. The celebrations also include a number of events. Sports like Kabbadi, wrestling, and horse races. It also includes a showcase of Sikh Martial arts, Gatka. It involves wooden sticks, swords, and traditional weapons. Nihang Sikhs demonstrate their martial arts skills. The practitioners are called Gatkaars. This Gatka event is done on several celebrations and festivals as it is not only an art form but also symbolizes valor, means of exercise, and ages-old traditions connected with the Sikh religion.
The history of Baisakhi dates back to the year 1699 when the 10th Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the roots of Khalsa Panth. It is there where he laid the foundations of Sikhism. During Baisakhi, The Golden Temple becomes a beacon of attraction for Lakhs of devotees from all over the world who come there to listen to prayer, eat langar, and witness several activities around the Gurudwara.
Kabbadi Kabbadi & much more…. : Games of Punjab’s Villages
The villages in Punjab are host to several sports. These sports events help athletes and players showcase their ability and it brings the local community together. Kabaddi, a team sport, is played with great enthusiasm in the villages. The game includes 7 players in each team and they raid the opposite team’s territory to gain points while continuously chanting, “Kabaddi, Kabaddi ”. It serves as a purpose of entertainment and healthy competition increases the bond between the players.
Kushti, also known as traditional wrestling, is a sport that has been played through the generations. It is not only played in villages but also played between 2 or more villages. Skilled wrestlers showcase their strength in gripping matches while pinning each other to gain points. The village matches to bring the community of villages closer. Kushti is not only a demonstration of physical prowess but also rooted in the heritage of the state.
Gilli-danda, a traditional stick and ball game, holds great significance in the life of village communities. It is played in open ground and the players aim to use their stick to hit the ball off the ground and then hit it as far as they can. This game infuses an atmosphere of joy and nostalgia for all ages.
Kite Flying (Patang Bazi) is a popular rural sport played by the villagers. It especially is played more during festivals like Lohri and Baisakhi. In the competitive sport kite flyers use their kites and try to cut the strings of kites of the other players after which they need to grab the falling kite.
Bullock cart racing is also one of the most popular games played in the rural areas of the state. Villagers train their cattle for strength, stamina, and speed in preparation for the event. This traditional game symbolizes the relationship the people of the village have with their bullocks.
Food & Cuisines : A gastronomic journey in the Villages of Punjab
One of the most famous activities that numerous tourists want to experience is the Farm to Table Dishes . The farmers of the villages sell their vegetables and fruits in the local market without any middleman or third party involvement which ensures organic and healthy food consumption.
The charm of rustic delicacies prepared with old traditional cooking techniques. In the village kitchens, traditional methods like tandoor and open-flame cooking add a smoky richness to the dishes. Savory delights such as sarson da saag and makki di roti, slow-cooked on traditional stoves, offer a taste of authentic Punjabi flavors.
Besides Langar there, Villages of Punjab offer a number of delicious cuisines, rich in taste and spices. Exploring these dishes includes 2 parts. The homely meals and the street food, Even though they include the same dishes, are quite different in taste. Exploring the markets and having local delicacies like Chole bhature, Lachha Paratha, Chicken tikka, Golgappa, and Dahi Bhalla.
These dishes are sure to give you a roller coaster and a gastronomic experience. The home-prepared meals are made with fresh ingredients bought from the farmers market directly which are plucked from their farms directly. Sarson da Saag, Makki di roti, Kulcha, and parathas are some of the dishes best from home itself. A mixture of these dishes defines Punjab’s rich culinary heritage and culture.
Pind da Mela ( Village Fair) : A night to remember
Pind da Mela, an annual event held in the heart of Amritsar is an annual fair that is a means of celebration and community bonding within the village as well as cities. The traditional village fair is a several-decade-old event rooted in the rich history of Villages of Punjab. The grounds of the fair are lit up with many stalls and shops selling various handicrafts, traditional clothes and fabrics, games, and means of entertainment like a puppet show, plays, and food stalls ready to give you a vibrant journey.
The streets between the stalls are infused with the aroma of local delicacies and the sounds of sizzling fried food items like fried chicken, puri, and freshly baked kulcha. Not only food but the rhythmic sounds of traditional bhangra dance and music performances echo throughout the fair. The upbeat sounds of dhol and several traditional instruments make the vibe of the fair more energetic. Along with these celebrations, the fair also gives a chance to the local artisans to showcase their talents and skills like handicrafts, phulkari chunni, instruments, hand-made jewelry, and much more in our village tour of Amritsar. People from other villages of Punjab also come here to enjoy the festivities. It fosters a sense of camaraderie among the people of the village as they enjoy this once-a-year fair.
As the day transitions into night, the fair becomes a captivating spectacle. The rides and stalls create a cheerful environment as families gather around bonfires and share laughs and stories. The sparkling lights illuminate the fairgrounds and make the experience of the fair a fascinating one. This annual Pind Da Mela is more than just a celebration for the year, it celebrates tradition, culture, diversity, the city’s soul, and the rich heritage that will live on through the fair year after year.
Real Village Tour Essence : What do they hold?
Village Tour of Amritsar is more than just a mere tour. It is an enchanting experience that teaches you about the history and heritage of the state. It helps you unravel some lesser-known facts about the land and gives you a deeper perspective on the nature of people and yourself. The tour offers a nuanced understanding of the vibrant tapestry that weaves together the culture, customs, and traditions.
The difference between a city tour and a village tour of Punjab is the emphasis on the relationship between people and nature, the connection of people with the fields, the land, the cattle, and with each other. Experiencing these events and partaking in the folk music and dance, the lively markets, competitive games, and fairs help you know what the village symbolizes about the history of this state. This gives you an opportunity to witness and participate in the living legacy that defines the soul of Punjab’s Villages.
Check out our Real Village Tour of Amritsar, where we take you on the most interesting, engaging and under-appreciated activities which makes your trip to Amritsar even more memorable.