Jalandhar

Jalandhar is a city as well as district in the state of Punjab. Located 144 km north-west of Chandigarh, the state capital, it is also the city with the maximum percentage of non resident Indians. It is among the oldest surviving cities of the Punjab region.

According to Hindu mythology, Jalandhara used to be the kingdom of a devil in Satyuga. The city was called Prasthala during the time of the Mahabharata and was named as Jullundur in British times.

Jalandhar is the commercial capital of India and is the main producer of leather goods, pouches and sports equipments. The city was the capital of Punjab until 1953, when Chandigarh was named as the capital. Although the city has changed a lot due to modernisation, it still has some popular places that are an integral part of its culture and tradition.

Some of the popular places here include Devi Talab Mandir, which is located in the heart of the city and has been renovated recently with the establishment of a new temple. The ancient Imam Nasir Masjid, which is said to be about 800 years old, is another popular tourist place.

Located near the Temple of Devi Talab on the Sodal Road is the Sodal Mandir. A fair is held here every year to mark the death anniversary of Baba Sodal. The fair is held in mid-September at the Samadhi of Baba Sodal. At Wonderland Theme Park people can enjoy water games and rides.

The most important and celebrated festival in Jalandhar is Baisakhi, which marks the establishment of Khalsa by the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh. Other than Jalandhar, the festival of Baisakhi is celebrated all over the regions of Punjab.

The annual fair of Harballabh Sangeet Mela held near the Devi Talab is based on the musical heritage of the city and is held in the memory of Swami Harballabh. Swami Harballabh was a popular figure in Punjab and was regarded as a great patron of music, and a musical gathering is organised every year to mark his birth anniversary.

Jalandhar has a subtropical climate with hot summers that last from the month of April to June and extremely cold winters. The best time to visit the city is the months of November to February.