Punjab

Punjab is a state in northwest India, bordering Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh to the west, Haryana to the south and southeast, Rajasthan to the southwest, Jammu and Kashmir to the north and Punjab Province of Pakistan to the west. Chandigarh, an India’s union territory, is the capital of Punjab.

The partition of 1947 divided India into two Independent states: India and Pakistan. Later in 1966 India craved two new states out of Punjab: Haryana and Himachal Pradesh .

Punjab keeps a rich historical significance. There is Indus Valley Civilization. It spanned around Harappa and Ropar. Its remnant can still be traced. It was a part of great ancient empires including Gandhara Mahajanpadas, Nanda, Mauryas, Sungas, Kushans, Guptas, Palas, Gurjara-Pratiharas and Hindu Shahis. The Mughals controlled the region from 1524 to 1739.

Sikhism is the predominant faith in the state.

Punjab comprises 20 districts. There are five divisions in Punjab. Each division contains several districts.

The capital of Punjab is Chandigarh.

Punjabi is the official language of Punjab.

Major cities of Punjab are Amritsar, Bhatinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali and Patiala.

There are many tourist attractions in Punjab. The Golden Temple, a prominent Sikh gurduwara, is, also known as Harmindar Sahib or Darbar Sahib, there in Amritsar, Punjab. It was built in 1574. A great influx of tourists and devotees visit this Sikh temple round the year.

The state celebrates Lohari, Basant, Baisakhi and Teej.

Agriculture is the largest industry in Punjab. It is the largest producer of wheat in India.

Punjab experiences the extreme hot and harsh cold condition.

Punjab is well connected by rail, road and air. There are six airports at Ludhiana, Mohali, Pathankot and Patiala in Punjab. Shri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar operates international flights to Punjab. Air India, Air India Express, Armavia, Jet Airways, Jetlite, Kingfisher Airlines, Mahan Air, Qatar Airways, Turkmenistan Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways are the major service providers.