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Ludhiana
Ludhiana city was founded in the time of Lodhi dynasty which ruled in Delhi from 1451-1526 A.D. The legend goes that two Lodhi Chief Yusaf Khan and Nihand Khan were deputed by Sikandar Lodhi to restore order in this region. They camped at the site of present city of Ludhiana which was then a village called Mir Hota. The new town was originally known as Lodhi-ana.
Introduction
Ludhiana, the ’Manchester of India’ is world renowned for its hosiery industry. The woollen garments produced here are not only popular in India, but around the world.
Festivals
THE RURAL OLYMPICS
Sports is a way of life in rural Punjab. The annual three day village games popularly known as India’s ’Rural Olympics’ are held at Qila Raipur, about 15 kms. sough of Ludhiana, in the month of February. The games were started way back in 1933, as an annual recreational meet for the farmers of surrounding areas. Today, the event attracts more than 4,000 participants and is watched by over million spectators and several millions other on television. The event is very well covered by the print and electronic media. World’s leading television channels, like BBC and Voice of America have aired the games. The games are closely followed by the migrant Punjabi’s staying in U.K., U.S.A. and Canada. They even send their teams to participate in the games, which have become a showcase of the indomitable spirit of Punjab. The Olympic disciplines like, hockey, athletics and wrestling as well as traditional sports like, bullock-cart race, kabaddi, tug-of-war etc. generate equal enthusiasm. The sport meet is regarded as first major step for the aspiring Olympians of Punjab. Great Indian sportsmen like Mikha Singh, the ’Flying Sikh’, Dhyan Chand and Balbir Singh, the legendary hockey maestros, first honed their skills on the dusty fields of Qila Raipur. The popularity of the Rural Olympics is mainly attributed to its very simple sports event, where no specific skills are required and gives a common villager a sense of participation. In fact participation is considered to be more important than actual talent. After an absorbing day full of exciting moments, the crowds are entertained by electrifying bhangra and giddha dance performances.
Tourism
Rural Museum, Punjab Agricultural University : It provides an insight into the rich culture of Rural Punjab. Rare artifacts depicting the early rural life of Punjab are beautifully exhibited here.
The annual ’Kissan Mela’ held at Punjab Agriculture University, attracts large number of visitors.
AROUND LUDHIANA
ALAMGIR (10 kms.)
Gurudwara Manji Sahib : It marks the site where Guru Gobind Singh ji was brought for safety, from the battle by Nabi Khan and Ghani Khan, the two Muslim devotees. A water tank nearby is said to be created by Guru Gobind Sinth ji, with a shot of an arrow into the parched earth. An annual fair is held here in December.
BHAINI SAHIB
This village near Ludhiana is the headquarters of Kuka sect, also known as Namdharis. The Kukas played a very important role during India’s struggle for freedom under the leadership of Guru Ram Singh Ji. The fought valiantly against the Britishers and large number of them laid their lives fighting at Amritsar and Malerkotla.
JAGRAON (38 kms.)
Gurudwara Nanaksar : It commemorates Baba Nand Singh Kaleranwale, a Sikh Saint. A five days fair is held annually in the month of August.
KHANNA (43 kms.)
This small town in Ludhiana district is famous for Asia’s biggest grain market.
MACHHIWARA (35 kms.)
Gurudwara Charan Kamal : The gurudwara is said to be built on the site, where Guru Gobind Singh ji rested during the guerrilla warfare with the forces of Mughals.
MALERKOTLA (45 KMS.)
Malerkotla, an important seat of Sifism in India is a shinning example of communal harmony and brotherhood. The Malerkotla state was founded by Bayazid Khan, who saved the life of Aurangzeb from an attacking tiger. Although, over 65% of its population follow Islam, but Malerkotla chose to remain in India after the partition of the country. Not a single drop of blood was shed here, when the entire country was witnessing communal hatred and hostility. Baba Hazrat Shaikh Saduddin Sadr-e-Jahan, a famous sufi saint, who came to Malerkotla in 1488, is credited for creating this ’Haven of Peace’. Large number of devotees visit the dargah of the Sufi saint. The town is also believed to be blessed with everlasting peace by Guru Gobind Singh ji. Sher Khan, one of the rulers of Malerkotla, pleaded with the Mughal ruler to spare the young sons of the Guru. Thus, the grateful Guru Gobind Singh ji, presented his sword to Sher Khan in appreciation of his kind gesture. It is still in possession of the erstwhile royalty of Malerkotla.
