Embracing the Light: Diwali in Amritsar

As the sun rises over Amritsar on November 2nd, the city awakens to a day filled with promise and spiritual renewal. The clear skies and warm temperatures create an inviting atmosphere for exploration and reflection. Begin your journey at the heart of Sikhism, the Golden Temple, where the serene waters and golden domes reflect the morning light. The Half Day City Tour offers a perfect introduction to this sacred site, with a guided experience that delves into the history and significance of the temple. As you walk through the temple complex, the soothing chants and the aroma of the world’s largest community kitchen, the Langar, envelop you in a sense of peace and unity.

The tour continues to Jallianwala Bagh, a poignant reminder of India’s struggle for independence. Here, the stories of resilience and sacrifice are told with reverence, allowing you to connect deeply with the past. The Partition Museum, another stop on the tour, offers a comprehensive look at the events that shaped modern India. As you explore these sites, the gentle breeze and low humidity make for a comfortable and contemplative experience.

“Wonderful, friendly and informative - Ravish was my guide for a really wonderful and interesting tour of the Golden Palace, Jallianwala Bagh and the Partition Museum. We could have gone on! But the heat got to me after 6 hours and I wasn’t able for more. Ravish is so knowledgeable about the societal, religious, cultural and political history of Punjab and beyond. He was happy to answer any questions I had and I learned an awful lot. All three locations are fascinating, and all for different reasons. We didn’t have to rush and I really feel that I got to understand much more about the history of this amazing city.” - Reviewed at 2024-04-16

A Day of Reflection and Celebration

As the day progresses, the city of Amritsar transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors and sounds in preparation for Diwali, the festival of lights. The Full Day Amritsar Tour on November 3rd offers an immersive experience, starting with the early morning ceremony at the Golden Temple. Witness the sacred ritual of the Guru Granth Sahib being carried to the temple, a moment of profound spiritual significance. The tour provides exclusive access to areas not typically open to tourists, allowing you to experience the temple’s spiritual essence fully.

After a morning of reflection, the tour takes you to the bustling Hall Bazaar, where the energy of Diwali is palpable. The market is a sensory delight, with vibrant textiles, aromatic spices, and intricate handicrafts. As you wander through the stalls, the spirit of Diwali envelops you, inviting you to partake in the joy and celebration of this auspicious occasion.

In the afternoon, the tour offers a unique opportunity to dine with a local Punjabi family, experiencing the warmth and hospitality that define the region. The meal, a feast of traditional Punjabi dishes, is a celebration of flavors and community. As the sun sets, the tour culminates at the Wagah Border, where the evening retreat ceremony is a spectacle of patriotism and unity.

“Best Tour and Mustdo for anyone visiting Amritsar. Safe for Female Solo travelers - After much research on social media on Amritsar 1 day tours options, I came across Planet Amritsar website to see what they are offering. I was travelling solo so thought of going through a tour agent to visit Amritsar. Amrit - tour captain was extremely courteous and prompt in responding to all Whatsapp texts and communications. We started early morning at 4 am to experience the main event at Golden Temple where the Guru Granthsahib is carried at 4.30 am from the abode to the temple. Followed after, Amrit went over a nice easy to listen and exciting history of the Sikhs, Punjabis, and Golden Temple. We toured the kitchens and Langar that is not really open to any tourists. The darshan inside the Golden Temple took over 2.5 hours but going with a spiritual focus is very much required. My experience was surreal and heavenly. After the Golden temple we visited the Jalianwala Bagh and there after we did Ranjit Singh memorial/museum. In the afternoon - we visited a Punjabi family’s residence for lunch and some relaxation. Unfortunately, it was raining else we were going to tour the farms on a tractor. This is something I really wanted to do, however cannot mess with Mother Nature. After the afternoon relaxation and some lovely snacks/lunch offered by the Punjabi family - we headed towards the Wagah-Attari Border for the ceremony. Amrit was very informative and provided all information about how to enter the ceremony location with foreign passport to when to leave the premises so as to avoid crowds and everyone exiting the premises with traffic. This has been the best tour I have done at Amritsar. And I will definitely recommend it to all my friends and family especially women/men going Solo as its completely safe and secure knowing Planet Amritsar takes care of all the needs. Thank you, Amrit and keep it going. I will definitely reach out for your other tours being offered especially the HIMALAYAN tour you offer.” - Reviewed at 2024-09-19

The Healing Power of Tradition

Diwali in Amritsar is not just a festival; it’s a journey of personal growth and healing. The city’s rich history and vibrant culture offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the past and embrace the present. As you participate in the Diwali celebrations, the warmth of the community and the spiritual energy of the city create a space for introspection and renewal.

The clear skies and comfortable temperatures make it an ideal time to explore the city’s many spiritual and cultural sites. Whether you’re visiting the Golden Temple, exploring the ancient markets, or witnessing the retreat ceremony at the Wagah Border, each experience is a step towards personal growth and understanding.

Amritsar’s Diwali celebrations are a testament to the healing power of tradition and community. As you immerse yourself in the festivities, you’ll find that the city’s spirit of unity and resilience resonates deeply, offering a sense of peace and belonging. This Diwali, let Amritsar’s light guide you on a journey of discovery and transformation.