About Amritsar

Amritsar means "the tank of nectar or the tank of immortality" and the district derives its name from the sacred tank in the Amritsar city. Some have taken the name Amritsar to derive Amrit-sarovar meaning "The Pool of the Nectar of Immortality" though -sar, "Natural pool" does not derive from sarovar, "Artificial tank or body of water". This tank, which was originally a small natural pool, surrounds the present Golden Temple and it is also said that Guru Nanak Dev visited it. The Fourth Guru, Ram Das, who in 1577 obtained more of land in its neighbourhood, permanently occupied the site. The pool soon acquired a reputation for sanctity, and the followers of the Guru migrated to the sacred spot, and there a small town grew up and was known at first as Ramdaspur or Guru-ka-Chak, and later, as the pool was converted into a tank, it came to be known as Amritsar.

Amritsar is located in northern Punjab state of northwestern India lies about 15 miles (25 km) east of the border with Pakistan. It is home to the Harimandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, and is the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion. This important Sikh shrine attracts more visitors than the Taj Mahal in Agra and is the number one destination for non-resident Indians (NRI) in the whole of India. It is also known for the unfortunate incidents of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre while under British Rule (1919) and Operation Blue star in (1984) under the Late Prime Minsiter Indira Gandhi.

The main commercial activities include tourism, carpets and fabrics, farm produce, handicrafts, service trades and light engineering. It's popular and known for its food and culture & it is paradise for food lovers. Amritsar is also a seat of major educational institutions. Amritsar is also home to Pingalwara, the home for destitute founded by Bhagat Puran Singh and a home to Central Khalsa Orphanage, which was once a home to Udham Singh, a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement.

Shopping in Amritsar is a memorable experience. The market places the lanes, the bazaars, the squares, and the plazas-hum with activity. The main shopping areas are the Hall Bazar, Katra Jaimal Singh and Lawrence Road. The city offers traditional souvenirs along with modern brandwear at all locations. The main attraction however is the woolens, carpets and blankets, besides juttis and embroidered stuff. The bazaars of Amritsar offer a colourful range of traditional and modern wares from carpets, durries, kites, fireworks, bangles, and shawls to cut glass and woolen textiles. At Guru bazaar, near the Golden Temple, each lane sells a different commodity.