One of the most important places in the struggle of freedom, Jallianwala Bagh is a huge memorial garden in the enclosure of the city of Amritsar in Punjab. This was inaugurated in the year 1951 and offer homage to the masses who lost their life on Baisakhi (Punjabi New Year) due a brutal killing on 13th April in 1919. The total deaths according to the British sources mounted to 1379 and a total of 1100 others wounded. Other British doctors hinted at something around 1,526 fatalities. Although the official toll was 379 but it is undeniable that the actual figure was many folds higher. Situated in close proximity of the Golden Temple, This 6 acre vast garden marks an important period in the nation’s history.

The government of India passed an act in the parliament which resulted in the formation of this memorial which is managed by the trust that was further a part of this act.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

In the troubled year of 1919 in British India, the mob that was enraged by the British government ambushed and attacked a British Lady who was later rushed to safety by a student of her father. It is also believed that the culprit, General Dyer issued an ordinance which asked Indian to crawl on knees and knuckles when in his sight or in his street. There were also orders to trash any Indian who came in proximity of a British Soldier.

To oppose these atrocities and absurd orders by General Dyer, The residents of Punjab voiced a peaceful protest by meeting publicly at the Jallianwala Bagh on the pious day of Baisakhi. The meeting was attended by thousands of people including men, women and children unaware of what awaits them. Barely after an hour of the start of the meeting, General Dyer marched with forces to the Jallianwala Bagh. The forces blocked the only exit and other narrow lanes with the heavily armored vehicles. The forces stuffed with huge ammo and machine guns were ordered to fire indiscriminately on the innocent non violent Indians leading to a mass death toll. The Government claimed a total of 379 deaths whereas other British sources believe it to be higher than 1000. This huge figure is further doubted by many as they believe the Bagh had more than 10,000 people.

Symbol of Sacrifice

The Bagh reminds men of the passionate struggle for India’s freedom. The Indian National Congress established a trust in the following year to share the grief and sorrow. Hence, a monument was erected that offered salutations and homage to the martyrs and was inaugurated in 1951 by Shri Rajendra Prasad following an act of Parliament. Benjamin Polk, an established architect from America, designed the memorial. The memorial has a stone lantern in each corner of the Jallianwala Bagh that along with text offers homage to the martyrs. Originally, the Jallianwala Bagh was merely a large garden enclosed with high walls and bleak lanes. Today, the population and its growth have covered the Jallianwala Bagh with houses on all four sides.

Location

Jallianwala Bagh is a prominent place in Amritsar. The blessed city in the state of Punjab is also house to the most pious and holy shrine of the Sikhs, the Golden Temple.

Timing

The monument was created for public visit of the public. The memorial can be accessed all through the week. During the bright summers, the Memorial opens at 6 in the morning and closes at 9 in the evening. During winters, the time is altered from 7 AM to 8 in the night.

How to Reach

By Air

The Airport in Chandigarh (Raja Sansi Airport) has a great connectivity from all the major cities of the country. A low cost taxi can be taken from the Airport to reach the city. Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi offer onward international journeys.

By Train

The railhead at Amritsar is always frequented by trains from all over the country, particularly the metro cities. High Grade trains like Shatabdi and Rajdhani can also be taken to reach Amritsar from various places in the country at a really frequent rate. The Swarn Shatabdi from Delhi is the best option to reach the Holy City from the National Capital.

By Bus

A huge number of buses, both private run and state operated can be hitched to reach the city of Amritsar. The historical Grand Trunk road links the holy city to the National Capital at Delhi. Several luxury services of buses can be availed from Delhi and other cities of Punjab.

Best Time to Visit

The city of Amritsar witnesses both the seasons at their peaks.

• Summers start in April and continue till late June where scorching heat takes the temperature beyond 40 C. This is not the high time for tourism in Amritsar.
• July brings in rain that stays till October and brings down the heat by a considerable degree.
• November brings in the chill and when it reaches its peak in Late December and Early January, The Temperature drops down to even -4

The optimum time for visiting Amritsar is from November to March.

• These months offer a mild and soothing climate to explore the city. Late December and early January should be avoided due to the chill.
• It is not advisable to visit Amritsar during the summers.