In the early winter of 2019, on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, my friends Manikandan, Girish, and I embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Amritsar, a city renowned for its spiritual significance and vibrant culture. Our journey began in Pilani, where we boarded a bus bound for Chandigarh. The anticipation of witnessing the breathtaking Golden Temple and experiencing the grandeur of the Wagah Border ceremony filled our hearts with excitement.

We embarked on our overnight bus journey from Pilani to Chandigarh, reveling in the company of fellow travellers who shared our excitement for the upcoming adventure. As the bus manoeuvred through the night, we caught up on sleep, eager for the morning when our exploration would truly begin.

We reached Chandigarh in the early morning, feeling refreshed and ready to explore the city. Our first stop was the iconic Rock Garden, a marvel created by artist Nek Chand. The garden’s intricate sculptures, made from recycled materials, left us awestruck. We wandered through its winding pathways, admiring the artistic brilliance that showcased Chandigarh’s cultural heritage.

Following our visit to the Rock Garden, we made our way to the Legislative Assembly building, a striking architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier. The blend of modernity and functionality in the building’s design captivated us, and we marvelled at its symbolic significance in India’s political landscape.

After an eventful day in Chandigarh, we rented a Zoom car to continue our journey to Amritsar. Our friend Jibin Babu, a local and our MBA batchmate, warmly welcomed us upon our arrival. Eager to dive into the spiritual aura of Amritsar, we wasted no time in visiting the famous Golden Temple.

As we entered the temple complex, the serene ambience and the golden reflection of the temple’s architecture on the sacred pool left us spellbound. We immersed ourselves in the divine atmosphere, paying our respects and witnessing the harmonious blend of prayer, music, and community service that epitomized the Sikh faith. The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture held at the heart of the temple, radiated a profound sense of spirituality.

We made sure to pay homage to the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, a site of great historical significance. We walked through the sombre gardens, mindful of the tragic events that unfolded here in 1919. The memorial stands as a reminder of the sacrifice and resilience of those who fought for India’s independence. As we stood before the memorial wall, bearing the names of the martyrs, we felt a profound sense of reverence and gratitude. It was a poignant moment that deepened our understanding of the city’s history and the struggles endured by the freedom fighters.

No trip to Amritsar is complete without experiencing the exhilarating Wagah Border ceremony, where India and Pakistan’s border guards engage in a theatrical display of patriotism. We arrived at the border in the late afternoon, joining the enthusiastic crowd that gathered to witness the spectacle.

The spirited parade, accompanied by energetic music and synchronized movements, instilled a sense of national pride within us. The lowering of the flags and the exchange of handshakes between the border guards from both countries symbolized a peaceful coexistence, despite the historical tensions. We were captivated by the vibrant atmosphere, cheering along with the crowd and cherishing this unique display of unity.

Our trip to Amritsar during Diwali in 2019 was an incredible journey filled with spiritual enlightenment and cultural experiences. From the ethereal beauty of the Golden Temple to the electrifying atmosphere of the Wagah Border ceremony, we were left with memories that would last a lifetime. The hospitality of our friend Jibin Babu added a personal touch to our adventure, and we returned to Pilani with hearts brimming with gratitude and cherished memories of a truly unforgettable trip.