Celebrate Baisakhi the real way!!! – In the heart of rural Punjab

Baisakhi is the harvest festival mainly celebrated in Punjab and other parts of northern India. It marks a new beginning, the start of a new harvest season or the solar year. This Sikh religious festival falls in the month of April according to the Gregorian calendar. The day of Baisakhi is celebrated as the beginning of the Hindu solar new year by various other communities also. 

The festival is celebrated in its full glory in rural areas of Punjab, with the farmers of the state elated with the plentiful harvest, make merry and participate in the Baisakhi mela (fair) with lots of  joy and enthusiasm.  If one is planning to visit Punjab during Baisakhi, the best way to experience this festival is to stay at a rural farm and enjoy to the fullest, the festival of Baisakhi.

One of the most colorful aspects of Baisakhi in rural Punjab are the Baisakhi melas (fairs). People come from far off places come with their family and friends to take part in these colorful fairs, held in the prominent villages. Most captivating features of the fairs are the lively traditional bhangra and gidda dance performances. Other than this, there are a lot of fun filled activities such as races, wrestling bouts, singing and acrobatics in the fair. Also, at some of these fairs, rural folk artists entertain people by playing traditional instruments like vanjli and algoza.  The fairs are dotted with stalls selling local handicrafts and items like bangles, toys, and other trinkets of domestic use. Food stalls selling scrumptious Punjabi dishes are also major crowd-pullers at the fairs.

This year, Baisakhi falls on a weekend (April 13-14^th, Friday and Saturday) and it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy an exciting break in the rural heartland of Punjab amongst lush greenery, jovial people and lots of revelry.

The Other Home offers its rural properties to enjoy the Baisakhi weekend; the properties are located nearAnandpur Sahib and Amritsar, giving a choice to the traveler to visit to either of the two famous gurdwaras.

In and around Amritsar, The Other Home offers two lovely rural properties, both of which are located very near to the city:-

The Green Acres Haveli is nestled among fruit orchards and just minutes from both the Amritsar city and the International airport. It combines heritage charm and modern comforts in an oasis of nature and serenity.  Its architecture and style is typical of the village homes of Punjabi landlords built between late 19th and mid 20th century, with a central courtyard, high walls, and a large gate. This Baisakhi is the perfect time to enjoy the charms of this heritage haveli. Guests visiting the Haveli can binge on world renowned Amritsari cuisine and farm grown pickles and preserves.  Also being conveniently located, this Haveli is a perfect hub to see famous attractions in and around Amritsar city, as well as partake in farm activities like tractor rides and village safaris.

Virasat Haveli is a 250 years old farmstay renovated in 2003 with ultra modern facilities. It is an ancient architectural marvel, offers panoramic views of lush green fields. The Haveli is situated at G.T. Road on the outskirts of Amritsar. This property has been approved by Govt. of Punjab under promotion of rural tourism.

The Other Home offers special Baisakhi weekend package (1 Night and 2 Days) at both these properties. The Package includes accommodation, special bhangra and gidda dance performances, visit to the surrounding villages & Baisakhi melas, half day trip to Amritsar and bonfire at night.

In and around Anandpur Sahib, The Other Home offers two lovely rural properties, both of which are located very near to the city:-

The Fort Bharatgarh, located 20 kilometers from Anandpur sahib, is a 100 year old heritage site. Constructed in 1783, the Bharatgarh Fort is the only standing live-in forts of Punjab. Although it is a residential fort, recently a portion of it has been made open to tourists in the form of a heritage home. Flanked by the majestic himalayas, not only does it enjoy a scenic view but also epitomizes the royal lifestyle and rich history it possesses. There are various rooms available according to your preferences. The rooms are well equipped to cater to your requirements. The host offers special Punjabi home made food to the guest to give authentic experience. Bharatgarh is well accessible from Anandpur Sahib and has the perfect rural ambience along with royal comforts.

Brahmpur’s Farmstay is located 15 kms away from famous Anandpur sahib city. It is a 1 room farmhouse, in a village surrounded by lush green fields.

Highlights of the trip shall include staying in the countryside in a rural farmstay with traditional folk performances on the farm, a trip to the village Baisakhi Mela, visit to Anandpur Sahib, bonfire and night walks in the fields surrounding the farm.

The Other Home offers special Baisakhi weekend package (1 Nights / 2 Days) at both these properties. The Package includes accommodation, special bhangra and gidda dance performances, visit to the surrounding villages & Baisakhi melas, half day trip to Ananpur Sahib and bonfire at night.

This Baisakhi, enjoy the hospitality of rural Punjab and join the lively farming community of the state in celebrating their most cherished festival. So don’t miss this opportunity to dance to the tunes of prosperity this April 13-14^th , 2012. For your comfortable stay and trip, please contact The Other Home for more details

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