A heritage that coexists with modernity

‘Jalandhar’ is named after a demon ruler who appears in the Puranas and Mahabharata. Another story places Jalandhar as the capital of the kingdom of Lav, Rama's son. Some say that Jalandhar got its name from the colloquial term 'Jalandhar', which means place inside the sea. The city was also a significant outpost of the Indus Valley Civilisation, with evidence suggesting an established urban settlement existed here around 900 BCE.

Jalandhar has been a significant centre for various civilisations such as the Aryans, Greeks, Mauryas, Guptas and Mughals, each contributing unique elements to the city. During the British era, it was renamed Jullundur and served as the capital of Punjab before Chandigarh. Jalandhar is believed to be the oldest city in Punjab and is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historical monuments and traditional values. The city's architecture reflects its historical roots, with various dynasties leaving behind architectural legacies.

A highlight of the city is its vibrant culture, which is reflected in its festivals, music, dance and art. The city boasts a diverse range of traditional dances reflecting its ethnic diversity. Bhangra and Giddha are the prominent dances performed at festivals and other events. Jalandhar is also home to the Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan, the oldest Hindustani classical music festival in the country. Baba Sodal Mela is another important event organised to pay homage to Baba Sodal, a legendary figure.

The city of Jalandhar boasts a rich culinary culture heavily influenced by the agrarian lifestyle prevalent in Punjab. Known as the 'Granary of India', the fertile land produces an abundance of wheat, rice and dairy products, which form the basis of the local diet. The food here is characterised by its bold flavours, generous use of ghee and a strong focus on vegetarian cuisine due to the large Sikh population that follows a vegetarian diet. Iconic dishes like Makki Di Roti and Sarson Da Saag, Chole Bhature, Amritsari Kulcha, Dal Makhani and Lassi are widely popular here.