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Prosperous Punjab, the land of
five (Punj) rivers (Aab) was the great land of – Vedas,
Indus valley civilization, Taxila University of milk and
honey, arts and artifacts. Through the centuries, it has
borne the brunt of invasions and wars and more recently, the
holocaust of India’s partition. But, the enterprising and
industrious people of Punjab bounced back, to become one of
the most affluent states of the country and recorded the
highest per capita income in India. The name Punjab has
become synonymous with high spirits, prosperity and
passionate involvement with life itself. Agriculture is the
mainstay of Punjab and it is given the highest priority. The
State is often referred as the ‘Food Basket’ or the
‘Granary’ of India. Punjab is also known as the ‘Land of
Industrial Opportunity’, with over 1.97 lakhs of small and
medium industries and about 653 large scale industries. It
is the market leader in the manufacture of machine and hand
tools; printing and paper cutting machinery; auto parts and
electrical switch gear etc. Punjab provides over 75% of the
country’s requirement for bicycles, sewing machines, hosiery
and sports goods. The contribution of powerful Punjabi’s in
the fields of sports and defence has also been very
significant.
The progressive state of Punjab is also a treasure trove for
an avid tourist. The fertile land is dotted with formidable
forts, magnificent palaces, beautiful gardens and sacred
pilgrim centres. Its rich culture and zest for life is very
well reflected in the rhythm of Bhangra, the witty repartees
of girls performing the Gidda and in its numerous fairs and
festivals. The mouth watering cuisine of Punjab is as full
of zest as its people. A trip to Punjab is incomplete
without an authentic meal of makki-ki-roti (bread made of
maize flour) and sarson-ka-sag (mustard leaves) along with a
large glass of lassi (churned yoghurt). |
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