Sikh Spirituality & Border Party

Trip Start Aug 15, 2007
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Trip End Aug 31, 2008


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Flag of India  ,
Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Amritsar is the Sikh's holiest city represented by the superb Golden Temple.  The Sikhs have their own religion & culture and believe in the chosen race of soldier-saints. Traditionally they don't ever cut their hair hence the turbans, wear a steel bangle to symbolize fearlessness and sometimes you get a glimpse of a shiny saber/sword.  They also believe in the equality of all beings which is felt when visiting the temple.
Much anticipated, the Golden Temple is probably one of the most spiritual places we've ever been too...as spiritual as we can be :)  The atmosphere is surreal with the chants heard from all corners, the gold reflecting in the "pool of nectar" surrounding it and the bright colored turbans swirling around the white-marble temple grounds.
It's a must to stay around the temple to soak in the atmosphere 24/7 and view the sunset from one of the many rooftops ( we recommend either Le Golden Hotel or Indus Hotel).

Once you had your fill of spirituality, head to the biggest border party in the world: the daily border closing ceremony at the Indian-Pakistan border. Nothing prepares you for what you're about to witness since only our beloved Indian hosts can turn an otherwise stiff event into a crazy splash of emotions...with people showing off their bollywood moves, senselessly running with the Indian flag up and down and crying out patriotic sound bites. The Western observer doesn't know whether to laugh or cry and then it's over and you're sad you didn't partake...definitely and unforgettable fun experience.
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