Patiala, India

Amidst the heavy smog, sweltering heat pouring down from the ceaseless sun, the melody of infuriating noises, and the abundant package of people stands the authentic, breathtaking city of Patiala, the most prominent in northern India. I realized how accustomed I had become to paved roads and civil organization when I first arrived in the city. Upon leaving I never wanted to let go of that atmosphere. Even though the aura of the city is defined by rush and havoc, the contents, which includes an array of tiny shops, landmarks, noticeable landscapes, and famous churches distracts the visitor, fading and considerably easing the chaos into the background.

Seeing a rickshaw approach, with three wheels, one in the front and two in the back, with a man at the helm, pedaling his way around brought about a curious reaction, a drastic change to the usual taxi. The rickshaw resembled a simple version of a riding carriage, providing front row seats to the splendor of the city. Upon riding it for the very first time, I made my mother promise me that this would be our lone means of transportation.

A prominent aspect of the city is the inhabitancy of several different cultures. Just by walking down the street, an individual can experience the spice of several customs, tasting the food of south Indians, trying on the latest fashion from Gujarat, or viewing the gold and silver replicas of worshipped Gods and legendary figures.

Color is vibrantly displayed through the native clothes and attire. Comparing Patiala to other prosperous cities, such as New York City, an individual notices that a large group of people strolling down fifth avenue would resemble a somber pallet of colors, most presenting themselves in black, gray, or white colored clothing. However, when arriving in Patiala, where all colors, including the magentas, screaming yellows, tangy oranges, and tasteful lime-greens are proudly adorned revives a certain spirit and appreciation. It’s amazing to see the women dressed in such festive colors alongside the men, the majority supporting a turban on top of their head that displays a distinct hue as well. A look from a far or on a balcony assures a visitor the visual delight of a moving, bustling, rushing sea of color rather than a indistinct monochromatic mass of people.

Guardwara Bhadurgarh Sahib and Dukh Niwaran Sahib are a few famous Sikh churches that attract thousands of worshippers each day. A greater part of the population is of the Sikh faith, which explains the presence of several guardwaras (Sikh churches). Both churches cover a vast area of land and possess a rich history that distinguishes them among other landmarks. Mutually, each religious sanctuary resonates an original design, containing in its structure wall-size mirrors, murals, and paintings of historical figures and saints. The outside illustrates an antique form of construction, capturing the traditional dome in the center, steeples at every peak, and exhibiting old-fashioned arches and doorways.

Agriculture leads as the foremost means of wealth, covering the city with fields of vegetables and grains. Lacking any experience dealing with the care and labor of running a farm, I eagerly arrived at my grandmother’s residence, breathing in the fresh, rejuvenating air of the surrounding fields of corn and grains. My stay at the farm allowed ample time to experience the effort it took to maintain a farm, learning the basics such as milking a stubborn cow or chasing after a mischievous chicken.

Even though every aspect of the city contains an exciting and worthwhile experience, the most memorable and bracing moment comes at sunrise, when an individual can simply step out onto the countless balconies in the city and view the magnificent emergence, along with the smell of native spices and grains in the air, and a powerful, short-lived silence that quickly succumbs to the natural and inevitable rush and bustle of the city.

Damanvir S

Submitted: Tuesday 17th February 2004, 1:49 PM

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