Every year, Bandi Chhor occurs in autumn and coincides with Diwali, the festival of lights. The Day of Liberation is referred to as Bandi Chhor Divas. It is a Sikh festival honouring the day in 1619 when the sixth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Hargobind Ji, liberated 52 kings jailed by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. He was also imprisoned along with them. On this day, he returned to Amritsar from Gwalior, and this homecoming was heralded by the illuminating thousands of lamps. The way the people of Ayodhya hailed their beloved king Ram when he arrived from exile, is how the Sikhs welcomed their Guru. Since then, the Sri Harmandir Sahib and the entire complex have been decorated with millions of glittering lamps and lights each year. Amritsar dons a festive look on Diwali, and the special langar becomes one of the highlights. In the meantime, there are a few must-try foods if one happens to be in this city.
The Bandi Chhor Divas is observed with the illumination of residences and Gurdwaras, festive processions or Nagar kirtans, langar, and fireworks displays. Various special delicacies are prepared across the city, and the true essence of the state reflects vividly.
Langar
Kada prasad, Image Source: secondrecipe.com
Golden Temple has the largest kitchen in the world, serving langar or free meals to 50,000–1 lakh devotees daily. Its limitless meals include roti, sabji, dal, and kheer. Don't forget the ghee-dripping sweets known as Kara or kada prasad you receive as you leave the shrine. Kara prasad is regarded as a blessing that you get from this place.
Chole puri
One of the most iconic dishes from Amritsar is chole-puri, which is typically enjoyed for breakfast. The fluffy and crispy puris are deep-fried in ghee and served with delectable chole and Launji, a sweet and sour potato stew. It leaves a lasting aftertaste. The best chole puri is said to be available at Kanha Sweets.
Pinni
Atta pinni, Image Source: merivrinda
If you are having chole-puri, try to team it up with a sweet delicacy called pinni. This traditional treat that is prepared with lentils, ghee, jaggery, and dry fruits will satisfy your sweet craving. However, there are pinnis made with wholewheat flour and include new flavours. At Bansal Sweets, you can discover the tastiest Pinni.
Amritsari kulcha
Amritsari kulcha with chole, Image Source: Shutterstock
Among the well-known foods to come out of this city is the Amritsari kulcha. It is a golden, crispy Indian flatbread filled with paneer, mashed potatoes, and unique seasonings and then cooked in a tandoor. A large spoonful of butter is smeared on top of the bread. It is often served with slices of onion, chole or chickpeas curry, and sweet and sour chutney. Every street in Amritsar has kulchas. However, it's highly advisable to visit Kulcha Land.
Makki roti and sarso saag
Winters is the perfect season to eat this Punjabi speciality dish. Sarson da saag is a dish cooked with a lot of ghee and farm-fresh mustard greens. Corn flatbread is known as makki di roti. This popular dish from Amritsar is prepared in many dhabas in the most rustic manner. However, locals suggest trying Bharawan da Dhaba for this combo. Since almost a century, this restaurant has been serving the best authentic Punjabi delicacies.
Creamy lassi
Lassi in kullhad, Image Source: southindianfoods.in
Your visit to the city would be incomplete without trying Amritsari lassi. You need a spoon to scoop it because it is so creamy and thick. You can't simply sip it! The lassi is served in a large tumbler and is made with churned yoghurt, sugar, and loads of cream on top. You may also come across an array of natural fruit-flavoured lassi. Ahuja Milk Bhandar is the ultimate destination to enjoy this refreshing beverage. Many believe they use a unique natural essence as a secret ingredient to make their lassi the yummiest you've ever tasted.
