Jallianwala Bagh: From Wounds to Flowers
Some places have become immortal in Indian history, forever remembered in the context of the nation’s freedom struggle. Jallianwala Bagh is one such historic destination, representing one of the darkest hours of India’s fight for independence.
Infamous for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919, it today stands as a beautiful public garden near the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Spanning 6.5 acres, it was a popular ground for meetings and processions during the pre-independence era.
On April 13th, 1919, around 20,000 people gathered here to protest the arrest of two Indian freedom fighters. British General Edward Dyer ordered his soldiers to fire on the unarmed crowd, resulting in the death of numerous innocent men, women, and children.
The area originally belonged to a family from Jalla, hence the name Jallianwala Bagh. The property belonged to Sardar Himmat Singh, a noble in the court of Maharajah Ranjit Singh. He hailed from the village of Jalla, now located in Fatehgarh Sahib District, Punjab.
A visit to Jallianwala Bagh includes historical sightseeing of the Martyr’s Well, the memorial, and the preserved bullet-marked wall. There are no eateries inside, but volunteers from the Golden Temple provide food to visitors. The park is maintained by the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust and is a must-visit in Amritsar.
Main Attractions of Jallianwala Bagh
Martyr’s Well: This well holds national importance as many men, women, and children jumped into it to escape the gunfire during the massacre. Approximately 120 bodies were later recovered, and a monument now preserves this well.
Jallianwala Bagh Memorial: After the tragic events of April 13th, 1919, a committee was formed to build a memorial for the martyrs. An area of 6.5 acres was acquired in 1920, and the public garden memorial was inaugurated in 1961 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Stone lanterns engraved with the Ashoka Chakra and the inscription “In memory of martyrs, 13 April 1919” surround the memorial. The Eternal Flame of Liberty burns at the entrance, where dignitaries pay homage to the martyrs.
The Wall: The preserved wall with bullet marks offers a poignant reminder of the massacre. A light and sound show is held every evening, with the scene of 1919 recreated using the voice of actor Amitabh Bachchan.
Nearby Attractions: Golden Temple (0.75 km) and Wagah Border (31 km) are some nearby attractions to explore during your visit.
Timing: The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
How to Reach: After reaching Amritsar International Airport, tourists can take a taxi or cab to visit Jallianwala Bagh.
Experience a soul-stirring journey with a tour to Jallianwala Bagh and let it evoke the spirit of patriotism in you.
