PUNJAB

PUNJAB

FACTS & FIGURES Area 50,362 sq km Religion Hindus (34.46%), Sikhs (62.95%), others (2.59%) Maximum Temperature 43.33°C Minimum Temperature 4.44°C Capital Chandigarh Languages Punjabi, Hindi Best time to visit October to March.

INTRODUCTION

The first impression of Punjab one gets is that of a land pulsating with prosperity. The plains of Punjab, with their fertile soil and abundant water supply, are naturally suited to be the breadbasket for India. The land of Punjab is a land of exciting culture, myriad images of swaying emerald green fields and hearty people whose robust rustic ways of camaraderie and bonhomie are very much a part of their heritage.

The state has achieved tremendous growth over the years due to the success of the Green Revolution in the early 70s. For a major period in the second half of the 20th century, Punjab led the other states in India to achieve self-sufficiency in crop production. The other major reason for the prosperity of the state are the great number of people who left their home for the countries in Europe and North America and, after long struggles, achieved successes there.

The people of the state are hard working and take life as it comes. Music and dance is in their blood and that is reflected in the Bhangra beats that are famous all over the world today.

LOCATION

Punjab is bounded on the west by Pakistan, on the north by Jammu and Kashmir, on the northeast by Himachal Pradesh and on the south by Haryana and Rajasthan. Punjab extends from the latitudes 29.30° North to 32.32° North and longitudes 73.55° East to 76.50° East.

Due to the presence of a large number of rivers, most of the Punjab is a fertile plain. Tributaries of the rivers Indus, Ravi, Sutlej, Beas, and Ghaggar flow towards the southeast crossing the entire state. There are many sub-tributaries of these rivers that provide a base for the most extensive canal system in India.

The southeast region of the state is semi-arid and gradually presents a desert landscape. A belt of undulating hills extends along the northeastern part of the state at the foot of the Himalayas.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The state has three major seasons i.e. summer, monsoon, and winter. Summer remains in the state from April to June and the heat is unbearable at that time. Monsoon touches this state in the month of July and remain in action till September. Most of the rainfall in the state occurs during this season only. The annual average rainfall is 770 mm. winter comes in October and remains till March and extreme cold can be experienced at this time.