By Geetanjali Sharma
After making Dehra home, writing for you about my love for the city has been rewarding. Dehra and its people have truly loved me back.
Just like that, maybe I can borrow your attention to appreciate another city that I know as home. One known for its rich food, heritage and history; one that weaves threads of art and culture beautifully into its social fabric, like a hand embroidered phulkari pattern.
To understand this city, understanding the many moods of its residents, often shaped by their immediate surroundings, is essential. Be it an honest gesture of gratitude or an ego driven drive through the city, the way of presenting oneself is often seen as the preeminent form of communication.
From being a suitable match for the business realm to being the city where world class musicians and actors have been born, Amritsar is truly versatile. The city, as many would agree, holds a sense of taste, and those who have moved base are seen carrying its legacy forward. Proud of their culinary heritage and strong literary roots, they always find audiences in social settings.
Amritsar aka Ambarsar (in its true form) is one of those few cities which still holds the charm of a small city even though ‘Glocalisation’ has hit its streets. From small street vendors to huge fashion and food chains, there is fortunately still a growing demand for local artisans.
Amritsar knows the value of relations and holds pride in being a host that you will never forget. Even those who have moved away for work, invariably find their roots standing strong. Maybe their children still visit their ancestral home and cherish the good times or maybe the home still awaits their return.
As I type this, my memory jogs me through the days of my childhood – playful and kind, together and harmonious. I distinctly remember my cousins and friends running and laughing around the house. With grandma preparing delicious meals and grandpa narrating ‘introspective’ stories, summer vacations were never complete without drama. Now, all grown up, I sometimes sit with my Dad, listening to our favourite ‘Teesri Manzil’ record on his turntable, recalling the good old times, while the home blooms in hope and love.
Amidst growing trends and challenges, knowing that my hometown is still pillared strong on the virtue of being a ‘holy’ city brings me comfort. If you plan a visit to Amritsar or find it a stopover, don’t hesitate to experience the wholesome nature of it. ‘Via Ambarsar’ may just become your own guide to ease and contentment.
(Geetanjali Sharma is an author and communications specialist. She holds a post-graduate degree in international communication from Macquarie University, Australia.)
