Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar: A Memorial of National Importance

Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar: A Pylon with Stone Lanterns
Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar: A Pylon with Stone Lanterns

Location: Near Golden Temple, the holy shrine of the Sikhs.Amritsar, Punjab

After 66 years of Independence, as one looks back to the struggle for freedom, the heart still grieves for the massive loss of life that happened at that time. One of the most horrendous events that strikes the mind is the one that took place at the Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar. Jallianwala Bagh is the unfortunate site where thousands of innocents were brutally murdered by the British troops on April 13th, 1919. Today, the site houses a memorial of national importance in the memory of those killed during the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

After the tragic incident of that day, a committee was formed to raise a memorial for the martyrs of the massacre. The 6.5 acre land was acquired by the nation in the year 1920 and the memorial in the form of a public garden was opened in the year 1961. The memorial was inaugurated by the first president of the Independent India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The garden is fenced by high walls on all sides with a single entry. A 30-feet high pylon, with stone lanterns on four sides, stands in the middle of a shallow tank in the garden. The lanterns are carved with Ashok Chakra and the words, “In memory of martyrs, 13 April 1919”, have been inscribed on all four sides of the pylon. A lamp, burning to pay homage to the martyrs, is placed at the entrance. It is the Eternal Flame of Liberty.

Though the park has been beautifully maintained by the Jallianwala Bagh Trust, the bullet marks are still intact on the walls all over. The spot from where the firing was ordered has also been marked. The Martyr’s well in which thousands of people jumped to save their lives has been covered with walls and a roof. The garden also houses a gallery which holds portraits of the freedom fighters and other historical evidences. A flush of grief strikes the heart as soon as we enter the garden. The bullet laden walls, the burning lamp, the well and other surroundings symbolize India’s struggle for freedom. The sacrifice of those killed is just inestimable. It served as a catalyst in India’s freedom struggle. One can only bow down at the memorial and pray for the souls of these unsung heroes of our country.

Timings:
Summers: 6 am – 7 pm
Winters: 7 am – 6 pm

Gallery:
Summers: 9 am – 5 pm
Winters: 10 am – 4 pm

Entry: Free

Quick Tips:

  • The suitable time to visit the place is from October to March to avoid the unbearable summers of the city.
  • Go through the gallery at the garden for some interesting historical artefacts.
  • Watch the short film shown at the gallery to get a better picture of what happened at the Jallianwala Bagh.
  • Must visit Jallianwala Bagh to pay a tribute to those who gave away their lives to make India free from slavery.

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Related Information :

Places to Visit in Amritsar

National Symbols of India

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: Story, History, Facts, Why it Happened

Jallianwala Bagh

National Library of India

Indian National Flag

National Anthem controversy

Development in India After Independence