Looking back now, the idea was seeded in a conversation with a coworker in February 2023. I was telling him about my travels in Gujarat in the summer of 1992 and 1993, including a trip to the Narmada River Valley, before the megadam project on the river was completed. And it dawned on me that I had traveled more extensively in Gujarat than in my home state of Punjab. Over the next month, this realization processed in the subconscious mind.
Then came the March 2023 trip to India. It was mostly spent at home, in Mohali with my parents, brother and his family. For a week in March, Ravinder (my better half) and Keerat (my son) joined me. And we had all but one member of the family under one roof for the first time in a very long time. It was during this time, while taking a break from shopping, over a coffee in Chandigarh’s Elante Mall that I talked with Ravinder about wanting to take a trip in Punjab; to visit the places associated with the Gurus and connect with Sikh history in a way that I had not yet experienced. She was immediately supportive of the idea, and even suggested extending the current trip. But I was not ready.
A few short weeks later, back in Texas, conditions for such a trip became ripe and the subconscious desire bubbled to the surface. When it became clear that a new job opportunity was about to materialize, the now or never moment had arrived. On Saturday, April 8, Ravinder booked the flight to Amritsar. It was her 25th wedding anniversary gift to me! The next two days were hectic, spent shopping and preparing for the backpacking trip.
On Tuesday, April 11, I boarded the flight to Amritsar with a 20-pound backpack for a four week trip. Only a handful of people were in the know of this impromptu trip. For my parents, this would be a complete surprise. The plan was simple: to experience the Land of the Gurus and its people. This included participating in Amrit Sanchar at Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar on Vaisakhi Day (April 14, 2023); and visiting historical gurdwaras in Amritsar, Tarn Taran Sahib, Khadur Sahib, Goindwal Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi, and Baba Bakala. These places associated with the Sikh Gurus were on a travel itinerary that had not materialized in March. Beyond this, the plan was to visit various places along the 577 km long Sri Guru Gobind Singh Marg. This collection of roadway segments traces the path of the Tenth Guru from Sri Anandpur Sahib across Punjab to Talwandi Sabo. The final part of the journey was to visit Sri Kartarpur Sahib (Pakistan), where Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life.
Subsequent posts and pages chronicle this experience of the Land of the Gurus, and its people. Continue reading more at Panjab Darshan Travel Blog.
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