Amritsar is a city steeped in spirituality, history, and culinary delights. Visiting the city never gives you a dull moment. There were many places that attracts millions of visitor every year. From, the crown jewel of the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib to the bloodiest massacre in Jallianwala Bagh to other monumental places. My visit to Golden Temple allow me to visit the Jallianwala Bagh which reminded me the bloodiest day in the India's struggle to freedom. Situated just a short 5 minute walk from the Golden Temple, this 7-acre memorial honors the thousands of Indians killed or wounded during the 1919 British firing. You can still witness the bullet holes on the walls and the Martyrs' Well where many jumped to save their lives. Today there is a memorial built to honor the people who lost their lives.
I was not aware that the place is situated just outside the Golden Temple. As you exit the Golden Temple gate, and walk towards the market, you will find the Red building standing at the corner of the street. I never thought, I will take a walk inside the park in such a short notice. As we enter the park, the sense of throwback incident flashes in front of our eyes. We have seen many visuals on TV shows and movies. We heard of the massacre but never thought to make to the place. As we enter the place, we saw a well built up garden in front of us. It was lawn or park, that people visit to give respect and spend some time. The place was always been a park but now today it holds an important history chapter for us.
I believe, visiting Jallianwala Bagh is a vital pilgrimage for every Indian. We must visit once to honor the hundreds of unarmed civilians who were massacred by British troops on April 13, 1919. It serves as a somber reminder of the tragic sacrifices that propelled the freedom movement. The incident highlight the cruelty of British troops. The right side of the parks has a lamp that keep hitting all the year. It was dedicated for all the lost soul. It is the Flame of Liberty memorial, which was inaugurated by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, in 1961.
As i look I found a peacefully well developed garden that houses some old structure and a newly built structure in memory of the lost lives and some green plants all along the foot path. Jallianwala Bagh has now been transformed into a modern, state of the art memorial complex.
There are dozens of indentations and holes clearly visible on the high, narrow brick walls surrounding the garden site. Many sections of the wall are outlined with white rectangles to specifically highlight the exact points of impact.
The historic well where dozens of people jumped to escape bullets is now covered with a transparent glass barrier.
After strolling along the park and recounting pain and sorrow that runs through every corner i felt quite scary. Standing in the narrow, historic entrance and viewing the bullet scarred walls and the Martyrs' Well where hundreds perished makes the sheer brutality of the 1919 British massacre feel hauntingly real.
This is why i feel it is important for everyone to visit the place and experience the pain and losses that we suffer during the fight for independence. Independence has its price and it is quite visible at Jallianwala bagh. Thousands laid down their lives so we could breathe the air of freedom today.
In good faith - Peace!!
