Wonder Watching

Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) – The Festival of Harvest and New Beginnings

Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is one of the most important festivals in Punjab and is celebrated across India with joy and enthusiasm. It falls every year on 13th or 14th April, marking the harvest season of Rabi crops and the beginning of the Punjabi New Year.

✨ Historical & Religious Significance

• 🌾 Harvest Festival: Farmers thank God for a bountiful harvest and pray for prosperity.
• 🛕 Sikh Tradition: On Baisakhi 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib.
• 🕉️ Hindu Tradition: In other states, it’s celebrated as solar New Year (Pohela Boishakh, Rongali Bihu, Vishu, Puthandu).

🎉 How It Is Celebrated

• Visits to Gurudwaras with kirtans and prayers.
• Nagar Kirtans with music, martial arts (Gatka), and devotional songs.
• Bhangra, Gidda dances, fairs, and festive feasts.

🌍 Celebrations: Most vibrant in Punjab & Haryana, especially at Anandpur Sahib & Golden Temple.

Bhadariya Library – The Desert’s Hidden Ocean of Knowledge

Located in the small village of Bhadariya near Jaisalmer, this is one of Asia’s largest libraries, housing over 9 lakh books—a true paradise for researchers and book lovers.

📚 A Temple of Books

Founded by saint Harbansh Singh Nirmal (Bhadariya Maharaj), it contains scriptures, science, history, literature, astrology, and more.

✨ Architectural Grandeur

Spread underground beneath a temple, the halls protect books from desert heat, creating a hidden treasure of wisdom.

🌍 Why Visit?

• Witness one of Asia’s largest book collections.
• Explore rare manuscripts and scriptures.
• Experience the serenity of a unique spiritual + intellectual retreat.

Bada Bagh – The Garden of Royal Cenotaphs

Just outside Jaisalmer lies Bada Bagh, home to royal cenotaphs (chhatris) built in golden sandstone, offering a serene atmosphere amid the desert.

✨ A Royal Legacy

Started in the 16th century by Maharawal Jait Singh, cenotaphs commemorate rulers of Jaisalmer.

🏛️ Architectural Beauty

Domed structures with intricate carvings glow warmly under the desert sun, especially at sunset.

🎭 Why Visit?

• Explore cenotaphs of Jaisalmer’s rulers.
• Experience history and desert beauty together.
• Perfect for photography at golden hour.

Lodurva – The Ancient Capital of Jaisalmer

Before Jaisalmer Fort, Lodurva was the Bhatti Rajputs’ capital. Though in ruins now, its Jain temples still showcase magnificent artistry.

✨ Historical Significance

Shifted to Jaisalmer in 1156 AD, but Lodurva temples remain sacred, rebuilt in the 17th century.

🏛️ Jain Temples

• Intricate carvings on arches and ceilings.
• Beautiful idols and ornate gateways.
• Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree).

🎭 Why Visit?

• To admire ancient Jain temple art.
• To experience Rajasthan’s spiritual roots.

Ramkunda – A Sacred Oasis in the Desert

About 17 km from Jaisalmer, Ramkunda is a sacred site where mythology, nature, and spirituality meet.

✨ Mythological Significance

Believed to be visited by Lord Rama & Sita during exile. The holy tank is said to cleanse sins.

🛕 Temples & Heritage

Ancient temples with stone carvings attract devotees and seekers of peace.

🌅 Natural Charm

The water reservoir is a lifeline for wildlife and creates a calming desert oasis.

🎭 Why Visit?

• Explore a sacred Ramayana-linked site.
• Experience desert oasis beauty.
• Perfect for meditation & photography.