Welcome to the first post of my AtoZ Challenge 2019. If you read my theme reveal post, you know I’ve chosen to write my travel memoirs. I’ll write on “26 Places, 26 Memories” through the month of April, one for each letter of the alphabet. These are not travelogues, in case that’s what you’re expecting. Instead, I’m recounting life events that’ve taken place during my travels. Do follow my blog and social media platforms to stay updated with all the posts.
A FOR AMRITSAR:
Amritsar is a place of great historical significance in Punjab, India. It’s the seat of the Sikh religion (which I practice), but is also home to many Hindus and Muslims, priding itself on its inclusivity. The city goes back to the 16th century and has a rich culture. My husband’s family hails from here, having moved to Delhi after the partition of India.
There’ve been many places I’ve visited that begin with the letter A, but I picked Amritsar because it’s one of my favourite cities in the world. As my husband is an Ambarsariya (person originally from Amritsar), we visit at least once a year. We love the unmatched serenity of Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple– the seat of the Sikh religion), devour the delicious food on offer, and contribute to the local economy by shopping our hearts out.
I’ve been on numerous trips to Amritsar, but today I’ll focus on one memory that stands out.
APPEALING TO THE ALMIGHTY IN AMRITSAR:
In September 2012, I met a boy who made swift inroads to my heart. The swiftness seemed romantic to me but decidedly strange to my parents! On a family trip to Amritsar a month later, to celebrate my mother’s 50th birthday; my parents began to question my sudden allegiance to a boy I barely knew. They weren’t opposed to him, but would’ve preferred me meeting other boys of their acquaintance, before forming a deep attachment to one person.
If you’ve been in a similar situation, you’d understand the dilemma. I liked the boy and I didn’t want to introduce anyone else in the mix to muddy things up.
One beautifully lit evening, I sat by the holy pool in the Golden Temple, enjoying the soothing strains of kirtan (singing of religious hymns), and prayed for clarity. I didn’t want to hurt the boy I liked, and I definitely didn’t want any confusion of mind.
Sometimes prayers are answered in unexpected ways. On returning to Delhi, we learnt that the boy my parents would’ve liked me to meet, suddenly had to leave on prolonged travels. I was free to date the boy I liked. Gradually, his respectful and caring nature, along with his traditional bearing, endeared him to my family. Our love story galloped along and we were engaged and eventually married, in a matter of months.
In hindsight, I should’ve known no one would stand a chance against the Ambarsariya 😉
So, I begin my travel memoirs invoking blessings from Harmandir Sahib. See you tomorrow for the letter B and another story!
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*Unless specified, all pictures are taken on my phone. Copyright belongs to nooranandchawla.
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What an auspicious start with a beautiful memory, Noor! Loved reading about your relationship with the Almighty and with Ambarsariya 🙂 I am so looking forward to the rest of your post and memories. You have a book inside you, Noor. Hope you write it.
Thanks Mayuri 🤗
You’ve made me so happy by saying that!
Here’s hoping we all write the books we want, and cheer each other on through the process!
Heading over to read your first post now.
That’s such a sweet tale. Amritsar is one of my favourite cities too. Same pinch for a post on similar city. All the best.
Thanks Deepa! Same pinch and all the best to you too 🙂
We might have other places in common too!
Sweetly told tale. Loved it!
Thank you!
God intervenes in the most unexpected ways and sets things right for us, doesn’t he? There’s immense positivity in the Golden Temple, I agree. Hope you stay blessed and happy like this always!
Thank you!
This would be so close to your heart. God has his own way to write the story of our life what better start than Harmandir Sahib.
Yes definitely! Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Love is divine. Cute love atory.i have read many articles on Amritsar but this us the best.
Thank you so much for appreciating:)
Beautiful post Noor, and what a lovely start of your love life. A place as auspicious as Darbar Sahib, has truly made whole universe conspire for you two to meet.
Happy Blogging.
Thank you Dipika! Yes I believe it did 🙂
Beautiful post and pics. This has been on my wishlist for long. Your post makes me want to plan my travel rightaway
You must visit it sometime:)
Great! What you wish for,you got in the last! loved your story.
Thank you Deepika 🙂
A beautiful post with great photographs. I had visited once. It is worth sitting in the temple complex for a long time.
Thank you! Yes, the time just flies by as you soak in the peaceful ambiance.
This is a beautiful start to the challenge Noor. I also loved the pics… Look forwrad to your next post…
Thank you so much 🙂
I loved your beautiful love story and it’s roots in Amritsar which happens to be my favourite city too. I love going there every time I can.
Thank you Roma 🙂
Such sweet memories! By the way… I am yet to visit the golden temple. I know this sounds funny. 🙈
Oh you must go someday! It’s an unforgettable experience.
Beautiful post, Noor. I was about to post about my connection with Golden Temple today but changed at the last minute. I just love the vibes of this place. Stay tuned to read what I feel on the fourth day of this challenge.
Awesome looking forward 🙂
wow lovely theme and such a great start, I had never been to Amritsar but after reading your post wish to go there soon. looks like you are going to share some amazing posts in next days. looking forward to reading it.
Thank you Surbhi! Yes you must visit Amritsar whenever you can 🙂
I like love stories and faith . .and yours included both😀 beautifully written Noor
Thank you so much 🙂
Golden temple is one of the most beautiful religious place. I loved seeing it glittering beautifully in the night .
Yes it is 🙂
Truly divine experience it was when we went to Amritsar some 10 years ago. I so wish to visit again after reading your post. Looking forward to read more such interesting memories. Please check my take on A as well:)
Thanks Gunjan! Heading to your post now 🙂
I have heard so much about this A2Z challenge. And it looks interesting and fun. I love trwvetravband your theme is traveling. I would love to know about other places to visit.
Thanks for stopping by
What a wonderful read Noor!
Thank you 🙂
How beautiful is this! And what a great start… Wish you happiness forever with your Ambarsariya
Thank you 🙏🏻
Aapke muh mein ghee shakkar 😋😃
What a start to the challenge Noor. Amritsar has definitely done its magic on you guys. God bless you.
Cheers
MeenalSonal
Thank you so much 🙂
This memoir brought a smile to my face as your story unfolded in the backdrop of the city so calm and serene. Beautifully captured moments and very aesthetically portrayed emotions. Looking forward to more interesting blogs from you.
Thank you so much 🙂
Wow. I am truly amazed by your writing. How animated the narrative is. It has created a wonderful picture in my head. 😁. Plus very informative. I got to know what is Ambarsariya. I had very limited knowledge.
Thank you so much for appreciating Urvashi 🙂
Brilliant post! Amritsar is on my mind for a variety of reasons. However I was pleasantly surprised by your story on how the place impacted your personal life. A born story teller. Look to your posts through the series.
Thank you so much! You have made my day 🙂
I really want to visit Amritsar.Its on my list.The place has a magical pull
Yes it does 🙂
Such a beautiful start to the A2Z challenge and what a lovely story there. Loved reading it!
Thank you Neha 🙂
What a wonderful read. It was indeed a beautiful start for you and your love on a journey of a lifetime. Sometimes life takes turns just how we want it to.
Yes thankfully 😅
Looking at the pictures and reading the post, the serene aura of the Golden Temple came alive once again. What a lovely place, hope to get there again soon.
Thank you for stopping by:)
Awwwww! That was so cute yaa! Loved it! We all face such dilemmas! 😛 And Amritsar is a beautiful city, no doubt…
Haha! I’m glad you could identify with it 🙂
I have a huge connection with Golden Temple. I loved the blog and the way you have framed each and every statement is just damn beautiful.
Thank you so much for appreciating it 🙂
I hate to admit but I have never been to Amritsar and Golden temple is still on my bucket list. It actually a deeper mean to me and I want to go there soon.
You must go!
What an awesome start, noor. Have been there twice and want to experience it at early morning ardas time. All the pics are very nice.
Thank you so much 🙂
Wow ! That’s such a beautiful start to The A to Z series.
Thank you 😊