Anandpur

Anandpur, commonly known as Anandpur Sahib, is a city in Rupnagar district, Punjab, India. It is a major Sikh pilgrimage site and is often described as the City of Bliss. The town lies on the banks of the Sutlej River and hosts Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five Takhts (seats of temporal authority) in Sikhism.

History and significance: The settlement was established in the mid-17th century by Guru Tegh Bahadur as a base for religious activity and political resistance to Mughal pressure. It was later fortified and expanded by Guru Gobind Singh, who built the nearby Anandgarh Fort and developed the area as a center of spiritual and military activity for the Sikhs. In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa at Vaisakhi in Anandpur, a defining moment in Sikh history. The site and its fortifications endured several sieges during the early 18th century as part of the broader conflicts between the Sikhs and Mughal authorities.

Sites and heritage: Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib at Anandpur is the spiritual heart of the Khalsa and a key pilgrimage destination. The town also features historic gurdwaras and remnants of fortifications such as Anandgarh Fort, which attract researchers and visitors interested in Sikh history.

Modern era: Today Anandpur Sahib remains an important pilgrimage destination and cultural hub for Sikhs. The city hosts religious processions and the Hola Mohalla festival, which blends devotional observances with martial arts displays. It is connected by road and rail to major centers in Punjab and northern India, serving both pilgrims and tourists.