Baisakhi (April 13-14)
Sikh New Year and Khalsa birth anniversary. Golden Temple overflows with people, nagar kirtans, free langar doubles, fireworks at night. Punjab on full volume.
Fair & Festival celebrate in Amritsar
Guru Purab (especially Guru Nanak Jayanti, Nov)
The holiest day. Golden Temple illuminated with lakhs of lights, non-stop kirtan for 48 hours, akhand path, fireworks that rival Diwali.
Diwali & Bandi Chhor Divas
Same day for Sikhs, celebrating Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from prison. Golden Temple becomes a galaxy of diyas floating on the sarovar.
Hola Mohalla (March, day after Holi)
Though the main event at Anandpur Sahib, Amritsar sees martial displays, gatka competitions, and nihangs in blue robes camping around the temple.
Basant Panchami
Yellow is everywhere, people wear yellow, fly kites, offer prayers at Golden Temple for new beginnings. The sarovar fills with yellow marigold petals.
Ram Tirath Mela
Four-day fair 12 km away at the ancient ashram where Valmiki wrote Ramayana. Huge cattle fair, wrestling, rural Punjab at its raw, colourful best.