The District of Tarn Taran

The district of Tarn Taran, created in 2006, is a relatively new district and it’s the 19th district of Punjab. It’s famous for its gurudwaras (Sikh temples) and is divided into three tehesils (divisions): Khadoor Sahib, Patti and Tarn Taran. As per the Census 2001, the district has a population of 130, 587. Males account for 51% of the population and the average literacy rate is 70%. The district is adjacent to the Amritsar district and borders the neighboring Pakistan.

The district is famous for its gurudwaras and some of the most famous gurudwaras include Gurudwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib, Gurudwara Bibi Bhani da Khuh, Gurudwara Lakhir Sahib, Gurudwara Thankhar Sahib, Gurudwara Gur ka Khuh and Gurudwara Jhulna Mahal Thatti Khara. Gurudwara Darbar Sahib at Tarn Taran is perhaps the most famous religious site in the district. It was built by the fifth guru Arjan Dev in the 16th century. Another famous gurudwara, Guru ka Khuh, is built around a well which belonged to the fifth guru. Presence of all these gurudwaras in the district makes it an important place for the Sikhs. Tarn Taran was the centre of activity in the 1980s when Sikh militancy was rampant in the Indian state of Punjab.