Hoshiarpur Municipal Corporation

Hoshiarpur is popularly known as the city of saints. It is the administrative head quarter of this district. People from all caste and creed are living here together with harmony. It is the doorway to Himalayas offering shortest route to Jammu And Kashmir State.

Demography

As per 2011 census, Hoshiarpur had a population of 168,653 out of which 88304 were males and 80349 were females. Males constitute 52.35 percent of the population and females 47.65 percent. The total no. of households in the city is 36627 hence the family size is 4.6 persons which is near to ideal household size (4.0). The literacy rate was 88.14 percent male literacy was 90.53 and females were 85.51 percent. The sex ratio of the city is 910, earlier it was 884 in 2001census (2001). Density of population is 48.18 persons per km². The decadal growth rate of the city is recorded between 2001-2011 decade is 12.68 percent.

Connectivity

Hoshiarpur is situated in the northeastern part of Punjab. It is situated 40 km away from Jalandhar which is on main route connecting Delhi and Jammu. Though, Hoshiarpur possesses its own railway station, but most of the major trains are available from Jalandhar city. Except one or two express trains, there are many local DMU and passenger trains from Hoshiarpur to other major cities of Punjab on regular interval.

Hoshiarpur is effortlessly approachable from any part of India through the wide network of national highways and state highways. Hoshiarpur is situated on National Highway 70 which gives superb connectivity with Jalandhar and other vital cities of Punjab and neighboring states. Its nearest airport is located at Amritsar international airport which is about 110 km away from the city.

History

Hoshiarpur is known as City of Saints as many of great saints belong to this city Hoshiarpur is situated between the River Sutlej and River Vyas. It is an ancient town of Punjab having its existence since 4th century. Hoshiarpur was occupied by Maharaja Karanvir Singh during 19th century and it was later amalgamated into greater state of Punjab. The origin of its name relates to two theories out of which one states that it was founded by the Diwans Har Govind and Ram Chand, of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, during period of 1325-1351. Another theory states that it was established by Hoshiar Singh who lived in Bajwara village of Hoshiarpur during the same time period and after him, this city was named. Hoshiar is a Hindi (and Punjabi) word that means Intelligent and Alert. History of Hoshiarpur region is way back from the Indus Valley Civilization. Legends said that Pandavas spent their exile period in this area itself. There is a very famous Pandav temple situated in Dasuya. Significance of Hoshiarpur lies in the mythology as its evidence is found in the form of Bhrigu Samhita. Bhrigu Rishi had written Bhrigu samhita at this place. Coming out of mythological era, the archeological survey team found that whole region of this area which include Hoshiarpur has been known for human existence since historic and proto historic era. During the excavation of Rehmapur, Atbarapur, and Takhni, the area under Hoshiarpur district, stone artifacts of Stone Age have been found. This is the outstanding discovery in the region and Archeological survey of India excavation sites has revealed that Hoshiarpur had existence during Harappa period.

Geography

Hoshiarpur city is located on 31°31'29.27" North Latitude and 75°54'30.64" east Longitude. It is situated in the Doaba region of the Indian State of Punjab. Hoshiarpur has an average elevation of 296 meters (971 ft) from mean sea level. It is located in the north-east part of the state. It is aptly called the land of choes many choes found in and around the city. It falls in the Jalandhar revenue division. Hoshiarpur district shares a boundary with Kangra district, and Una district of Himachal Pradesh in the northeast. In the southwest, it borders Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar district, Jalandhar district, and Kapurthala district, and in the northwest it borders Gurdaspur district.

Climate

Hoshiarpur has a mild climate compared to other cities in the state. This is due to the nearness to hilly terrain and sizeable forest cover. The summer season sets in April and lasts up to end of June. May and June are the hottest months of the year. The winter season starts after the rains are over from October and lasts up until March's end. The maximum temperature is recorded in summer is 42 degree centigrade and the minimum temperature drops in winter up to 4 degree centigrade. The rainy season sets in the beginning of July and lasts up till September's end. The average annual rainfall is recorded 897 millimeter. 75% of the rainfall is experienced within the period between July and September. 15% of the total rainfall is experienced in the winter months of January and February during which time the climate is under the influence of western disturbances in the Persian Gulf.

Attractions in & Around Hoshiarpur City

It is an ancient city; it has many attractions which draw tourists from across the country. Since its existence proves from the Stone Age, it is crucial place for historians and curative people. Its tourism also includes the magnificent monuments, religious shrines, Gurdwaras, mosques, water bodies, and other such distinct places of attractions. Due to its significant historical back ground, Hoshiarpur has been the prominent place to visit for tourists since ages. Brief description of some of places is given below:

Sheesh Mahal

Situated in the heart of the city, Sheesh Mahal is a source of attraction for the visitors. It is known as Sheesh Mahal since its interior walls and roofs are well decorated with glasswork. Late Lala Hans Raj Jain was constructed it in 1911. On the first floor, it depicts the coronation ceremony of George V and on the ground floor; there are statuses of religious deities. It contains life-size status of George V, Queen Victoria, courtiers and visitors. The entire work is based on the imagination of an artist, Jan Mohammad, who was present at the time of the coronation ceremony at Delhi. The local Jain Sabha looks it after.

Dera of Baba Charan Shah

The dera of baba Charan Shah in the Bahadurpur locality is an important religious place in the city. It was founded about three centuries back and up to now there have been 12 Gurus. The 12th and the present Guru sites on the Gaddi on every Baisakhi Day. Sadhus are allowed to stav in the dera as long as they like. About 300 acres of agricultural land is attached to the dera.

Gurdwara Akalgarh

Constructed in the memory of Guru Hargobind, the sixth sikh Guru, Gurdwara Akalgarh is situated at a distance of about 5 km from Garhshanakar and is connected by a link road. It is believed that Guru Hargobind stayed here while on his way to Kiratpur. At a distance of about 1 km from this Gurdwara, there is another Gurdwara, also constructed in the memory of Guru Hargobind in village Moela Wahidpur. The forces of the Guru had stayed by the side of the present Gurdwara. A fair is held here every year in the month of June.

Gurdwara Garna Sahib (Bodal)

Situated at a distance of about 1 ½ km from the railway station, Garna Sahib, and about 1km from village Bodal, tahsil Dasuya, Gurdwara Garna Sahib is also built in the sacred memory of Guru Hargobind. The Guru is said to have plantyed a dried branch of garna tree here which grew up as a tree and hence the name 'Garna Sahib'. Fairs are held here on every Maghi, Sankrant, Amavas and Baisakhi. Besides, a fair is held on the birthday of Guru hargobind in the month of June. A large number of people visit the place and free langar is served. There is a museum on the upper storey of the Gurdwara, where paintings of Sikh Gurus are displayed.

Gurdwara Tahsil Sahib (Monak Kalan)

Situated at a distance of 5 km from Tanda Urmar on Jullundur-Pathankot road, Gurdwara Tahsil Sahib is connected by an approach road. It is about 1.5 km to the north of village Monak Kalan, tahsil Dasuya. It is also constructed in the memory of Guru Hargobind. On his way to Garna Sahib from village Gilzian (birth place of Pandey Khan), Guru Hargobind is believed to have rested at this place. He is said to have buried a twing of tahli, which grew into a tree. The old tree still exists and is worshiped by the people. Nearby the tree, there is a gurdwara and a fair is held on every Amavas.

Kamahi Devi (Beh Nangal)

Kamahi Devi temple is situated at a distance of 11 km from 'Jhir di Khuhi', on Mukerian-Talwara road, in village Beh Nangal, tahsil Dasuya. It is said to have been built by Pandavas who named it 'Kamakshi Devi'. Later, it was renamed as Kamahi Devi. Nearby the temple, there are an old tank and a well.

Tomb of Shah Nur Jamal (Saleran)

There is a tomb of Shah Nur Jamal situated at a distance of about 15 km from Hoshiarpur on Hoshiarpur-Dharamshal road which dates back to Hijri 1334. Before the partition it was a place of great religious importance where a large number of Muslims gathered to pay their homage. But after the partition with the migration of Muslim population to Pakistan the popularity of the place considerably declined. A fair is held here in the month of March for two days. People from the neighbouring villages visit the place on the occasion. There are three graves inside the tomb; in the centre lies the grave of Shah Nur Jamal a Muslim saint and on the right and left of it there are graves of his parents.

Dera Santgarh (Horkhowal)

Dera Santgarh is situated at a distance of about 13 km from Hoshiarpur on Hoshairpur-Phagwara road, and is linked by an approach road (3 km). The dera has no connection with any of the Sikh Gurus. One Jawala Singh, a saint, who never wanted it to be built with pucca bricks, founded it. The construction of the dera was started in 1930 and completed during 1932. A fair is held here annually for two days in the month of Kartik (27th and 28th October-November) to commemorate the death anniversary of Baba Jwala singh when a large number of people visit the dera. The dera is housed in a spacious building and has about 40 rooms for the stay of visitors. Free langer (food) is served to the people.

Economy and Industry

Hoshiarpur is prominent agricultural people of Hoshiarpur are mostly engaged in agriculture and allied sector for their earnings. Being agriculturally concentrated area, economy of this region largely depends on this field only. Hoshiarpur is also has some of Industrial centric areas which have many processing units in its region. There are many small and large scale industries established in the city. There is a wide range of industries such as steel wire, filament yarn; pressure cooker, tractors, cotton thread, sugar plant, and etc are incepted in the area of Hoshiarpur. It possesses one of the best industries in this region which includes:

Art and Culture

Ivory Art is the identity of Hoshiarpur. It is said that fine work of ivory on wooden surface started in this region way back from 300 years. Since that time natives are involved in this superb art form which always mesmerizes the onlookers. They manufacture different types of household, furniture, utilities, show pieces, and other such items fantastically maneuvered with ivory on them. This art is sprawling in the region from generations and now due to ban on ivory, they are using plastic material for designing. There is much influence of Punjabi culture in the fairs and festivals of the city. Hoshiarpur has produced many renowned personalities who are now well known celebrity and popular in their field. Personalities including Simran Kaur Mundi, Honey Singh, Monica Bedi, Piara Singh Gill, Amar Singh Shaunki, Dr. D P Singh, are some of the very famous persons who were either born or brought up in Hoshiarpur. Punjabi is the prime language of Hoshiarpur. Hindi language is also understood in this area and people coming in for travel can comfortably communicate in Hindi language. Here, the daily lifestyle of the people is quite simple. Ladies wear Punjabi suits mainly while men wear Kurta Paijama. Guru Nanak Jayanti, Baisakhi, and Lohri are the main festivals of Hoshiarpur which are celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and zeal in this city.

Shopping Guide

Shopping in Hoshiarpur is a delightful experience. The state of Punjab has a fairly rich tradition of handicrafts and handlooms. The state is noted for exquisite handicrafts like phulkaris (traditional embroidery), lacquered woodwork, jewelry etc. Punjabi jutis (shoes), which are typical of this region. Hand-woven carpets, blankets, woolen garments and of course Patiala salwar (the traditional Indian garments with a Punjabi twist in design) are hit with those who want to do some shopping in Hoshiarpur. There are several shopping joints in the city. The old city bazaars are better places for shopping traditional Indian wears in Hoshiarpur.