50+ Traditional Punjabi Virasats Preserved at Sadda Pind, Amritsar
Posted Date: 19-09-2025 Posted By: Sadda Pind
This living museum revives the rich cultural roots of Punjab by preserving and showcasing traditional elements of rural life. As you step in through the iconic Nagara Gate, you're welcomed by Asia’s biggest cot (Manja) — a massive handwoven bed that represents the warmth, community, and hospitality of Punjab. From rustic homes and vintage tools to vibrant crafts and folk music, Sadda Pind brings over 50+ Punjabi virasats (heritages) alive.
- Asia's Biggest Cot – The Grand Punjabi Manja
- One of the most unique attractions at Sadda Pind is the largest cot (manja) in Asia.
- Handwoven using traditional techniques with rope and wood, this oversized cot is symbol of Punjab’s warmth and hospitality.
- Visitors love sitting or clicking photos on it — it’s a fun and quirky way to experience rural charm.
- It’s not just a display piece, but a celebration of community bonding, where people once sat together to chat, eat, and relax.
Kisan Ghar – The Farmer’s House
- Lassi – Enjoy a glass of creamy Punjabi buttermilk. It’s churned with a wooden madhani and often topped with white butter.
- Makki di Roti – Savor this golden flatbread made from cornmeal, served hot with a dollop of desi ghee. A staple of every Punjabi household, especially during winters.
- Sarso da Saag – A hearty preparation of mustard greens, slow-cooked with spices — this dish is the soul of Punjabi winter meals. It pairs perfectly with makki di roti.
- Toka Machine – This manually-operated fodder cutter was used by farmers to chop crops for cattle. A true symbol of Punjab’s agricultural roots.
- Madhani – A traditional wooden churner used to make lassi and butter. Watching it in use gives a real sense of the effort behind every meal in olden times.
Rural Nostalgia
- Bioscope – Step back in time with this hand-cranked vintage viewer that shows clips of old movies and village scenes. Kids and adults both love the nostalgia it brings.
- Old Punjabi Melody Songs – As you walk through the village, the air is filled with golden Punjabi melodies playing softly in the background, creating a soulful atmosphere.
- Camel ride – Ride on camel and imagine the days when these animals were the main means of transport through dusty village lanes.
Sardar Labh Singh – Numbardar da Ghar
- Old Fashion Chair – This large steel chair symbolizes the authority of the village headman. Visitors can sit and feel the pride of traditional rural leadership.
- Old-Time Switchboard – A nostalgic wooden switchboard with huge round buttons gives insight into early electricity setups in villages.
- Free Mehendi – Sit down and get traditional mehendi applied by skilled artists, just like women did during festivals and weddings.
- Sandook – A large iron-bound wooden trunk used to store bridal clothes, jewelry, and family treasures. It’s a peek into the storage style of the past.
- Old TV – A black-and-white television set takes you back to the Doordarshan era when families gathered for serials like Mahabharat and Chitrahaar.
- Mitti de Tel naal chalan wala Pakha – This handmade fan worked without electricity and ran on oil — an ingenious cooling solution in old homes.
- Coal Water Heater – A large vessel that uses burning coal to heat water — this setup highlights the effort involved in daily life before electric geysers.
- Old Radio – Listen to golden era songs and old news broadcasts on a working vintage radio — it brings live memories of a simpler time.
- Manja (Cot) – Woven with rope and wood, this traditional cot is found in every Punjabi household.
- Open Rasoi –Watch food being prepared in an open mud kitchen using firewood and clay stoves, replicating the real feel of a Punjabi village courtyard.
- Chakki – A hand-powered stone grinder where women would grind grains. You can even try it yourself to feel the effort behind daily meals.
- Brass Utensils – Admire gleaming brass cookware once used for both cooking and serving. These utensils are both functional and decorative.
- Tandoor da Chulla – Witness the making of fresh rotis and naans in a traditional clay oven, often used during festivals and community gatherings.
Cultural Crafts
Shagna di Phulkari – A place where guests can view and buy beautiful Phulkaris (embroidered dupattas).
- Visit this vibrant spot to witness and shop various types of Phulkaris, each handcrafted with love and tradition. Bagh is densely embroidered, usually for weddings.
- Chope is gifted to brides by their maternal family, embroidered in red or maroon with golden thread.
- Thirma features white backgrounds representing purity, with colorful patterns. You can learn about their origins and even buy one as a keepsake.
Pritam Singh – The Weaver
- Weaving Machine – Watch the intricate process up close and learn how time and patience go into every piece. This represents Punjab’s strong tradition in textiles and handicrafts.
Ram Lal – Sarpanch of the Pind
- Sarpanch Ghar Setup – Visit the Sarpanch Ghar, which reflects the pride and authority of the village head. From his chair to traditional records and village maps, the entire setup gives a glimpse into rural leadership and decision-making.
Geet Ghar
Explore a musical heaven filled with traditional Punjabi instruments. You can listen to live demonstrations and even try your hand at playing these timeless folk instruments.
- Tumbi: A high-pitched, single-stringed instrument often used in Punjabi folk music. Its sharp, rhythmic sound is commonly heard in bhangra and giddha performances.
- Algoza: A double-flute played with continuous breathing technique, producing melodious folk tunes. Traditionally used by shepherds and folk musicians during storytelling and celebrations.
- Chimta: A percussion instrument made of long metal tongs with jingles attached. It creates a lively clinking sound, adding energy to folk performances.
- Dhol: The iconic double-sided drum that forms the heartbeat of Punjabi celebrations. Its booming beats are a must for any festival, wedding, or dance event.
- Bugchu: A small handheld drum that makes a distinct 'boeing' sound when struck or shaken. Often used in folk songs to add quirky, rhythmic effects.
- Ektara: A one-stringed instrument used by wandering minstrels and spiritual singers. Its deep, resonant tone is perfect for devotional and narrative music.
- Dholki: A smaller version of the dhol, often used in folk songs and wedding rituals. It offers softer, yet rhythmic beats perfect for intimate gatherings.
Turban Tying
- Pagri Tying Experience – Experience the art of tying the Punjabi Pagri. From the royal Patiala Shahi style to the warrior-styled Dumalla, try different turbans and click photos wearing them. It’s a fun and cultural highlight for every visitor.
Diwan Chand – Zamindar di Haveli
Step into the majestic lifestyle of Punjab's traditional landlords through this haveli setup.
- Grand Furniture:
The haveli boasts intricately carved wooden sofas, diwans, and grand canopy beds that reflect royal taste. Every piece of furniture showcases the craftsmanship and luxury once enjoyed by zamindars. These grand pieces were not just functional but symbols of power and hospitality.
- Vintage Décor:
From hanging chandeliers to oil lamps and antique wall clocks, every element adds to the vintage charm. Hand-painted walls, traditional jharokhas, and colorful glass windows bring the old-world aura alive.
- Cultural Artifacts:
A rich display of items like hookahs, swords, traditional attire, and old utensils line the walls and shelves. These pieces narrate stories of legacy, leisure, and the regal lifestyle of zamindars.
Daak Ghar – The Post Office
- Old Typewriter Machine – A classic manual typewriter used by postal workers to type out letters and official documents. Its sturdy keys and rhythmic sound bring back the feel of traditional office work.
- Old Photostat Machine – This bulky, first-generation photocopier shows how copying documents was once a slow, manual process. It’s a nostalgic nod to the early days of office automation.
- Old Lamp – A kerosene lamp that lit up the post office before electricity reached villages. It symbolizes the simplicity and resilience of rural life.
- Stamps Display – A colorful board showcasing rare Indian stamps from different eras. Each stamp tells a story of history, heritage, and communication.
Coin Collection
- British-India Time Coins – These are rare metallic coins used during the British colonial rule in India. They reflect the economic and political history of that era, often bearing portraits of British monarchs.
- Different Commemorative Coins – These coins were specially minted to honor significant national events, leaders, or milestones. Each one serves as a miniature tribute to India’s rich historical moments.
- Princely State Coins – Currency issued by former princely states before India’s independence. They represent regional pride and autonomy, with unique designs and local symbols.
Boota Singh – Vaid Ji
- Vaid’s Corner – The traditional healer’s corner displays ancient tools, herbs, and remedies. Learn how ailments were treated with natural medicine long before modern pharmacies existed. Boota Singh’s setup honors the vaidya tradition.
Satpal – The Potter’s House
- Watch the village potter, shape beautiful clay pots on a spinning wheel. You can also try making your own pot, and browse a collection of finished diyas, matkas, and kitchenware.
Sadda Pind beautifully preserves the lively essence of old-time Punjabi melas. These village fairs were once the heart of community bonding, and here, they come alive with fun, thrill, and culture — all in one place!
- Fun Zone Games: Test your aim and enjoy classic shooting and target games just like the old village fairs. These stalls bring out your playful spirit and make for great family-friendly fun.
- Gatka (Sikh Martial Art): Witness live performances of Gatka, showcasing valor, discipline, and the warrior spirit of Punjab. This ancient martial art is a key part of Sikh heritage and martial tradition.
- Bhangra & Giddha Performances: Enjoy energetic live shows of bhangra and giddha with traditional dhol beats and vibrant attire. The dancers will have you clapping, tapping, and maybe even joining in!
- Magic Show: A touch of wonder and amusement, just like in the old melas. The magician’s tricks are a favorite among children and nostalgic for elders.
- Puppet Show: Delight in a traditional puppet show narrating folk tales and moral stories. It’s storytelling in its most colorful and creative form.
Each of these elements at Sadda Pind serves as a tribute to the simple, soulful, and sustainable life of traditional Punjab. The village experience is not just visual — it’s interactive, immersive, and unforgettable.
Whether you are a student of history, a culture lover, or simply looking to reconnect with your roots — this heritage village brings Punjab’s legacy to life