Happy TravellerWelcome to Sri Ganganagar, a planned city and the northernmost city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Located near the international border of India and Pakistan, this city is known for its rich history and culture. Sri Ganganagar was established by Maharaja Ganga Singh, and is named after him. This city is also known as the ‘Food Basket of Rajasthan’ due to its vast agricultural fields. The city is divided into residential blocks and a commercial area, which includes a Dhan Mandi (agricultural marketplace). Let’s explore the history, culture, and tourist attractions of Sri Ganganagar!
== History ==
Sri Ganganagar is one of the first well-planned modern cities in India, said to be influenced by the town planning of Paris. It was founded in the year 1904, by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. The city was part of Bikaner state before it became a separate district. In 1899-1900, the Bikaner State was affected by a severe famine and to resolve this issue, Maharaja Ganga Singh obtained the services of an engineer, AWE Standley, who demonstrated the feasibility of the western area of the Bikaner State being irrigated by the waters of the Sutlej. The plan of the Sutlej Valley Project was drawn by the chief engineer of Punjab, RG Kennedy which helped in irrigating a large area of erstwhile Bikaner State. The foundation stone of the Canal Head Works at Ferozepur was laid on 5 December 1925 and the work completed in 1927 by constructing 143 km (89 mi) of lined canal. The opening ceremony was performed on 26 October 1927 by Lord Irwin, then Viceroy of India. The plan for the city of Sri Ganganagar was drawn at this time.
== Location and area ==
Sri Ganganagar District is between latitudes 28.4 and 30.6 and longitudes 72.2 and 75.3. The total area of Sri Ganganagar is 11,154.66 km2 (1,115,466 ha; 4,306.84 sq mi). It is surrounded on the east by Hanumangarh district, (formerly part of Sri Ganganagar district) on the south by Bikaner District, on the west by Bahawalnagar district of the Pakistani Punjab, and on the north by Fazilka district of Indian Punjab.
== Culture ==
The culture of Sri Ganganagar is a mix of Bagri and Punjabi culture. Bagri culture dominates the district, while Punjabi culture has influence in some areas. The traditional dress of Bagri women includes an embroidered odhni, Kurto (a long shirt), Ghaghro/Ghagariyo (long frock-type clothes), Borlo/Boryo (a head ornament), and Odhni/Odhaniyo. The younger generation has adopted Salwar Kameez or western clothing. Men mainly wear a pant-shirt, kurta-payjama and dhoti. The city is known for its traditional and Pop Punjabi music and Rajasthani devotional music. Bollywood songs are listened to with the same enthusiasm as in other northern Indian regions.
== Tourist attractions ==
Sri Ganganagar has several tourist attractions for travelers to explore. The Bror Village has the ruins of the Indus Valley civilization. Anoopgarh Fort is a ruin
