History
Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden and national memorial in Amritsar. On 13 April 1919, during the festival of Baisakhi, a peaceful gathering assembled here amid heightened political tensions. Troops under Brigadier General Dyer opened fire on the enclosed crowd. The tragedy shocked the world and became a decisive moment in India’s struggle for independence.
Today, Jallianwala Bagh stands as a place of remembrance and reflection. Preserved features—such as the Martyrs’ Well and bullet marks—along with curated galleries and the central eternal flame (Amar Jyoti) invite visitors to learn, pay respect, and contemplate the value of freedom and human dignity.
Please keep voices low, refrain from littering, and treat the site with sensitivity. Photography is allowed in most areas—avoid blocking pathways and be mindful around solemn installations.
Jallianwala Bagh Today
Basic Identity & Management: The memorial is managed by the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust, an autonomous body under the Government of India, and is recognized as a memorial of national importance.
Size & Layout: The site spans roughly 7 acres, entered through the same narrow passage that existed in 1919. High boundary walls and period building remnants retain the historical atmosphere and sense of enclosure.
Memorial Features: Visitors encounter preserved bullet-marked walls, the Martyrs’ Well (now under protective cover), the central Amar Jyoti (eternal flame) pylon, plaques and inscriptions, a Martyrs’ Gallery/Museum with documents and portraits, and a statue of Udham Singh. Shaded lawns and mature trees lend quiet space for reflection.
Centenary-linked works (2019–2021) added pathways and interpretive elements—but also sparked debate among historians and some families of martyrs, who felt certain raw textures of the site were softened. Further conservation phases may continue in coming years.
What to Expect
Enter through the original narrow passage into a quiet garden with lawns, trees, and memorial structures. Look for interpretive boards, galleries detailing the context of 1919, preserved bullet marks on walls, and the Martyrs’ Well. Evenings offer a thoughtful ambience with lighting around pathways and installations.
More than a tourist stop, Jallianwala Bagh functions as a place of remembrance—sometimes described as part of India’s “dark heritage”—visited to acknowledge loss, consider the cost of freedom, and learn from history.
Plan Your Visit
Opening Hours
Good to Know
- Wheelchair access on primary paths
- Photography permitted in most outdoor areas
- Maintain silence around memorial features
Contact & Address
Local Tips
- Arrive early to explore calmly before larger crowds.
- Carry drinking water; shaded seating is available inside.
- Combine with nearby Golden Temple and Partition Museum on foot.