Mawsynaram is also in Meghalaya and is close to Cheerapunjee. Mawsynaram records were not as reliable as Cheerapunjee, but the available records suggest that the mean annual rainfall in Mawsynaram is 1141 cm. This is a little higher than Cheerapunjee’s.

Both these places lie on the southern slopes of Khasi hills, at the end of a deep valley running from south to north. The monsoon winds blow from the south and are trapped within the valley and eventually strike these two places at the end of the valley. That is what causes immense rain in these two places.

Source: The Monsoons, P.K.Das

Picture Credit: The Atlantic

Anandpur was the site of anointment of Punj Piaray (Five Choosen Beloved Ones). They volunteered to be martyrs when Guru Gobind Singh wanted to test the congregation. They were later on administered amrit by Guru Gobind Singh and declared as Khalsas. The Khara Prasad is always offered to the Panja Pyaras first. Guru Gobind Singh also founded the Khalsa Panth in Anandpur.

In the year 1689, Rani Champa of Bilaspur (present day Himachal Pradesh) requested Guru Gobind Singh to establish a new town as the capital of the Sikh state and also to build forts for the defence of the State. Guru Gobind Singh acceded to the request and built a new town and five forts in the vicinity.

In modern history, Anandpur is also the site of the Anandpur Sahib resolution of the Shironmani Akali Dal in 1973 which led to the political movement in Punjab.

Anandpur also celebrates Hola Mohalla every year around Holi. Around 20 lakh people gather for the celebration which also marks the congregation of Nihangs from all over India.

Takht Kesgarh Saheb is one of the five Takhts or seats of authority in Sikhism.

Source: Sikh Shrines in India, G.S.Randhir
Anandpur Sahib, Harjinder Singh Dilgeer

Picture Credit: Navtejpvs Flickr
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