Faridkot, Punjab

The city is named in the honor of Baba Farid, a revered 13th century Sufi saint whose shrine is located in Pakpattan, Pakistan. The town of Faridkot was founded during this century as Mokalhar by Raja Mokalsi, the grandson of Rai Munj, a Bhatti Chief of Bhatnair, Rajasthan. According to a popular folklore, the Raja renamed Mokalhar to Faridkot after Baba Farid paid a visit to the town. It remained the capital during the reign of Mokalsi's son Jairsi and Wairsi.

The historic fort of Quila Mubarak exists since the times of Baba Farid. However, the foundation of the modern city as a princely state was laid in 1763 by Hamir Singh.Beginning in 1807, the city was briefly under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh till 1809. It was restored to the reigning Brar family thorugh British intervention. The city continued as the capital of Faridkot State under British suzerainty till 1947. Later, it became a part of the Patiala & East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) in 1948. Faridkot was carved out as a separate district on 7 August 1972 out of the areas of erstwhile Bathinda District (Faridkot Tehsil) and Ferozepur District (Moga and Muktsar Tehsils). Further, in November 1995 the Faridkot District was trifurcated when two of its sub divisions viz. Muktsar and Moga were given the status of independent districts under the leadership of CM Harcharan Singh Brar of Muktsar

The Municipal Council Faridkot came into existence in the year 1948 and now has a Class -I status. Uma Grover is the current President of the council and Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon of Indian National Congress is the member of Legislative Assembly from the town elected in 2017.

The average elevation is 196 metres (643 ft). The town is located on the Punjab Plains, which in a macro regional context forms a part of greater Satluj Ganga plain. It is a low-lying flat area. The surface of the district is depositional plain which was formed by alleviation by the rivers flowing in these plains. Sirhind Feeder and Indira Gandhi Canal pass through the district. The topography of the district is plain, with only 1.4% of its area under forest cover.

As of 2011 India census,[1] Faridkot had a population of 618,008 which constitute about 2% of the total population of Punjab. Males constitute 327,121 of the population and females 290,887.The population density in this district is 424 persons per km². Faridkot has an average literacy rate of 70.6%: male literacy is 75.9%, and female literacy is 64.8%.

Faridkot city is well connected by road through National Highway 54. Faridkot railway station, located in the city lies on Bhatinda - Firozpur line. Many trains connect Faridkot to other major cities in Punjab and other states. The nearest airport, Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is located near Amritsar.[2]

The climate of Faridkot is mostly dry, characterized by a very hot summer, a short rainy season and a bracing winter. The cold season is from November to March. it is followed by the summer season which lasts up to the end of June. The period from July to the middle of September constitutes the southwest monsoon season. The later half of September and October is the post-monsoon or transition period. The temperature increases rapidly beginning with the end of March till June, which is the hottest month, with the mean daily minimum temperature about 41 °C or 105.8 °F and the mean daily minimum about 26.5 °C or 79.7 °F. The temperature is intensively hot during this period. The maximum temperature can go beyond 47 °C or 116.6 °F on some days. With the onset of the monsoon by the end of June or early July, there is an appreciable drop in the day temperature. After October, both the day and night temperatures decrease rapidly till January which is the coolest month. The mean daily maximum temperature in January is about 20 °C or 68 °F and the mean daily minimum about 4.5 °C or 40.1 °F.

The average annual rainfall in the district is 433 millimetres or 17 inches ; about 71 percent of the annual rainfall in the district is received during the monsoon months July to September. Some rainfall occurs during the pre-monsoon months, mostly in the form of thundershowers. Weather is moderately cloudy during the monsoon season. During the rest of the year the skies are mostly clear. Wind speed is normally slow and flows in north to northwest, some times in southeast direction, throughout the year.

Every year, a festival is held to commemorate the arrival of Baba Farid in Faridkot. The festival is held for 3 days every year from 21–23 September. On 23 September, a grand parade departs from Tilla Baba Farid (Sikh Temple) and reaches Godari Sahib (Sikh Temple).

• Gurudwara Tilla Baba Farid

This Gurudwara is as old as the town itself. It is situated near Qilla Mubarak (Royal Fort). Baba Farid remained at this place in meditation for 40 days before proceeding to Pakpattan. A sacred piece of wood with which Sheikh Baba Farid wiped his hands littered with mud has been preserved in this temple. Shabad-Kirtan (Sikh hymns) are recited daily and Langer (large communal meal in Sikhism) is also served every day to the people visiting the temple.

• Gurdwara Godari Sahib

This place is situated on the outskirts about 4 km on Faridkot-Kotkapura road. It is believed that Baba Sheikh Farid left his godari (jacket) there before entering Faridkot town. A gurdwara had been constructed in 1982 and a sarover (pond) was later constructed at this place.

• Faridkot Fort (Qila Mubarak)

The Faridkot Fort, also known as Qila Mubarak, is a prominent attraction in Faridkot, Punjab. It holds historical and architectural significance and is a symbol of the region's heritage. Here are some more details about Qila Mubarak:

1. Architecture: The fort showcases a fusion of Rajput and Sikh architectural styles. It is constructed using bricks, lime motar, and mud, with intricate carvings and artwork adorning its walls. The architectural elements reflect the grandeur and craftsmanship of the bygone era.
2. History: The construction of the Faridkot Fort began in the early 19th century under the rule of Raja Mokalsi, a local ruler. However, it was cpmpleted by the first Sikh ruler of Faridkot, Raja Bikram Singh, around 1830. The fort served as a defence stronghold and palace for the ruling family.
3. Layout: The fort is spread over a vast area and consists of several buildings ans structures. It encompasses the paalces of royal family, including Raj Mahak, the main palace known for its splendid architecture and ornate interiors. The fort also includes a Darbar Hall, courtyards, and gardens.
4. Museum: Within the fort complex, there is a museum that houses a collection of historical artifacts, including weapons, paintings, coins, manuscripts, and photographs. The museum provides insight into the rich history and culture of Faridkot.

• Gurudwara Tilla Baba FaridTilla Baba Farid Gurudwara, located in faridkot, Punjab, is a place of reverence dedicated to Baba Farid, a renowned Sufi saint and poet. Here's brief overview:
  1. Significance: Baba Farid, also known as Sheikh Farid, holds great importance in both the Sufi and Sikh traditions. He is revered for his spiritual teachings and poetry, which promote love, tolerance, and unity among people of different faiths.
  2. Location: The Gurudwara is situated atop a small hillock or "tilla" in Faridkot. This elevated location offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal place for meditation and contemplation.
  3. Architecture: The Gurudwara complex features a distinctive architectural style that blends elements of Sikh and Sufi aesthetics. The main prayer hall is adorned with beautiful frescoes and intricate designs, creating a visually captivating ambiance.
  4. Devotional Practices: Devotees visit Tilla Baba Farid Gurudwara to offer prayers, listen to Kirtan (devotional songs), and participate in religious ceremonies. The Gurudwara hosts regular religious gatherings where hymns from Baba Farid's poetry are sung, inspiring a sense of spiritual upliftment.
  5. Community Kitchen: Like most Gurudwaras, Tilla Baba Farid Gurudwara also operates a langar, a community kitchen that serves free meals to all visitors. This practice of sharing meals promotes equality and fosters a sense of community.
  6. Cultural Heritage: Tilla Baba Farid Gurudwara not only serves as a religious center but also plays a role in preserving the cultural heritage of Punjab. It serves as a place for cultural events, showcasing traditional music, dance, and other artistic expressions.

Visiting Tilla Baba Farid Gurudwara provides an opportunity to connect with the spiritual teachings of Baba Farid, experience the warmth of the Sikh community, and immerse oneself in the rich cultural tapestry of Punjab.

The city houses Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, which is the premier medical university of Punjab. Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital was established in the year 1973. Dasmesh Institute of Research & Dental Sciences is another medical school in the city. Government Brajindra College was set-up in 1942 and Desh Bhagat Pandit Chetan Dev Government College of Education[3] established in 1945 by the Faridkot Royalty. Dasmesh Public School ,Faridkot, Baba Farid Public School, St. Mary's Convent School, Mount Litera Zee School, Dashmesh Global School, Baba Farid Law College, Delhi International School, Balbir School and Dr. Mohinder Brar Sambhi Government Girls Sr. Sec. School are prominent schools in the town besides several other educational institutes. Kendriya Vidyalaya and New Model Sen. Sec School is also located in the town. Adesh institute of engineering and technology is also situated in the city.

There are 96 private English language schools in the city.[4]

• Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot
• Sant Baba Karnail Dass Medical Charitable Hospital, Vivek Ashram
• Dasmesh Institute of Research & Dental Sciences, Faridkot
• Civil Hospital, Faridkot
• Madhu Nursing Home,Faridkot
• Balbir Hospital, Faridkot
• Preet Hospital, Faridkot
• Sukhmani hospital and heart care centre

• Ajmal Kasab, a terrorist
• Giani Zail Singh, a former President of India
• Sukhbir Singh Badal, a former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab
• Muhammad Sadiq, a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha)
• Sadhu SIngh, a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha)
• Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon, a former MLA
• Mantar Singh Brar, a former MLA
• Rupinder Pal Singh, a hockey player
• Ihana Dhillon, an actress

• 
  Entrance of Farmer's House Faridkot
• 
  Foundation Stone of Harindra - Civil Hospital Faridkot
• 
  Foundation Stone of Harindra - Civil Hospital Faridkot
• 
  Foundation stone of Govt. School of Bargari (Faridkot)
• 
  Entrance of District Court Faridkot
• 
  Foundation Stone of Davies Model Agricultural Farm and Farmers's House Faridkot
• 
  Govt. Brijindra College Faridkot
• 
  Govt.Brijindra College Faridkot

• Official website Archived 16 January 2021 at the Wayback Machine
• Faridkot district
• Baba Farid University of Health Sciences,Faridkot
• Govt. Brijindra college Archived 25 June 2019 at the Wayback Machine
• Dasmesh Institute Of Research And Dental Sciences, Faridkot
• GOVT. INDUSTRIAL TRAINING INSTITUTE, FARIDKOT
• BABA FARID LAW COLLEGE, FARIDKOT

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Faridkot.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Faridkot.