Patiala when a pind became home for love

Patiala always used to feel like a pind (village) to me — a sleepy little town tucked in memory, until destiny changed this narrative through love. And I got married to a Patiala gabhru (handsome, strong man).

Though we reside in Ludhiana, with its endless noise and pace, Patiala is our pause, our retreat — peaceful, quiet, asleep by 9 pm, unlike Ludhiana where social life starts after 9.

I still remember our first Christmas at the royal city. We arrived around midnight, craving for coffee after the drive from Ludhiana. To my surprise, not a single café was open. That moment taught us what Patiala is — unrushed and content. Since then, we plan our visits with clock in mind, especially to enjoy its flavourful culinary treasures.

Years later, though Patiala has caught up with the culinary trends and branded cafés now, but for me it’s still the flavours hidden in the alleys of the old city that truly defines its spirit.

Every trip includes at least one ritual stop at  Dolu’s hot dog, or Ambala Chaat’s satrangi golgappe, or Sadhu Ram’s kachori or Malhotra Sweets’s paneer pakode, each delight carrying the weight of nostalgia. And Arneja Sweets’ pinni — that rich, wholesome delight — has its own fan club in our family, especially those settled abroad who eagerly carry the boxes home by bagful on visits to India.

The bustling bazaar lanes, the aroma of fresh snacks, and the familiarity of faces make each visit a welcome journey into a living past. Patiala’s charms lie in its royalty: the architecture, the aura, and of course, the gedi route outside YPS —my husband’s old school — which we never miss.

Whenever I return from Patiala, a quiet wish always lingers in mind — that once life’s responsibilities are laid to rest and the bustle of duty fades, I want to return to the peace of our true abode, to where we truly belong. It’s more than a city; it’s a feeling stitched into the rhythm of our life!

Manav Mander, Ludhiana