Fazilka: Clock Tower, Jhummar and Local Handicrafts

The Clock Tower in the center of Fazilka offers a tangible glimpse into the town’s history. Construction began in 1936, and the 95-foot-high monument was completed on June 6, 1939. The town itself dates back to 1844. After Vans Agnew built a bungalow there, the place became known as Bangla; this name is still used for both the town and the tehsil. The tower and the town’s name offer two different points of entry: visible architecture and a historical name that has endured.

Clock Tower and Local Culture

The building has four gates, and its dedication plaque is written in four languages. There are 82 steps to the top, and clocks are set into all four sides. These features offer distinct details to take in separately as you look at the monument: the gates, the inscription and the clock faces. Together with its height, they make the Clock Tower a clearly recognizable landmark in the center of Fazilka.

Fazilka has its own style of Jhummar dance, known as the Satluj style. Baba Pokhar Singh (1916–2002) popularized Jhummar in Fazilka; the routine he developed is still performed by family and friends. The style’s name, the named figure and the enduring routine give this dance tradition a distinct local identity. If you are interested in regional dance forms, Jhummar is a distinct cultural aspect alongside the town’s architectural history.

Handicrafts and Flavors of Fazilka

Fazilka’s shoes are also part of the town’s handicraft history. After the Partition of India, artisans from Fazilka established the international reputation of Fazilka shoes. Fazilka Tilla Jutii is registered as a geographical indication under India’s Patents Act. The shoes’ historical reputation and the registration of the named product tell different parts of this handicraft tradition. There are many shoe shops in Hotel Bazaar; individual businesses may change. If you are planning a specific shopping stop, check in advance whether it is currently open.

Another local specialty is Tosha, a traditional sweet from Punjab. It is made from cotton cheese and prepared in Fazilka. This brings together a regional culinary tradition and a specific place of preparation. Tosha complements the themes of dance and handicrafts with a food culture associated with both Fazilka and Punjab.

Festival and Trip to the Emu Farm

The Fazilka Heritage Festival is an annual festival of arts, culture and food organized by the Graduates Welfare Association, Fazilka. It is held at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Park and features zones for food, arts and crafts, and culture. These different themes make the festival a distinct event alongside the city’s enduring cultural and historical attractions. Dates and programs may change; if you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the current event dates in advance.

The emu farm in the village of Katehra in Fazilka district is an option for a day trip. Around 45 pairs of emus can be seen there. The farm is about 15 kilometers from Fazilka and can be reached by public transport or taxi. The distance is approximate, and the number of animals may vary. Before visiting, check which transport option suits your chosen day and whether a visit is possible.

Getting There

National Highway 10 runs through Fazilka. Fazilka railway station is in the Abohar–Ferozepur region of Northern Railways.

Discover more destinations: Fazilka, Jalalabad, Mansa, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Barnala.

For the main travel overview: Punjab.