Siddharth Arora, who plays Mahadev in &TV’s Baal Shiv, recently visited Amritsar, Punjab, to seek blessings at the Golden Temple and explore the city. Siddharth, who loves travelling and discovering new places, had a special reason for visiting the famous Sri Harmandir Sahib. Says Siddharth Arora, “I have made an annual pilgrimage to the Golden Temple for the past ten years. However, I could not visit there in the last two years due to the pandemic and work commitments. But this year, it was one of my topmost priorities to go to the Golden Temple anyhow, no matter what. It was a promise I made to myself. It is one of the most sacred places, which gives me immense peace and positivity. A visit there is something that my family and I eagerly look forward to every year. It isn’t easy to describe one’s feelings in words. It was a surreal moment. Every visit ignites strength, optimism, calmness and devotion in me. And one of the best moments for me is the community kitchen or langar, which is such a beautiful act of serving people and relishing the meal with thousands of people. Guru Ka Langar and Kara Prasad are my absolute favourite. My visit is incomplete without it.” Apart from the temple visit, Siddharth always makes it a point to relish the local delicacies, visit various tourist attractions and shop at the local markets with his friends and family. Talking about it, Siddharth adds, “I cannot get enough of Amritsar. Every time I visit the city, I feel there is something new to discover. Everything in Amritsar is so mesmerising and calming. The people are so warm and welcoming. I love the local food and of course shopping. Usually, I start my day with Amritsari Kulchas and Lassi for breakfast. Then comes Sarso Da Saag And Makki Di Roti with white butter and the street food – tikki, golgappe, chaat and much more! My friend Yash and I also visited the Jallianwala Bagh, the Wagah Border, and the Partition Museum. I also went shopping in the local market, where I purchased a Phulkari Suit for Mouli Didi – Mouli Ganguly, who essays Mahasati Anusuya’s role in &TV’s Baal Shiv. We also bought jhuttis and dupattas for my family. As you delve deeper into this soulful, frenetic city, one encounters many other fascinating life experiences that will make you fall in love with Amritsar”.
Instead of taking a flight, the actor opted for a train journey as it cuts through beautiful rural landscapes and many prominent sceneries. He further adds, “Whenever I travel to Amritsar, I usually take the train instead of a flight for two reasons. First, there is no direct flight from Varanasi to Amritsar. Second, train travel is more convenient and fun, whether alone or with family. There’s something old-school and charming about riding trains. There’s a nostalgic appeal to train travel alongside seeing the scenic beauty, different people around you, fun conversations, games, music, reading and much more. It is one of the most fascinating and rejuvenating trips.”
Watch Siddharth Arora as Mahadev in &TV’s Baal Shiv, airing every Monday to Friday on 8:00 pm!