Outside the secluded campus of Miri Piri Academy lies the great state of Punjab and its rich culture. While the school is situated in a rural farm setting, it is only twenty minutes from the City of Amritsar.

Students have many opportunities to interact directly with the local people during twice weekly trips to Harimandir Sahib, the Golden Temple, various academic and spiritual field trips to local museums, Gurdwaras and festivals, and twice monthly town leaves.

Harimandir Sahib

At Harimandir Sahib, the students join the faithful in their meditation and service, participating in an experience that is central to the life of Sikhs in Punjab. Students wash the floors of the Parkarma, enter the temple to sit and meditate, and occasionally join the Sadh Sangat for langar.

Every sixth of the month, the students go to the Akal Takht to play Gurbani Kirtan for the sangat and commemorate the martyrdom of the Takht in 1984.

Local History and Festivals

Throughout the year, students visit local museums and Gurdwaras to supplement their academic studies on the culture and history of Punjab. The Gatka squad is also invited to participate in many parades and festivals throughout the year. This affords the students an opportunity to join in the celebrations of the biggest holidays and most cherished traditions of the Punjabi culture. Students walk, perform and spar with people from all over the state of Punjab, sharing in the excitement, the spirit, and the life of the people.

The City of Amritsar

Amritsar is a rapidly modernizing city, boasting an International Airport, restaurants and retail stores recognizable around the world, and the upcoming completion of several business oriented, modern hotel chains. The Golden Temple attracts visitors from all over the world, and the business sector continues to expand at a very rapid pace.

Despite this growth, the narrow alleyways and bazaars of the old city continue to form the heart of the Amritsar experience. The people of Amritsar are proud of their cultural heritage, old customs and traditions comfortably adapting to the growth of modern industry and infrastructure.

Students report that the twice monthly town leave trips are some of their most effective Punjabi classes, affording them the opportunity to converse, bargain, and explore the city of Amritsar.

Students spend their time in town eating at their favorite restaurants, which include Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Subway, and some of the best local street food vendors. They shop in the vibrant and crowded Bazaars of the old city, and the trendiest modern shops. Imported food vendors, tailors, and music stores also receive a lot of business from our students.

As a result of these trips, the clothing and rooms of the students reflect a decidedly Punjabi air, with bright colors, rich fabrics and traditional Punjabi music blending with their western cultural heritage.