City Banur

Banur is a small town about 25 km from Chandigarh, the capital of Indian Punjab, on the Chandigarh-Patiala National Highway, NH 64. Its history dates back to ancient times, when it was called Pushpawati. This name was derived from the abundance of flowering plants in the region (Pushp means flower in Hindi, Pushp + wati means a place where flowers are in abundance).

The name "Banur" is from the name of a local deity, Mai Banno. A temple to Mai Banno stands in the town and is revered by all, irrespective of their religion. A legend has it that Mai Banno was a better musician than Tansen, the great musician in the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. She could cause rains by singing Raga Megh Malhaar, and could light lamps by singing Deepak Raag. It is a legend that once Mata Banno defeated Tansen in music competition. During Mughal times, it was a sizeable town along with its neighbour Chatt. Banda Singh Bahadur reduced it to ruins on his way to Sirhind. Some people call it a 'theh' or ruin. Its varying topography above the surrounding countryside is a tell tale sign of the tumultuous event. There used to be a sizeable Muslim population before partition. There is a grave of a pir in the town and the fields were dotted with dilapidated structures. The mosque fell during 1990s due to ravages of time and weather. A historic Gurudwara is situated in the south of the town. In the past, the parts of the town were known by localities (Mohallas). For example- Kamboj mohalla,Mohalla Saini's ,Mohalla Kaura khatrian, Mohalla Mehtian, , Jainian, Mohalla Jattan Wala etc. Though called a town, Banur had a feel of a village life and in reality, was more like a large village. A medium size market, with about more than 150 shops, provided basic amenities. There were many wells in and around the town which were source of water for the people in the past. Almost all these wells have now been filled up.

The language spoken by natives is the Puadh dialect of Punjabi with sprinkling of Manjhi brought in by West Punjabis after the partition.

The Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park(ChattBir Zoo) at Chatt Village near Banur is a famous tourist attraction.

Banur has many old temples in various mohallas which is a testimony to its rich religious and cultural heritage. Many old temples in the town are, Mai Banno temple, Basanti Devi temple, Gugga Mari, Radha Krishan Mandir also called ladies temple and many Shiv dvalas. A three day mela(Fair) is organised every year at Gugga Mari on Naumi of Shravan month. People offer onions and Wheat at the Mari. A mela is also organised at Shitla Mata temple every year where people offer Chana, Dal and water. Pleople bring their kids to this mela for blessings of shitla mata which keeps the children disease free. Banur has a very big Gurudwara on Chandigarh Patiala Highway near to Bus Stand. Gurudwara is in memory of Bhai Banda Singh Bahadur Ji. The Gurudwara organizes various religious functions every year.gurudwara shri guru gobind singh ji is in mohalla sainian wala ,near old police station Banur was also an assembly constituency of Punjab. It has lost its assembly constituency status after reorganisation.



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