Mandi Bahauddin, Pakistan
Region: Punjab
Geographic Coordinates: 32.579700, 73.481400
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 40.0°C (50°F to 104°F)
Population: 157352
Language: Urdu
Mandi Bahauddin is a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan, Located on the bank of River Jhelum. It has a rich history dating back to the Mughal era and was named after Sufi Saint Bahauddin Zakariya. The city is famous for its bustling markets selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and its agricultural products, Particularly wheat and rice. The Haveli Man Singh, A former palace built during the Mughal era, Is one of Mandi Bahauddin’s notable historic buildings. It features intricate carvings and designs reflecting the region’s cultural heritage.
The city also boasts several religious sites attracting visitors from all over Pakistan and beyond. Mandi Bahauddin provides opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing in River Jhelum or enjoying parks within the city limits for picnics or leisurely strolls. With modern amenities like shopping centers and restaurants available alongside authentic glimpses into rural Pakistani life, This charming city has something for everyone to enjoy.
Important Landmarks
- Rasul Barrage
- Hiran Minar
- Chakwal Fort
- Shahzada Kamran’s Tomb
- Rohtas Fort
- Sheikhupura Fort
- Lahore Museum
- Badshahi Mosque
- Lahore Zoo
- Wazir Khan Mosque
Primary Industries
- Agriculture
- Livestock farming
- Textile manufacturing
- Construction
- Small-scale retail businesses
The city is known for its production of:
- Rice
- Wheat crops
Additionally, there are several small-scale factories that produce:
- Cotton yarn
- Fabric
Construction is also a significant industry in the city due to the ongoing development of:
- Housing societies
- Commercial areas
Retail businesses such as:
- Grocery stores
- Clothing shops
- Electronic stores
are prevalent throughout the city.
Noteable History
- Mandi Bahauddin was founded by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1665.
- The city played an important role in the War of Independence of 1857 as it was one of the main centers of resistance against British rule.
- The famous Sufi saint Shah Shams Tabrez is buried in Mandi Bahauddin.
- The city is also known for its agricultural produce, particularly rice and wheat.
- Notable people associated with Mandi Bahauddin include former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was born and raised in the city, and cricketer Imran Khan, who hails from nearby Lahore but has family roots in Mandi Bahauddin.
- Other notable figures from the area include poet Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi and politician Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi.
- In recent years, the city has seen significant development with new roads, bridges, hospitals, and educational institutions being built to accommodate its growing population.
Museums and Things To See
- The Shrine of Hazrat Baba Haji Sher Dewan
- Qila Mubarak Mandi Bahauddin (Mandi Fort)
- Chak Basawa Singh Museum
- Shahi Mosque Mandi Bahauddin
- Sufi Saint Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid’s Tomb in Kot Mithan, Mandi Bahauddin
- Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Narowal (nearby)
- Phalia Memorial Tower and Park (nearby)
- Rohtas Fort, Jhelum (nearby)
Cultural Events
- Eid-ul-Fitr is a significant festival for Muslims worldwide, including Mandi Bahauddin. It marks the end of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting.
- Urs Mubarak is an annual religious event in Mandi Bahauddin that commemorates the death anniversary of Sufi saint Hazrat Baba Haji Sher Muhammad.
- Basant Festival is a traditional kite-flying celebration that originated in Punjab and is observed across Pakistan, including Mandi Bahauddin.
- Independence Day on August 14th celebrates Pakistan’s freedom from British rule and is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the country, including Mandi Bahauddin.
- The National Horse and Cattle Show takes place every year in Lahore but attracts visitors from all over Pakistan, including those from Mandi Bahauddin who come to see horse and cattle races, exhibitions of livestock breeds, and other agricultural displays.
- The Shandur Polo Festival occurs annually in July on the Shandur Pass between Chitral District and Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan which also attracts visitors from nearby areas like Mandi Bahuddin.
- Jashn-e-Baharan (Spring Festival) celebrates springtime with cultural performances such as music shows, dance performances, food stalls selling traditional Pakistani foods like biryani or kebabs etc., flower exhibitions etc., which are held across different cities in Pakistan including Mandi Bahuddin as well.
Cuisine
- Chappar Hotel: This is a famous restaurant known for its traditional Pakistani dishes such as Karahi, Biryani, and Tawa Chicken.
- Al-Madina Restaurant: This restaurant serves delicious Pakistani and Chinese food at affordable prices.
- Dera Restaurant: Dera is a popular restaurant that offers traditional Punjabi food like Saag and Makai ki Roti.
- Madina Sweets & Bakers: This bakery is famous for its fresh bread, cakes, pastries, and other sweet treats.
- Haji Baba Restaurant: Haji Baba offers a variety of Pakistani dishes including Nihari, Haleem, Kebabs, and Pulao.
- Shahzad Tikka Shop: This shop is renowned for its delicious tikkas (grilled meat) which are served with naan or paratha.
- Awan Foods & BBQ Center: Awan Foods & BBQ Center serves mouth-watering barbeque dishes like Seekh Kebab and Boti Kebab along with other Pakistani specialties.
- Cafe De Laila: Cafe De Laila offers a range of snacks like sandwiches, burgers as well as tea/coffee options in the heart of Mandi Bahauddin city center.
- Mandi Bahauddin Public Park
- Shahbaz Sharif Sports Complex
- Jinnah Park
- Fatima Jinnah Park
- Qila Saifullah Khan Stadium
- Ghalla Mandi Ground
- Eidgah Ground
- Katchery Ground
- Bhera Canal Park