The biannual cattle and horse fair at Vallah village near Amritsar, deeply rooted in Sikh tradition, is organized by the Panchayat Department and lasts for 14 days around the time of Baisakhi. The event attracts farmers, breeders, and buyers from across Punjab, as well as from Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Delhi, who come to acquire high-quality livestock, including prized breeds like Marwari, Nukra, and Kathiawari.
Historically, the fair was initiated by Guru Hargobind Sahib to meet the need for horses within the Sikh martial tradition, encouraging Sikhs to donate horses and arms rather than traditional offerings. The British later formalized the fair as an organized horse and cattle show, with the event now held at Vallah village. The fair continues to hold cultural and martial significance, with horse traders from regions like Iran, Sindh, and Marwar selling their breeds at the event.
While Diwali is associated with milch animals, Baisakhi focuses on horses, with many buyers now looking for low-cost horses primarily for pulling carts. Despite this shift, the fair remains a source of pride for horse owners like Sewa Singh, who has been attending the fair since childhood and appreciates the passion for good breeds exhibited by the youth involved in the trade. The fair continues to attract prominent stud farms showcasing their animals, keeping the tradition alive in Amritsar.
