04032026-ATR-01.qxd 03-03-2026 23:13 Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune ASHA WORKERS PROTEST, SAY GOVT ‘INDIFFERENT’ TO DEMANDS ASHA workers held a protest in front of the District Administrative Complex in Tarn Taran to voice their demands. P2 » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 30°C | MIN 14°C YESTERDAY MAX 29°C | MIN 11°C BASIC CIVIC AMENITIES ELUDE HISTORICAL PANJWAR VILLAGE CELEBRITIES SHARE THEIR CHERISHED HOLI RITUALS The village, linked to former Lok Sabha Speaker Dr Gurdial Singh Dhillon, lacks basic civic amenities and safe roads. P3 Holi may have evolved into louder, flashier celebrations, but for many, its true charm still lies in gentle gulal. P4 » SUNSET WEDNESDAY 6.30 PM » SUNRISE THURSDAY 6.53 AM WEDNESDAY | 4 MARCH 2026 | AMRITSAR Traffic violations in BRTS corridors It’s time Punjabi stories & talent got bigger platforms: Mandeep prompt police to challan vehicle drivers NEWSMAKER Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 3 Months after no stopping of traffic violations in the bus rapid transit system (BRTS) corridors, the police on Tuesday started issuing challans to violators here on Tuesday. The Metro bus service, operating in designated BRTS corridors, was suspended on July 4, 2023. Its vacant lanes, which have iron grills on both sides, offer a smooth ride. This entices several vehicle drivers to use these lanes to reach their respective destinations while keeping away from busy roads. Plying of vehicles in the BRTS corridors is unauthorised as these are dedicated only for running Metro buses. Despite repeated promises, the government has not been able to resume the BRTS operations, which has been built at a cost of around Rs 530 crore to ease Amritsar’s traffic congestion, turning its corridors Traffic police issue challan to a two-wheeler rider on the BRTS corridor in Amritsar. VISHAL KUMAR into a death trap. Officials stated that despite repeated warnings by the traffic police to not use BRTS corridors, vehicle drivers do not pay any heed. This prompted the traffic police to lay nakas at exit points of the BRTS corridors to catch violators. Deserted BRTS corridors are misused by trucks, private buses, two-wheeler riders and even pedestrians, leading to frequent collisions and fatal mishaps. Though the police have raised barricades and closed entry points of the BRTS corridors, commuters continue to use these stretches after uprooting grills. Traffic experts have identi- fied multiple black spots inside the BRTS corridors. Over 50 accidents have been reported in recent years, claiming more than 10 lives in the corridor. Faulty design features, such as low roofs at bus stops and dangerously placed iron grills, have caused several head injuries among commuters. The absence of reflectors, broken infrastructure and theft of safety grills have further increased the risk of accidents. In March 2022, Dr Narinder Kaur lost her life after being hit by a speeding vehicle while crossing the BRTS corridor near Gate Hakima. Police investigations in several such cases have cited illegal vehicle entry and absence of pedestrian crossings as major causes in the BRTS corridors. Residents allege that after every accident, the police temporarily block the affected stretch with ropes, but reopen it within days. OF THE WEEK Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 3 These are the times of major mainstream OTT breakthroughs, especially for the regional talent that remained restricted to incremental steps — regional web shows, supporting roles and crossover projects until the OTTs scouted and gave them their big breaks. One of the biggest examples of this trend is Pratiek Gandhi, a theatre actor from Gujarat, who tasted critical and mainstream success with his OTT hit “Scam 1992”. Several Punjabi actors, too, have found their big break through OTTs, the recent one being Mandeep Ghai. The brilliant, seasoned theatre actor-director, who is a familiar name in Punjabi theatre and drama circles because of her acclaimed performances in “Kuddessan”, “Saka Jallianwala Bagh” and more, is currently seen in Netflix’s acclaimed crime drama “Kohraa 2”. Mandeep plays one of the main characters of Twinkle Atwal, a seemingly quiet, docile woman, who turns out to be one of the biggest surprises in the climactic episodes. And Mandeep's theatre training and experience was just enough encouragement to play such a layered character. “It’s been a fulfilling experience working with such professional, talented team of actors, producers and creatives. As a brand, 'Kohraa' has been one of those shows that hit too close to home. Being a Punjabi, I could relate to the characters, their stories and circumstances, and the social commentary that underlined the script as we have all seen the same happen- Actor Mandeep Ghai, who plays the character of Twinkle Atwal in Netflix’s ‘Kohraa 2’. TRIBUNE PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR ing around us. So, playing Twinkle came with a sense of familiarity. As women, we are always told to keep silent, not be loud or vocal in our opinions as well as expressing emotions. So, Twinkle is a woman closed for the outside world, with her dressing and her demeanour. But inside, she has a storm brewing, which ultimately consumes her,” said Mandeep. Sharing screen space with Mona Singh, Karamjeet Anmol, Barun Sobti and several other talented actors, Mandeep was an absolute 'revelation'. "We are used to certain kind of 'air' or attitude when working with known or popular faces in Punjabi entertainment industry. But with them, especially Barun and Mona, there was no such approach. They made all the other actors, with lesser profiles, feel secure and everyone on the sets was very professional. Everyone was equal on sets,” she said. The series was entirely shot in and around Amritsar during peak winters and for Mandeep, getting the role meant going through auditions and waiting for the call that seemed almost impossible. “I never thought I would be shortlisted for a main role, it was a surprise,”she said. “Kohraa” touched some raw nerves and issues that Punjab has been facing, never truly acknowledging. Mandeep said that it's time, Punjabi stories and talent, get bigger platforms. "Most Punjabi films play around with this happygo-lucky spirit of Punjabis and comedy-romance angles for the sake of marketability. But nuanced, layered stories that show harsher, less glamorous realities need to be told. With that, the talent we have locally also needs a push towards visibility” “Kohraa 2” has several talented actors from Amritsar playing important character roles. ‘Phirni’ remains favourite Celebrating Holi with lots of dessert among residents ‘gujiyas’, ‘thandai’ sans colours Helpline issued for residents stranded in Gulf countries Man abducted from house; woman Pistol, cartridges seized among four Thar-borne kidnappers from car-borne man Our Correspondent Our Correspondent Tarn Taran, March 3 Mandeep Singh (34), a resident of Phase-II in Deep Avenue of Tarn Taran, was abducted by four persons riding a Thar. Harpreet Kaur, wife of the victim, filed a complaint with the police in this connection. In her complaint, Harpreet Kaur stated that last evening, four people, including three unknown men and a woman, came to her house in a Thar vehicle bearing the registration number PB 10 HQ 7811. As soon as the accused came in front of her house, they grabbed her husband Mandeep Singh by his arm and made him sit in the vehicle and sped away. They described themselves as CIA staff from Jalandhar, she stated. The city police registered a case under Section 140 (3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in this connection. The victim’s family is not ready to say anything on the matter. Investigating officer ASI Amarjit Singh said initial probe indicated that the case appeared to be related to monetary transactions. Tarn Taran, March 3 A team of the city police led by ASI Rupinder Singh recovered illegal weapons from a car-borne local resident. ASI Rupinder Singh said last evening, a police team led by him was patrolling on Kajikot Road in the city when a car driver was seen in a suspicious condition. After conducting a search Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Students celebrate Holi at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar. VISHAL KUMAR Skip spray cans, use home-made colours Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 3 With the festival of colours, Holi, round the corner, city markets are flooded with colour bombs, compressed spray cans and high velocity pichkaris, prompting doctors and experts to warn residents against their use. Bright packets of synthetic gulal and metallic powders line shop shelves, but health specialists caution that many of these products contain harmful chemicals that can damage skin and eyes. High pressure water guns, they say, can cause serious injury, especially to children. Dr Sandeep Aggarwal, Assistant Professor of Paediatrics at Government Medical College, advised people to avoid chemical based colours. “Even in small quantities, chemicals can cause rashes, allergies and eye injuries. It is safest to stay away from synthetic colours,” he said. Experts are instead encouraging residents to opt for natural and homemade colours prepared from common kitchen ingredients such as arrowroot powder, henna powder, turmeric powder and annatto seeds. An elderly resident, Gurinder Kaur, said such ingredients were safe and edible. “These are part of our daily cooking. Even if a child accidentally consumes some colour while playing, it will not cause harm,” she said. A study compiled by the Department of Clothing and Textiles, College of Home Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, highlights the wide variety of colours that can be derived from flowers and plants. Marigold, amaltas and tesu (jungle flame) can produce yellow hues, while beetroot slices yield deep pink or magenta. Madder and golden drop roots give deep red shades, henna leaves produce green, annatto seeds create orange and jacaranda flowers can be used for blue. Rose and dahlia petals may also be added for fragrance. To prepare dry colours, these natural sources can be blended with besan, arrowroot or rice powder. For wet colours, ingredients can be soaked overnight in water for deeper shades. Simple combinations such as arrowroot with henna for green, arrowroot with ratanjot for purple and arrowroot with annatto for orange allow for multiple shades depending on proportions. “Unlike chemical colours, homemade alternatives are gentle on the skin, environmentally friendly and safe for children,” stated health experts. Amritsar, March 3 Centuries old rich Punjabi culture has unique ways to celebrate festivals. This richness is reflected in myriad ways. One of them is serving dishes to mark each festival. The festival of colours is celebrated with a traditional sweetmeat “Phirni” in Punjabi homes. It is served to relatives and guests who visit homes to celebrate Holi. Greetings are exchanged and the delicacy is savoured on the occasion. Made by simmering ground basmati rice in full fat milk, this Punjabi desert is slowly cooked. Khoya, sweetened with sugar, flavoured with saffron and rose water, is added to the dish. “Phirni” is served in open earthen pots generally covering entire open palm. Rice occupies limited space in Punjabi cuisine. Yet, this delicacy stands apart as it is on him, a loaded pistol with magazine and three rounds were recovered from his possession. A case was registered under Sections 25(6), (7), (1), 54 and 59 of the Arms Act, the ASI said. The accused was identified as Joginder Singh, alias Dogar, a resident of Gali Dairy Wali, Kajikot Road, Tarn Taran. He was produced in court which sent to two days police remand. made from grounded rice. Quality of rice, milk and khoya determines the authentic taste of the dish which is served after it gets a little cold. A local Ranbir Singh, who operates a retail outlet on the Lawrence road, said, “Silky smooth taste of the dish, which gets easily dissolved in mouth, leaves a lasting impression on consumers. “Phirni” is good to savour after it gets a little cold, but freezing it like an ice cream cause its creamy texture to vanish.” Sanket Kamboj, proprietor of a leading sweetmeat outlet “Halwai”, which his family has been running for generations, said, “Preparation of “Phirni” commences with Holi and continues throughout summer. Terracotta plates enhance its taste. People prefer to relish it in the afternoon and during night. Covered under silver foil, khoya and dry fruit is sprinkled on it, enhancing its look and taste.” ‘Phirni’ is made by simmering ground basmati rice in full fat milk. c m y b Flour, sugar or jaggery are fried till the outer layer turns crispy for making ‘Gujiyas’. Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 3 Colours in the air and a festive spirit gripped the holy city ahead of the Holi celebrations. Residents mark the day by indoor house parties while gorging on “gujiyas”. As places of worship remain closed to play Holi due to the lunar eclipse, residents spend most of the day indoors. Trays of “gujiyas”, namkeen, “sherbet” and some home-made “thandai” are the favourite of revellers. Like every year, traditional Hola Mohalla celebrations at the Golden Temple will be held tomorrow. Devotees will celebrate the festival with flower petals and pay obeisance at the beautifully decorated palanquin, which carries the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib. The event witnesses presence of devotees who come from far flung places. For those who love sweets on Holi, the quintessential “gujiyas” and “malpuas” already made their appearance in the city. Almost all sweet shops are selling “gujiyas” and “malpuas”. Traditional sweets made from flour, sugar or jaggery and fried till the outer layer turns crispy, these make for exclusive Holi delicacies. This time, several flavoured “gujiyas” are available in options that include fruity twists, nuts and some chocolate flavours. Besides “gujiyas”, other traditional treats like saffron/cardamom-infused pinni, creamy “Phirni” and “Dodha” are also popular. Also in markets, especially inside the walled city, around temple complexes, one can find “thandai”, a milk and dry fruit-based drink, during the Holi festival. Those who don’t enjoy getting smeared with colours or getting hit by water balloons, enjoy gulping down that tall, cold delicious glass of “thandai” and savour hot “gujiyas” during the celebrations. Amritsar, March 3 The district administration has issued a helpline number for residents of the district, who are stranded in the Gulf countries, during the ongoing war and rising tensions in the region. Sharing this information, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dalwinderjeet Singh said, “The district level helpline number 0183-2226161 will remain active 24 hours a day. People from Amritsar district, who are stuck in Gulf countries, and their family members living here, can call on this number for immediate assistance.” He said, “The administration understands the concern and anxiety of families whose loved ones are stranded abroad. The helpline has been started to provide timely support, collect necessary details and coordinate further action wherever required.” The DC also informed that the Punjab Government had issued state- level helpline numbers 0172-2260042 and 0172-2260043, which were also available round the clock. “People can also send messages on the WhatsApp number +91 94787 79112 for help or information,” he added. He said, “The state government is in regular contact with the Government of India to ensure safe and early return of Punjabis stranded in the Gulf countries.” — TNS