Punjabi Culture

PUNJABI CULTURE
Punjab is the biggest land area of

Pakistan and is popularly known for its
culture. It shares most of its cultural
and carnival values with Indian
culture. According to population, 56%
of the total population of the country is
situated in Punjab Province. It has a
total of 36 districts and contributes
approximately 50-60 % of the
economy.
Punjabi Culture is one of the oldest in

world history, dating from ancient
antiquity to the modern era. The scope,
history, complexity and density of the
culture are vast. Some of the main areas of the Punjabi culture include: Punjabi cuisine,
philosophy, poetry, artistry, music, architecture, traditions and values and history. Some cities of
Punjab have more importance for Sikh community from India. The founder of Sikh religion was
born in Nankana Sahib, a district of Punjab so Sikh from different parts of world come and visits
Punjab. Jahngir tomb and Badshahi Masjid in Lahore are the important places of Pakistan. Data
Sahib is very scared place in Punjab and most of the people come and visit Data sahib every
year.
People
Punjabi people are very warm hearted and fun loving. Punjabis are heterogeneous group
comprising of different tribes, clans, communities and are known to celebrate each and every
tradition of their culture. People of Punjab have strong beliefs on pir-faqeers, jogi, taweez,
manat-ka-dhaga, saint of repute, black magic, and other superstitions, however recently due to
increase of literacy, people have become somewhat rational. Punjabis also believe in cast system
but as now people are getting educated, the differences are getting blurred. Some popular casts of
Punjabi’s are; Jats, Maliks, Mughals, Arains, Gujjars, Awans, Rajputs, Gakhars, Khokhars,
Sheikhs, Aheers, Kambohs, Niazis, Legharis, Khosas, Dogars, Thaheem, Mirani, Qureshis, and
Syeds.
In villages’ people usually live in small communities, however they live in peace and harmony
with each other. They take active part in the happiness/grieve of each other and give a great deal
of respect to their culture, norms and run their lives according to their set traditions. Punjabi
people are famous for their hospitable and loving nature.
Languages
Punjabi is the provincial language of Punjab. It is spoken as the first language by majority people
in Punjab, even spoken and understood in areas beyond the confines of Punjab. Facts and figures
show that Punjabi language is spoken as first language by 44% of Pakistanis. Urdu language is
also commonly spoken in this region. Key Punjabi languages/dialects are:
 Pothowari
 Hindko
 Jhangvi
 Shahpuri
 Pahari
 Majhi
 Saraiki
Dresses
Costumes of Punjab are an indication of the bright and vibrant culture and lifestyle of the people.
The costumes are a mix of colours, comfort and beauty and Punjab is well known for the use of
phulkari in its costumes. In most of the villages of Punjab men wear Pagri(turban), dhoti/lacha,
kurta, khusa. Women wear gharara, or choridar pajama or colorful shalwar kameez, paranda,
choli/duppata, khusa, kola puri chappal or tillay wali jutti. Whereas in urban areas of Punjab men
and women follow latest trends and fashion, generally they wear different styles of shalwar
kameez.
Cuisine
The extensive cuisine of Punjab can be

vegetarian and non-vegetarian. One commonality
between all Punjabi dishes is the liberal usage of
ghee or clarified butter spices and Punjabis are
fond of sweet-meats also. Most Punjabi food is
eaten with either rice or roti.
There are some dishes that are exclusive to

Punjab such as Mah Di Dal, Paratha, Makai ki
rotti, Saron Da Saag, and in cities Choley,
Haleem, Baryani and other spicy dishes are
popular. In beverages, tea is consumed in all
seasons and as a custom most of Punjabis serve
tea to their guests. Punjabis are also fond of Zarda, Gulab-Jamuns, Kheer, Jalaibi, Samosy,
Pakorey etc. During summers people drink lassi, doodh-soda, aloo bokharey ka sharbat,
lemonade etc. These cuisines have become world-wide delicacies with large scale
representation.
Sports
Punjabi people have fanatical interest in sports. Punjabis are fond of kabaddi, and wrestling,
which is also popular in other parts of Pakistan and it’s also played on national level. Other
games being played in Punjab region include Gilli-Danda, Khoo-Khoo, Yassu-Panju, Pitho-
Garam, Ludo, Chuppan-Chupai, Baraf-Panni, Kanchy and some major sports include cricket,
boxing, horse-racing, hockey and football. National Horse and Cattle Show at Lahore is the
biggest festival where sports, exhibitions, and livestock competitions are held.
KABADI: Punjabi Cultural Game

Cultural Festivals
There are numerous festivals which are celebrated by Punjabi people including some religious
festivals such as Eid-Milad-Un-Nabi, Jumu’ah, Laylat-ul-Qadr etc. Urcs, which are held at the
shirnes of sufi saints, Melas and Nomaish. The Provincial capital Lahore is widely popular for its
entertaining events and activities. Lahori’s are famous all over the country for their celebrations
particularly for Basant festival in the spring season. Other festivals celebrated in Punjab region
include Baisakhi, Teej, Kanak Katai etc.
Dance and Music
Bhangra is most commonly known Punjabi music

genre and dance style. Punjabis passionately love
folk songs/music, Qawali and Punjabi music is
recognized throughout the world. The Tabla, Dhol,
Dholki, Chimta, Flute and Sitar are all common
instruments of this delightful culture. Punjabi
dance is based around happiness, energy and
enthusiasm. Different forms of dance in Punjab
are: Loddi, Dhamal, Sammi, Kikli, Gatka,
Bhangra, Giddha and Dandiya. Punjabi dances
have been embraced by the American culture and
others alike and now they are one of the most
appreciated art forms.
Customs and Rituals
Some of the customs followed in Punjab have no foundation in Islam. However, the Punjabi
culture has adopted those ceremonies and traditions from Hindu culture.
Birth Rituals
Punjabis celebrate birth of their child with great enthusiasm. Grandfather or grandmother or
some respected elder member from the family puts honey with their index finger in child’s
mouth called Ghutii. Sweets are distributed among friends and relatives and people bring gifts
for the child and mother. Generally, on 7thday child’s head is shaven and Aqiqa ceremony is
held, also sheep/goat is slaughtered.
Punjabi Weddings
Punjabi weddings are based on traditions and are

conducted with strong reflection of the Punjabi
culture followed by several pre-wedding customs
and rituals. Punjabi weddings are very loud,
energetic, full of music, colors, fancy-dresses,
food and dancing. Punjabi weddings have many
customs and ceremonies that have evolved since
traditional times. In cities the wedding are
celebrated following a blend of modern and
traditional customs and the ceremony generally
lasts for 3days, Mehndi, Barat and Walima,
followed by Chauti.
Funeral Rituals
At funerals after namaz-e-janaza it is customary to offer lunch to people who came for
condolence. On 3rdday of the funeral, Qul is held and every following Thursday the Quran is
recited followed by prayers for deceased and after 40days the chaliswaan is held. After which the
funeral is over. Some families observe anniversaries yearly. There is no formal dress code for
Punjabi funerals however people mostly wear shalwar kameez and casual clothing is observed.
Funerals of Shia families are more intense. Both men and women wear black shalwar-kameez
and rigorous crying and screaming is a common occurrence at such funerals.
Literature
Punjab is very rich with literature and Sufis

adds more in its literature. Punjabi poetry is
renowned for its extremely deep meaning,
beautiful and hopeful use of words. The large
number of Punjabi poetry is being translated
throughout the world into many languages.
Some famous poets of Punjabi are Sultan
Bahu, Mia Mohammad Baksh, Baba Farid,
Shah Hussain, Anwar Masood etc. Waris
Shah, whose contribution to Punjabi literature
is best-known for his seminal work in Heer
Ranjha, known as Shakespeare of Punjabi language. Bulleh Shah was a Punjabi Sufi poet, a
humanist and a philosopher. The verse from Bulleh Shah primarily employed is called the Kafi, a
style of Punjabi. Some other popular folk tales of Punjab include Sassi-Punnu, Sohni Mahiwal
etc. that are passing through generations.
Arts and Crafts
Punjab is the major manufacturing industry in Pakistan’s economy and here each art enjoys a
place of its own. The main crafts created in the highlands and other rural areas of Punjab are
basketry, pottery, which are famous for their modern and traditional designs all over the world
and are included in the best formations of Punjabis. bone work, textile, cloth woven on
handlooms with stunning prints is embroidered in the rural-areas and the weavers produce
colorful cloths like cotton, silk etc. embroidery, weaving, carpets, stone craft, jewelry, metal
work along with truck art and other wood works. The craft of Punjab is its fundamental soul and
its craft create its entity.

Punjabi Culture

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Punjabi Culture

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Punjabi Culture

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PUNJABI CULTURE

Punjab is the biggest land area of

Punjabi Culture is one of the oldest in

The extensive cuisine of Punjab can be

There are some dishes that are exclusive to

KABADI: Punjabi Cultural Game

Dance and Music

Bhangra is most commonly known Punjabi music

Customs and Rituals

Punjabi weddings are based on traditions and are

Punjab is very rich with literature and Sufis

You might also like