THE MAGICAL LAND OF THE PUNJAB

BY:

SRINJOY DAS

M.A. TOURISM ADMINISTRATION

SEMESTER-2

AMITY UNIVERSITY JAIPUR

INTRODUCTION

ETYMOLOGY

HISTORY

LANGUAGES

DRESSES

SPORTS

DANCE & MUSIC

FESTIVALS

CUISINE

ARTS & CRAFT

PUNJABI WEDDINGS

CONCLUSION

Punjab, also spelt Panjab, is a state inthe northwest of the Republic ofIndia, forming part of thelarger Punjab region. The state capitalis located in Chandigarh, a UnionTerritory and also the capital of theneighbouring state of Haryana.Punjab is the only state in India witha majority Sikh population.Punjabi Culture is the culture of thePunjab region. It is one of the oldestin world history, dating from ancientantiquity to the modern era. Thescope, history, sophistication andcomplexity of the culture are vast.Some of the main areas include:Punjabi Philosophy, poetry,spirituality, education, artistry, music,cuisine, architecture, traditions andvalues and history.

The term Punjab comprisestwo words: "punj meaning fiveand ab meaning water, thusthe land of five rivers.”The Greeks referred to Punjabas Pentapotamia, an inlanddelta of five converging rivers.In Avesta, the sacred textof Zoroastrians, the Punjabregion is associated with theancient hapta həndu or SaptaSindhu, the Land of SevenRivers. Historically, the Punjabregion has been the gatewayto the India Subcontinent formost foreign invaders.

During the period when the epic Mahabharata was written around 800–400 BCE, Punjab was known as Trigarta and ruled by Katoch kings. The Indus Valley Civilization spanned much of the Punjab region with cities such as Harappa (modern-day Punjab, Pakistan). The Vedic Civilization spread along the length of the Saraswati River to cover most of Northern India including Punjab.

Its culture combines Hindu, Buddhist, Isla mic, Afghan, Sikh and British influences.

Punjab flourished significantlyduring the reign of the great Mughalemperor, Babar. The prosperitycontinued under Maharaja RanjitSingh’s(1780-1838 AD) rule. But itsaw a major downfall in 1947, whenthe partition of the nation shrankthe boundaries Indian Punjabresulting in a great loss of land &resources. At present, the state isjust a fourth of its original area.

Post-independence, Punjab hasmade considerable economicprogress. It contributes nearly two-thirds of the total production offood grains & a third of milkproduction in the country.

Punjabi is the provincial language of Punjab. It is spoken as thefirst language by majority people in Punjab, even spoken andunderstood in areas beyond the confines of Punjab. Urdulanguage is also commonly spoken in this region. Key Punjabilanguages/dialects are:

Pothowari

Hindko

Jhangvi

Shahpuri

Pahari

Majhi

Saraiki

Costumes of Punjab are an indication of the brightand vibrant culture and lifestyle of the people.

The costumes are a mix of colours, comfort andbeauty and Punjab is well known for the use ofphulkari(embroidery) in its costumes. In most ofthe villages of Punjab men wear pagri(turban),dhoti/lacha, kurta, khusa. Women wear gharara,or choridar pajama or colorful salwar kameez,paranda, duppata, khusa, kolhapuri chappa.Whereas in the urban areas of Punjab men andwomen follow the latest trends and fashion.

Punjabi people have a fanatical interest insports. Punjabis are fond of kabaddi, andwrestling, which is also popular in other partsof India and it’s also played on national level.Other games being played in Punjab regioninclude: Gilli-Danda, Khoo-Khoo, Yassu-Panju,Pitho-Garam, Ludo, Chuppan-Chupai, Baraf-Panni, Kanche and some major sports includecricket, boxing, horse-racing, hockey andfootball.

Due to the long history of the Punjabi culture and of thePunjabi people, there is a large number of dances. . Thesedances are normally performed at times of celebration themost prominent being at Punjabi weddings, where the elationis usually particularly intense. Qawwali and Punjabi music isrecognized throughout the world. The Tabla, Dhol, Dholki,Chimta, Flute and Sitar are all common instruments of thisdelightful culture. Punjabi dance is based around happiness,energy and enthusiasm.

Common female Punjabi dances are: Sammi, Giddha, Jaago,Kikli, Luddi.

Common male Punjabi dances are: Bhangra, Malwai Giddha,Dhamal, Jhumar, Luddi, Jalli, Mirza, Sial Koti, Jugni, Khichan,Dankara, Khatka(Sword Dance).

Just like other states of India, Punjabcelebrates some diverse and uniquefestivals every year. Each of thesefestivals has some or other religiouslegends associated with it. Punjabipeople believe in celebrating anyfestive occasion to the hilt. So, everyfestival is marked traditional songs,energetic dances, and deliciousrecipes. The festive season of Punjabis just the ideal time to listen to therenowned artists of the Indiansubcontinent performing live. Thetraditional music and folklore makefor the perfect ambiance and providesan opportunity to the celebrators todrench themselves in the contagiousspirit of this amazingly fascinatingstate. Let us explore the majorfestivals of Punjab in detail.

BAISAKHI FESTIVAL

Baisakhi marks the beginning of "New Year "in Punjab. It is celebrated to commemorate the ripeningof winter (rabi) harvest and in turn, honor the hard work of farmers. It is observed on 13th of Aprilevery year and marks the time of festivities and gaiety among the inhabitants of Punjab. More

LOHRI

Lohri is the winter harvest festival of Punjab, celebrated widely throughout the state. It is the festivalof fertility and is associated with the worship of the God of Fire (Lord Agni). According to the Hinducalendar, Lohri falls on 13th January every year, at a time when the earth is closest to the sun. More

HOLLA MOHALLA

Holla Mohalla derives its name from the Punjabi word "Mohalla”, meaning an organized procession inthe form of an army column, accompanied by war drums and standard -bearers. This festival iscelebrated in a spectacular manner in all parts of Punjab, especially in Muktsar and Anandpur Sahib.

GURUPURAB FESTIVAL

Punjab is a land of high devotion and theism. Sikh Gurus are highly revered across the state. It is in the honor and respect of their gurus only that Punjabis observe Gurpurab every year. Gurupurabsseek to celebrate either the birthday or the martyrdom of the Sikh Gurus. There are a number of guru purabs observed in Punjab.

The extensive cuisine of Punjab can be vegetarian andnon-vegetarian. One commonality between all Punjabidishes is the liberal usage of ghee or clarified butter &spices. Punjabis are fond of sweet-meats also. MostPunjabi food is eaten with either rice or roti. There aresome dishes that are exclusive to Punjab such as Mah DiDal, Paratha, Makai ki rotti, Sarson Da Saag, and in citiesCholey, Haleem, Biryani and other spicy dishes arepopular. In beverages, tea is consumed in all seasonsand as a custom most Punjabis serve tea to their guests.Punjabis are also fond of Zarda, Gulab-Jamuns, Kheer,Jalebi, Samosey, Pakorey, etc. During summers peopledrink lassi, doodh-soda, aloo bokharey ka sharbat,lemonade, etc. These cuisines have become world-widedelicacies with large scale representation.

Punjab is rich in its craft and art. The Punjabi people give a lot ofsignificance to their artistic quality and to their jobs, which may be anysmall detail. Their talent is reflected in those things which are even not sonoticeable, for example day to day wears, shoes, carpets etc. Their artistryis highly praised throughout the globe. Things made of mud are popularlyproduced in rural areas of the state since ancient period. There is a fashion,in the state’s homes, of plastering their walls with mud upon which motifsor various designs are created.Another very famous practice in the state is the work of metals. Metallicutensils are commonly used in houses of the state, as well as for holy uses.Handicrafts made by the carpenters of Punjab that are also quite famous inNorthern India are Peeras (also Peerians), pidhis, wooden toys andattractive boxes. Thin glass’ straws are made use of in basketry, anothervery famous craft of Punjab. The straws are also skillfully woven into mats,carpets, hand fans, rugs and curtains. Another widely adopted work here isembroidery, which is known by different names locally. Phulkari which is acomplex task is very famous and mostly, girls from villages do this elaboratejob. Many different handicrafts are there specific of the region and thefamous ones are described below.

A Punjabi Wedding is very vibrant andcelebrated like a big carnival, exhibitingsplendid grandeur. A Punjabi weddingceremony begins with Roka which is verymuch like an engagement ceremony whereboth the family for the first time formallyannounces the prospective marriage. TheRoka is then followed by celebrations like‘Sagan’ and ‘Chunni Chadana’ performed atthe groom’s and bride’s family respectively.The joy of a Punjabi wedding begins withthe Sangeet and Mehndi ceremony fromwhere the real fun and frolic starts.Bhangras and Giddas make a Punjabiwedding more colorful. Like other Hinduweddings phere and kanyadaan areimportant rituals of a Punjabi Wedding. APunjabi Wedding ceremony solemnizes withMangal Pheras and the bride is departed toher in laws home that very day.

Punjabi culture is one of theoldest and richest cultures ofthe world. The scope, history,sophistication and complexity ofthe culture are vast. The scope,history, sophistication andcomplexity of the culture arevast. Some of the main areasinclude Punjabi philosophy,poetry, spirituality, education,artistry, music, cuisine, science,technology, military warfare,architecture, traditions, valuesand history. The Punjabi cultureis renowned for variousreasons. There is anexclusiveness and vivacity in thelifestyle of the Punjabi people.

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