Punjabi Culture

Punjab (the land of five rivers) 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 inNankana Sahib, a district of Punjab so Sikh from different parts of world come and visits Punjab.Jahngir tombandBadshahi Masjidin 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 Punjabis 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 (biradaris), 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 most widely spoken language in Pakistan. Punjabi is the provincial language in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. Punjabi is spoken as a native language by over 44.15% of Pakistanis. About 70.0% of the people of Pakistan speak Punjabi as either their first or second language, and for some as their third language.Lahore, the capital of the Punjab Province of Pakistan, is the largest Punjabi-speaking city in the world. 86% of the total population of Lahore is native Punjabi andIslamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is 71% native Punjabis at 3rd after Faisalabad where 76% are native Punjabi speakers.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 SaraikiDresses:Costumes of Punjabare 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(embroidery) 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 its 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.Cultural Festivals:There are numerous festivals which are celebrated by Punjabi people including some religious festivals such as Eid-Milad-Un-Nabi, Jumuah, Laylat-ul-Qadr etc. Urcs (devotional fairs),which are held at the shirnes of sufi saints, Melas and Nomaish (exhibitions).The Provincial capital Lahore is widely popular for its entertaining events and activities. Lahoris are famous all over the country for their celebrations particularly forBasant festival (kite flying) 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.

Punjabi dances:Punjabi dancesare an array of folk and religiousdancesof thePunjabi peopleindigenous to thePunjab region, straddling the border ofIndiaandPakistan. The style of Punjabi dances ranges from very high energy to slow and reserved, and there are specific styles for men and women. Some of the dances are secular while others are presented in religious contexts.The dances are typically performed at times of celebration, such as Harvest (Visakhi),Weddings, Melas (Festivals) likeLohri, Jashan e Baharan (Spring Festival) etc., at which everyone is encouraged to dance. Married Punjabi couples usually dance together. The husband dances in the style of male Punjabi dances, frequently with arms raised, and the wife dances in the style of female Punjabi dances.Main Punjabi folk dance for men or for all isBhangda or Bhangraand for females isGiddha or Giddhah.

Common Punjabi Folk Dances for "Females"

Punjabi Girls dancing Sammi Giddha Jaago Kikli Luddi

Common Punjabi Folk Dances forMales

Dhamaal Dance Bhangra Malwai Giddha Jhumar Luddi Jalli Mirza Sial Koti Jugni Khichan Dhamal Dankara Khatka (Sword Dance)Common Punjabi Folk Dances forMales and Females

Bhangra team Bhangra Karthi Jindua Dandass

Custums 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 childs mouth called Ghutii. Sweets are distributed among friends and relatives and people bring gifts for the child and mother. Generally on 7thday childs 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 (dholki,mayun,ubtan etc.)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 (Nikkah+Ruksati) and Walima, followed by Chauti (bringing the bride back to her parents home the next day).

Important wedding songs:

Pakistani Punjabis at a wedding

Songs of the bridegroom's sideMangane di geet: sung at the time of engagementManeve de gaon: songs sung to welcome the bridegroomGharouli de geet: sung while filling the pitcher (gharouli) for Bride/Bridegroom's bath before the wedding Chounki charanvele de geet: songs sung when the bridegroom sits on the chounki wooden bathing seat Sohhle: songs of happiness and joy Ghoriyaan: sung at the time of riding to the bride's house Sehra: sung at the time of tying the bridegrooms flower-veil Kangana: sung when the bride and bridegroom enter the house together for the first time.Songs of the bride's side: Suhag: which is sung by the bride in praise of her parents and the happy days of her childhood and in anticipation of happy days ahead. Jaggo: procession song to call the neighbours to the wedding. Churra charan vele da geet: sung when the chura, ceremonial bangles are worn by the bride. Janj: sung when the janj, marriage procession, is to be greeted. Milni: sung at the ritual introduction of the two sides. Ghenne de geet: sung when the bride is adorned with jewels. Siftan: song in praise of the bridegroom Chhandh: evolved from poetry, songs of joy.Sitthniyan (crude, teasing songs): Song sung when the bridegroom's procession is being welcomed. Song sung when the wari, or gifts from the bridegrooms side, are being exhibited. Song sung when the groom's party sits down to the meal. Song sung when the daaj, dowry or the bridal gifts, are being displayed.Others Lavan Phere: sung at the time of the actual wedding ritual. Maiya: sung when the girl is preparing for the wedding and is bathed by the women at home. It goes for both men and women. Vedi de geet: sung while erecting the marriage pandal. Khatt: sung at the time the maternal grandparents present gifts to the bride on an overturned tokra, or basket. Pani vaarna: welcoming the bride to her new home. Bidaigi: sung when the bride is being sent off in the doli. Ghughrian: sung when the doli arrives at the groom s house. Shahana: sung by mirasis in praise of the bridegroom. Til Methre: sung while welcoming the bride and orienting her to the family. Pattal: song sung before meal.

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 isrecited (jumah-e-raat) followed by prayers for deceased and after 40days the chaliswaan is held. After which the funeral is over. Some families observe anniversaries yearly (barsi).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 Shahwas 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 Pakistans 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 Qisse:ThePunjabi languageis famous for its rich literature ofqisse, most of the which are about love, passion, betrayal, sacrifice, social values and a common mans revolt against a larger system. In the Punjabi tradition, friendship, loyalty, love and qaul (verbal agreement or promise) are given utmost importance and most of the stories in theqissehinge on these critical elements.Qisseare attributed to have inspired folk music in Punjabi and have added depth and richness to its delivery. These traditions were passed down generations in oral or written forms and were often recited, told asbedtime storiesto children or performed musically asfolk songs.Each qissa, if performed, has its unique requirements. A person able to sing or recite one may not necessarily transmit another. Thevocal rangeson the musical scale and accurate pauses, if not performed well leaves a performer breathless and unable to continue. Most of the beats used in modern Punjabi music (often misleadingly labelledBhangra), originated fromqissatradition and recitations in old times.Qissealso boast to be among the best poetry every written in Punjabi. To date, places like theQissa Khawani Bazaar(Market of Story-tellers) inPeshawar,Pakistanare thronged by people who visit them to hear oral recitations ofqissesung by renowned performers.

Poetry based on Qisse:Waris Shah's (17221798)qissaof Heer Ranjha (formally known asQissaHeer) is among the most famous Qisse of all times. The effect ofQisseon Punjabi culture is so strong that even religious leaders and revolutionaries likeGuru Gobind SinghandBaba Farid, etc., quoted famousQissasin their messages. It will not be wrong to say that popularity and nearly divine status ofQissein Punjabi actually inspired many generations of spiritual leaders and social activists to combine the message of God with teenage love tales. This gave rise to what is known as theSufi movementin Punjab region.The most popular writer/poet to have written Punjabi SufiQissewasBulleh Shah(c.1680-1758). So popular are hisKalams(poems) that he is frequently quoted by young and old alike with same respect and on matters of both love and God. In recent times,South Asiansingers have sported these folklores on their albums, for instance, the most famous folklore duo likeKuldeep ManakandDev Tharike Walawrote and sang about almost every Qissa, and Recently,Rabbiby (Rabbi Shergill) contained Bulla Ki Jaana Main Kaun, translated in English as I know not who I am, written byBulleh Shah. A few years back another singer, (Harbhajan Maan), a Canada-based Punjabi singer rejuvenated the story of Mirza Sahiban, a work byPeelu. Daim Iqbal Daim fromMandi Bahauddin District,Pakistanalso wrote many qissas in Punjabi language like Mirza Sahiban, Laila Majnu, Sohni Mahiwal, Bilal Biti etc. Daim got popularity by writing "Shah Nama Karbla" and "Kambal Posh".Notable Qisse:Most of the Punjabiqissewere written by Muslim poets who wandered the land. The oldest were usually scripted in Urdu. Some of the most popularqisseare listed below. Mirza Sahiba byPeelu Heer Ranjha byWaris Shah Sohni Mahiwal byHashim Shah Sassi Punnun byShah Hussain Sucha Singh Soorma Shirin Farhad Yusuf Zulaikha Laila MajnuFestivals: Lahore, being the richest cultural city inPakistancelebrates a number of festivals throughout the year. It is most popular for the festivals ofBasantandMela Chiraghan, but many others are celebrated in the metropolis as well.

Basant(Jashn-e-Baharaan):

The biggest, or perhaps the best known, festival is that of Basant(or Jashn-e-Baharaan)held in February each year. Basant is a Punjabi festival celebrating the onset of the spring season and is also called theBasant Festivalof kites. This festival is celebrated with kite flying competitions all over the city especially in theAndroon-E-Shehr(The Inner Cityor theWalled City) area. The sky is literally filled with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes flown from rooftops. The kites are flown on strings calledDorrwhich is a special thread with cut glass embedded within which serves to cut the thread of competitor kites more effectively. Some of the kite-flying competitions get extremely competitive and serious. Women, on this day are seen wearing a bright yellow dress up to the hilt. This festival gained more and more importance over the years and used to attract people from all over the world.But since 2007, it has been banned. Mela Chiraghan:Mela Chiraghan or Mela Shalamar(Festival of Lights)is a three day annual festival to mark theurs(death anniversary) of thePunjabiSufipoet and saintShah Hussain. It takes place at the shrine of Shah Hussain inBaghbanpura, on the outskirts ofLahore, Pakistan, adjacent to theShalimar Gardens. The festival used to take place in the Shalimar Gardens also, until PresidentAyub Khanordered against it in 1958.The festival used to be the largest festival in thePunjab, but now comes second toBasant.National Horse & Cattle Show:The show is held atFortress Stadiumin the third week of November for 5 days. Activities in the event include cattle races, cattle dances,tent pegging, tattoo show,folk music,dances,bands, cultural floats andfolkgames.The show has been described as an eloquent expression of Pakistan's heritage and an authentic account of its agricultural and industrial achievement's. The fortress stadium, the venue of the show is thronged by active participants, foreign visitors and peoples who watch the festival with great enthusiasm, verve and aplomb. A large number of them are interested in watching and appreciating the best breeds oflivestock. Many derive pleasure by watching other activities such as display parade of animals, dances by horses and camels,polomatches, dog shows and their races, vaudeville acts of stuntmen, mass display of military band, rhythmically physical exercise by the children, decorated industrial floats and torch light tattoo shows. Additional attractions include a subtle interplay of lights to weave enticing patterns at night and breath taking acts by foreign groups. The show began as a modest exhibition organized by the army to project the cattle wealth of the country in the early fifties.Today it is an international event to which come dignitaries from abroad and visitors and foreign tourists. The organizing committee comprises representatives of a number of agencies including army, rangers, LMC schools, the police, industrialists and the art councils. World Performing Arts Festival:

Alhamra Arts Council.The World Performing Arts Festival is held every autumn (usually in November) at theAlhamra Arts Council, a large venue consisting of several theatres and amphitheatres. This ten-day festival consists of musicals, theatre, concerts, dances, solos, mime and puppet shows. The festival has an international flavour with nearly 80 percent of the shows performed by international performers. On average 15-20 different shows are performed every day of the festival. National:Pakistan Day(23 March): Military parade takes place to commemorate the anniversary ofPakistan Resolution passed on March 23, 1940.Independence Day(14 August): Meetings, processions, rallies, decorations and illustrations.Defence Day(6 September): Parades and exhibitions of military equipment. Visits to the war memorials.Air Force Day(7 September): Display of latest aircraft ofPakistan Air Forceand air shows.Religious: Eid ul-Fitr Eid ul-Adha Eid Milad-un-Nabi Shab-e-Barat Ashura