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
(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 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(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. Punjabi’s
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.
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 (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. Lahori’s are famous
all over the country for their celebrations particularly for Basant
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.
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 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 (dholki, mayun, ubtan
etc.)Punjabi weddings are very loud, energetic, and 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).
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 (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
Arts and Crafts
