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 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.
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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, 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
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.
