Geographically, the North West region of India is known as Punjab. This is called the land of five rivers as the word Punjab is made up of two words 'Panj'+ 'Aab' where 'Panj' means five in Punjabi and 'Aab' mean rivers in Punjabi.
The language finds a place of pride in many countries including Canada where it is the fourth most spoken language. The Punjabi Culture is the culture of the Punjabi people who are now distributed throughout the world. Some of the main areas include, Punjabi Philosophy, poetry, spirituality, education, artistry, music, cuisine, science, technology, military warfare, architecture, traditions, values and history.
Punjabi, as noted above, is spoken as a minority language in several other countries, including Afghanistan, as well as many nations where Punjabis have emigrated in large numbers, such as Britain, Canada, Australia and the United States.
However, Punjabi culture much like its Bengali counterpart, suffered a split between India and Pakistan during the Partition of 1947. As such, Punjabi language and culture tend to be uniting factors for the people of India and Pakistan in spite of national and religious affiliations.
While most loaned words come from English, Hindi and Urdu and indirectly from Persian, Punjabis around the world have integrated terms from such languages as Spanish and Dutch.
Punjabi Cuisine
Tandoori chicken is a popular dish in Punjabi cuisine.
Punjabi Cuisine has an immense range of dishes and has become world-leader in the field so much so that many entrepreneurs that have invested in the sector have built large personal fortunes due to popularity of Punjabi Cuisine throughout the world.
GUIDE ON HOW TO COOK CHAPATI :
MOST FAMOUS PUNJABI DRINK :
Punjabi Dances / Bhangra
Punjabi Dances, due to the long history of the Punjabi culture and of the Punjabi people there is a large number of dances. These dances are normally performed at times of celebration the most prominent being at Punjabi weddings, where the elation is usually particularly intense.
The particular background of the dances can be non-religious and religious. The overall style can range from very high energy to more reserved, however the common elements make it particularly attractive to the viewers whether they be of Punjabi heritage or not, the allure is considered universal. Punjabi dances are designed for either men or women.
Most popular Punjabi dances are Bhangra, Giddha, Jhumar, Luddi, Dankara Julli, Sammi, Dhamal, Jaago, Kikli and Gatka.
A Punjabi wedding reception
Main article: Punjabi wedding traditions
Punjabi wedding traditions and ceremonies are traditionally conducted in Punjabi and are a strong reflection of Punjabi culture.
While the actual religious marriage ceremony, among Hindus, Sikhs , Mus lims may be conducted in Sanskrit, Punjabi, Arabic by the Pundit, Kazi, Granthi or Priest.
There are commonalities in ritual, song, dance, food, dress. The Punjabi wedding has many rituals and ceremonies that have evolved since traditional times.
While the actual religious marriage ceremony, among Hindus, Sikhs , Mus lims may be conducted in Sanskrit, Punjabi, Arabic by the Pundit, Kazi, Granthi or Priest.
There are commonalities in ritual, song, dance, food, dress. The Punjabi wedding has many rituals and ceremonies that have evolved since traditional times.
For Sikhs, marriage is “Anand Karaj”, a ceremony of bliss. It is a simple but elegant ritual that is usually held in Gurudwara or other wedding halls.
Generally the preparation starts a week before the actual day of marriage. More preference is given to arranged marriages than love marriages among Sikhs. Usually the parents look for a suitable match among the community and the preparation begins once a suitable match is found.
Generally the preparation starts a week before the actual day of marriage. More preference is given to arranged marriages than love marriages among Sikhs. Usually the parents look for a suitable match among the community and the preparation begins once a suitable match is found.
The first step in a Sikh wedding is the purchase of Rumalla Sahib, a set of four pieces of cloth to be used to cover the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy text of Sikhs. The bride’s grandparents and uncles publically acknowledge the mark of wedding by purchasing clothes and jewelleries and hosting one day meal.
The Engagement or “Kurmai”:
This formal engagement is usually conducted either at Gurudwara or at the groom’s house. The families of the bride and groom exchange gifts like clothes, traditional sweets and jewellery.The bride’s father gives the groom a gold ring, bangle and gold coins. The bride wears these gold coins around her neck which is a tradition similar to the “mangalsutra” seen among Hindu women.
“Chunni” or Wedding Veil:
After the engagement the groom’s family visit the bride’s house for a ceremony called “Chunni” or Wedding Veil. Only close relatives and friends attend this ceremony.
The groom’s mother and aunts give the bride a “Chunni”or the wedding veil at this time. The bride is also given clothes and jewellery. The groom’s mother applies “Mehendi” (Henna) on the bride’s palm.
After the engagement the bride and groom are confined to their respective homes up to the date of marriage but now days this confinement is usually for one day only. The confinement period is called “Maiya” which is celebrated by the ladies singing with their drums.
The groom’s mother and aunts give the bride a “Chunni”or the wedding veil at this time. The bride is also given clothes and jewellery. The groom’s mother applies “Mehendi” (Henna) on the bride’s palm.
After the engagement the bride and groom are confined to their respective homes up to the date of marriage but now days this confinement is usually for one day only. The confinement period is called “Maiya” which is celebrated by the ladies singing with their drums.
“Vatna” Ceremony:
This ritual is conducted a few days before the actual day of wedding. In this tradition the female relatives of the bride and groom apply a scented powder consisting of turmeric, sandal, barley flour, rose water on their bodies which are followed by an auspicious bath.
“Gana” Ceremony:
In this pre wedding ritual, a red thread is tied to the right wrist of the groom and left wrist of the bride at their respective houses. It is believed that this practice is to protect the two from ill effects.
“Jaggo” Ceremony:
This ceremony is performed by the maternal relatives of the bride. They join in the late hours before the wedding day. The maternal aunt of the bride carries a decorated copper vessel with lights or “dhiyas”made of wheat flour.
The aunt carries this vessel after lighting and another woman carries a long stick with bells or “ghungroos.”The ladies in group then visit the nearby relatives in the village and perform their traditional dance “giddha.”
The aunt carries this vessel after lighting and another woman carries a long stick with bells or “ghungroos.”The ladies in group then visit the nearby relatives in the village and perform their traditional dance “giddha.”
“Gharoli” Ceremony:
This ceremony is observed in the morning of the wedding day by the sister-in –law of the groom and other female relatives.
They go to Gurdwara or a nearby well to fill water in an earthen pot,“Gharoli.”This water is used to bath the groom on the wedding day. The bride also performs a similar bathing in her house.
They go to Gurdwara or a nearby well to fill water in an earthen pot,“Gharoli.”This water is used to bath the groom on the wedding day. The bride also performs a similar bathing in her house.
“Chura”or the Bangle Ceremony:
This pre wedding ritual is conducted at the bride’s residence. The maternal uncle and aunt give the bride white and red bangles which are tied with gold and silver ornaments.
“Milni” or Wedding Ceremony:
On the wedding day the groom’s sisters tie a floral veil or “sehera”to his forehead. The relatives adorn his neck with currency notes. The groom wears a long coat and the male members wear pink turbans. Before leaving to the bride’s house the groom’s sisters-in law apply surma or “kohl.”
Similarly bridal make up is done in the bride’s house by their sisters and friends. They tie golden metal plates or “kalerian” to her bangles. She wears a lehenga-chunni or salwar-kameez, a hair ornament or “tikka”and a nose ring or “nath.”She also wears other ornaments and gets ready to expect her groom.
Similarly bridal make up is done in the bride’s house by their sisters and friends. They tie golden metal plates or “kalerian” to her bangles. She wears a lehenga-chunni or salwar-kameez, a hair ornament or “tikka”and a nose ring or “nath.”She also wears other ornaments and gets ready to expect her groom.
The groom accompanied with friends and relatives leaves for the bride’s house on horseback or in car as in many places, the party then arrive at the bride’s house with music and dance. The family members of both bride and groom exchange garlands and gifts.
The procession then go to a Gurudwara or other wedding hall for the wedding ceremony “Anand Karaj.”After serving breakfast for all, the bride and groom sit together to attend the Guru Granth Sahib Kirtan.The men and women sit separately with legs crossed.
The procession then go to a Gurudwara or other wedding hall for the wedding ceremony “Anand Karaj.”After serving breakfast for all, the bride and groom sit together to attend the Guru Granth Sahib Kirtan.The men and women sit separately with legs crossed.
The groom’s sister or other female relative drapes a shall or turban cloth around his shoulders and he holds the end with his right hand. The bride’s father or other acting on his behalf holds the other end and gives it to her to hold it by her left hand. The bride and groom circle the Guru Granth Sahib four times. The groom leads the bride with a sword in his hand. The priest of the Gurudwara sings hymns from the Granth and after the fourth round, they are declared as husband and wife. All those assembled there bless the couple and give gifts. The ceremony is ended after a grand feast.
Post Wedding Ceremony or “Vidaai”:
This ceremony is a very emotional affair to the bride as she moves to depart from the house; she throws back rice or wheat over her shoulders to wish prosperity and well being to her parents.
PUNJABI WEDDING WITH THE SOUND OF DHOL
WEDDING CAR
PICTURES OF THE BRIDE
TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENT
Punjabi celebration of any kind is incomplete without the sound of dhol. Punjabi's, in any part of the world, have to have dhol players in every happy occasion to have a wholesome Punjabi style celebration.
However, till recently, finding dhol players in western countries used to be very difficult. Punjabis living in UK had to go to the extent of calling dhol players all the way from India or other Asian countries to have the perfect Punjabi wedding. This involved a lot of trouble in making arrangements for their timely travel. But that time has passed and so has those troubles.
However, till recently, finding dhol players in western countries used to be very difficult. Punjabis living in UK had to go to the extent of calling dhol players all the way from India or other Asian countries to have the perfect Punjabi wedding. This involved a lot of trouble in making arrangements for their timely travel. But that time has passed and so has those troubles.
Now there are various Asian event management companies coming up in these western countries itself, which provide all types of services for the celebration of occasions like weddings, festivals and birthday parties in a traditional Punjabi way. These include expert dhol players as well. Now whenever and whatever occasion it may be, even the Punjabis living in western countries can get dhol players instantly and have a typical Punjabi celebration.
TRADITIONAL ATTIRE
FEMALE
MALE
GOLDEN TEMPLE
The golden temple in amritsar is the mainly high of every sikh shrines. Pro the sikh population the harmandir sahib gurdwara superior famous when golden temple is the ultimate devout idea.
The first Sikh maharaja, Raja Ranjit Singh, made Amritsar his divine funds while Lahore was the of time place of his just now founded going up territory.
It is adorned with piece of mirror inlaid in the ceiling and walls. Higher than is a different smaller pavilion. Delicate murals beautify the walls of the pavilions, but other than that, the accent is on plainness. Usually all sikh warrior wanted blessing here before going for war. As a site of holiness and find, the dazzling and calm golden temple india in amritsar represents one of the nearly all racially major shrines for the sikh creed.
The peripheral is at once visible meant for its golden gilded exterior and metaphorical limestone work production it the nearly all identifiable Sikh temple in India. The golden temple India is reached by a solitary walkway that juts out starting the shore of the lake. Each one should cover their head as a sign of esteem and seize off their end wear. At the doorway head scarves are provided for this intention. Easily there is a visitor's in rank agency placed here. Indoors, different shrines to past Sikh gurus and saints adorn the Sikhism temple composite. There is and a inner museum.
A stride next to the banks of the water allows you to take in the attractive setting. It is in addition a likelihood to lurch athwart the swim ritual of the Sikh faithful who bathe their soul by immerse themselves in the revered waters of the lake during the day and evening.
Many get nearer to the golden temple Amritsar looking for pious clarification and having create illusion abscond filled amid power and energy. The creation of golden temple at a junior level was a split away from the Hindu habit of constructing a temple at a top level. It be done to construct the guests go down the stepladder in order to forfeit service to the blessed shrine.
WORDS IN ENGLISH TRANSLATED TO PUNJABI
PUNJABI | ENGLISH |
Hello | Sat sri akal |
Goodbye | Sat sri akal |
See you again | Fir milaan ge Alweeda [informal] |
Thanks | Sukriya |
Please | Kirpa karke Meherbani karke |
Good | Acha |
bad | bura |
God bless | Rab rakha |
See you later | Fer milde aa |
What’s up? | Kidda? |
What’s new? | Koi navi taji? |
How’s the family? | Sare theek tak ne? |
Everything good? | Chardikala? |
You make me happy | Tusi mainu kush kar dene aa |
I love you | Mainu tuhanu pyaar kardi haa |
In English please | English wich gal karo |
Stop talking about me | Bas karo, meriyan gallan na karo |
Happy birthday | Janam din diyan vadhaiyan |
*Punjabi and Hindi language are similar. Except for a couple of words and the style of using them such as Punjabi uses TUSI whereas Hindi uses AAP both of the word has the same meaning which is YOU. Punjabi tend to be more aggressive and upbeat about their language while Hindi tend to speak on a politer note.
Are Punjabi's more culturally similar 2 Pakistani's than South Indians?
It is a completely different culture and Language between Punjabi ‘s and South Indians whereas my Pakistani people speak Urdu and Punjabi and they have the same looks with the Punjabi's. Punjabi and South Indian's seem completely different in comparison with their culture, mannerisms and looks. There really is no such thing as a true Pakistanian. When the country was formed in the 1940's the name is just an acronym for Punjabi, Afghanistan, Kashmir, India. They added stan to it and you get Pakistan. Whereas South Indians r culturally closer to Sri Lankans, as already pointed out geographical reasons.
ASSESSMENT:
1) If you are going to a Punjabi wedding what colour you are not supposed to wear?
a) Blue
b) white
c) Red
d) Grey
2) where is the Golden Temple located?
a) Punjab
b) Kerala
c) Chennai
d) Amritsar
e) chandigard
3) where does the sikh warriors asks for blessing before going for war?
a) Gurdwara
b) Golden Temple
c) Parent’s house
d) Mom
4) Who is the first sikh Maharaja?
a) Ravjit Singh
b) Ranjit Singh
c) Rajit Singh
d) Ramjit Singh
5) What is the formal attire for Punjabi girls?
a) Saree
b) Punjabi sut
c) Lengga
d) Dhoti
6) What is the traditional instrument of Punjabi culture?
a) Violin
b) Santoor
c) Dhol
d) Attan
7) Who performs on the Jaggo Caremony?
a) Groom’s relative
b) Bride’s relative
c) Bride and Groom’s relatives
8) What is the traditional food and drink for Punjabi’s?
a) Tosai | Lassi |
b) Naan | Chaai |
c) Tandoori | Chaai |
d) Chapati | Lassi |
9) Punjabi language is one of the most spoken language. What number it is?
a) 5
b) 1
c) 2
d) 4
10) Hindi and Punjabi language indirectly comes from which country?
a) Afghanistan
b) Iran
c) Pakistan
d) India
