Punjabi culture

Punjabi culture encompasses cuisine, science, technology, military warfare, architecture, traditions, values and history of the Punjabi people.

Middle Ages

The Shalimar Gardens in Lahore

The Punjabi culture had already been a mixture of many ethnic backgrounds due to previous and some of the most historical and threatining periods of foreign invasions. During the Middle Ages, contributions from Afghan, and Chagatai-Turkic influences were incorporated into the Punjabi culture.

Modern Era

Due to the large number of Punjabi People distributed throughout the world, especially Pakistan and India, many people are increasingly experiencing the culture and becoming influenced by it. Traditional Punjabi culture is being strengthened and expanded in the Western world (e.g. U.S., UK, EU, Canada, Australia etc.), the scope is huge, ranging from Punjabi Philosophy, poetry, spirituality, education, artistry, music, cuisine, architecture etc.

People of different languages, cultures, customs and races came to Punjab for various reasons. These immigrants were influenced by Punjabi culture.

Punjabi music

See also: Music of Punjab
Bhangra tournament concert

Bhangra is one of the many Punjabi musical art forms that is increasingly being listened to in the west and is becoming a mainstream favourite. Punjabi music is being used by western musicians, in many ways, such as mixing it with other compositions to produce award-winning music. In addition, Punjabi Classical music is increasingly becoming popular in the west.

Punjabi dances

Owing to the long history of the Punjabi culture and of the Punjabi people there is a large number of dances, normally performed at times of celebration, including harvests, festivals, and weddings. The particular background of the dances can be non-religious and religious. The overall style can range from the high energy "Bhangra" men's dance to the more reserved "Jhumar," the "Gidha" women's dance.

Punjabi Wedding

Punjabi people at a wedding

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 Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains may be conducted in Arabic, Punjabi, Sanskrit, by the Qazi, Pundit, 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.

Punjabi cuisine

See also: 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. "Sarso ka saag" and "Maki ki roti" are examples of well-known dishes. Chole- bature also is among the famous dishes from Punjab cuisine.

More popular dishes include, naan, butter chicken, mutter paneer, tandoori, samosas, pakoras. Yogurt is used as a side to almost every dish. Even though there are varieties of sweets, rasgulla, barfi and gulab jamun are considered very popular.

Punjabi literature

Punjabi Poetry is renowned for its deep meaning, beautiful, exciting and hopeful use of words. The poetry is one of the clearest views into the Punjabi mindset. Many works are being translated throughout the world into many languages. Famous Punjabi poets.One of the Most important Punjabi literature is Guru Granth Sahib.

Punjabi dress

See also: Punjabi Tamba and Kurta, Punjabi Salwar Suit, Punjabi Ghagra and Patiala salwar

The traditional dress for Punjabi men is the Punjabi Kurta and Tehmat which is being replaced by the kurta and pajama, especially the popular Muktsari style in India. The traditional dress for women is the Punjabi Salwar Suit which replaced the traditional Punjabi Ghagra. The Patiala salwar is also very popular.

Punjabi Festivals

Punjabis celebrate cultural, seasonal and religious festivals, which include Maghi, Mela Chiraghan, Lohri, Holi, Vaisakhi, Teeyan, Diwali, Dussehra, and Guru Nanak Jayanti .

See also

References

    External links