Punjabi Culture

Punjabi culture is one of the oldest and richest cultures of the world. The scope, history, sophistication and complexity of the culture are vast.The Punjabi Culture is the culture of the Punjabi people who are now distributed throughout the world. The scope, history, sophistication and complexity of the culture are vast. Some of the main areas include, Punjabi Philosophy, poetry, spirituality, education, artistry, music, cuisine, science, technology, military warfare, architecture, traditions, values and history.Culture of Punjab is one of the distinctive cultures found anywhere around the globe. The Punjabi culture is renowned for various reasons. There is an exclusiveness and vivacity in the lifestyle of the Punjabi people. The state of Punjab is located in north-west India, which is rinsed by five rivers.

                                The People of Punjab are friendly, hospitable, hardworking and relish living. This is due to the fact that it usually bore the onslaught of attackers a number of times. In time people became to live in their present times by enjoying life. And soon eating became a part of their joys of life. There is a verse to epitomise their colourful nature.Punjabi songs are full of melody. The beats of drum (dhol) and the rhythm of the steel spoon on the dholak is a simple style but adds to the exuberance of Punjabi music. The dance styles of Punjab has more flavor with its bhangra, giddha, kikli and sammi.

Dance and songs are very much compulsory during get togethers and festivals. The festivals of Punjab makes the culture more interesting. Bhangra” is one of the most famous dance forms of Punjab. With the loud drumming of the dholak, people dance with zeal to the tunes of the music. “Giddha” is another important variant of dance practiced by Punjabi women. Bolis are lyrically sung and danced by women. Other popular dance forms are Jhumar, Dhankara and Gatka. Irrespective of age or religion, Punjabis love to dance and enjoy themselves to mark festivity. Folk music is the soul of Punjabi culture. Folk music comprises of simple musical instruments like dholak and dhol drum. Punjabi music relates to the zestful people of Punjab. Bhangra is a popular music form of Punjab. Boliyas are sung and music is played in tune with the lyrics. Punjabi songsat the wedding range from emotional interludes to very peppy beats, where there is a constant chiding of the bride and groom. A sense of humor is essential to enjoy the wedding songs.

The traditional attire of people is Kurta-pyjama with turban for men. Women prefer Patiala suits as part of their traditional attire. However, the younger generation prefers trendy attire as per the fashion scenario. The NRI population has been a major influece regarding attire of the Punjabis. There is a riot of colors in the pagdi-turban and phulkari dupattas, that comes out during the Baisakhi festival. The traditional dress of the Punjabis comprising of the salwar-kameez for women and lehenga-kurta with a waistcoast has many colors and styling. Turban styles can be explored and is compulsory for all Sikhs.Duppatta-a part of Punjabi dress- has very much importance in the life of Punjabi girls. The Duppatta increases elegance and gravity of the Punjabi women. As it is a part of Salwaar Kameez- a Punjabi dress- the dress is incomplete without a duppatta. One can purchase fashionable duppattas from the markets of Punjab. Some of the fashion shows are also being organized in Punjab, which showcase influence the importance of the duppatta in Punjabi life. Punjabis are known for their keen interest in dress sense and up to date fashion essentials. They love to participate in all events and are sportive by nature. The balance is well maintained by yielding to western influences of pop culture in their bhangra beats and showing allegiance to God in the chants of Gurbani.

Punjabis are renowned for their utmost interest in arts and crafts. Art and craft of Punjab- Punjab art is described as a creation or expression of something beautiful especially in visual form and many a time in Art and craft. Many phrases have decorative designs and handicrafts. Many things which are associated with art and craft of Punjab are known all over the world for their quality and beauty.Women used to weave wollen attire for everybody in the family. “Phulkari” is recognized worldwide for its intricate work. Shawls in silk are carefully hand-woven using traditional motifs as designs. Other famous crafts of the region include lacquer work, wooden work, Calico painting, paper mache` and many more. Wooden furniture is beautifully crafted by artisans with exquisite craftsmanship.

Museums in Punjab-Punjab museums possess an extensive range of paintings and sculptures by many Indian artists as well as a collection of Indian miniatures of the Mughal Rajsathani, Pahari and Sikh schools. The museums also house a fine collection of medals and arm, as these are objects of princely states with sections on Archaeology, Anthropology, Tribal and folk arts depicting different concepts and scopes in the patterns of Art and Culture. Punjab also has leading academic institutions and scope for education. The main occupation is agriculture which is well irrigated and abounds with produce specific to the season. The state is self sufficient and there is a great deal of effort by the Punjabis to maintain their culture.