Punjabi Culture Essay Example

of language, Pakistan is a diverse nation where no single language dominates among the entire population. Each major language has significance in specific regions. The native languages spoken in Pakistan comprise Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Seraiki, Kashmiri Brahui Hindko , and Potohohari.

The national language of Pakistan is Urdu, one of the official languages along with English. While only about 8% of Pakistanis consider Urdu their primary language, a majority speak it as a second or third language. Pakistan offers diverse attractions such as adventure tourism in the Northern Areas and cultural and archaeological tourism in destinations like Taxila, Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Swat. Additionally, Multan, Lahore, Thatta, and Peshawar showcase early Mughal and Muslim heritage.

Pakistan is a country that offers various adventures and natural beauties, ranging from the majestic Karakorams in the North to the expansive alluvial delta of the Indus River in the South. The general population is known for their peaceful nature. The love for poetry is not limited to one region; almost all provincial languages in Pakistan have contributed to its legacy. Poetry holds a significant position as an art form in the country. Since Pakistan's independence in 1947 and Urdu becoming the national language, poetry has predominantly been written in Urdu and regional languages. Urdu has a rich tradition of poetry, with Dr.

Allama Muhammad Iqbal is considered the National Poet of Pakistan. In addition to Urdu poetry, Pakistani poetry also incorporates and influences other regional languages. Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, Seraiki, and Pashto poetry have all had an impact on Pakistani poetry. The range of Pakistani music includes various provincial folk music and traditional styles like Qawwali and

Ghazal Gayeki, as well as modern forms that combine traditional and western music, such as the fusion of Qawwali and western music by the globally acclaimed Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Pakistan is home to several famous folk singers, including the late Alam Lohar, who is also well-known in Indian Punjab. Folk dances are still popular in the country and vary according to region. In Punjab, the folk dances are Bhangra, Luddi, and Sammi, while Jhoomar is the folk dance of the Seraiki region. Balochistan's most popular folk dances are Lewa and Chap, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa features Attan, Khattak dance, and Chitrali dance. In Sindh, Dhammal and Ho Jamalo are the popular folk dances.

Both Western-style clothing and the national dress, shalwar-qameez, are worn in Pakistan. Shalwar-qameez is more commonly seen in rural and urban areas. The attire varies for men and women. Men typically wear solid colors and may add a coat for formal events. Women's shalwar-qameez outfits feature brighter colors, bolder patterns, and more tailored designs. Women also adorn a headscarf called a dupatta and sometimes drape another long scarf over their shoulders.

Men only wear shorts during athletic activities while women never do so. Handshakes are the most common form of greeting in Pakistan; however close friends may embrace if they haven't seen each other in a long time.

In terms of social customs, it is considered inappropriate for a man to shake hands with a woman. It is customary to address people by their title and last name. Regular visits among friends and family are highly valued and promoted. Hospitality plays a crucial role in making guests

feel welcome. In smaller groups, each person receives personalized greetings, emphasizing the significance of personal relationships. The family serves as the central core of social life and support. While modernization has led to greater female involvement in public life, men still hold the dominant role as heads of households.

The extended family often lives together in the same household, consisting of a father, mother, their sons, and the son's family. The male head of the family has a significant influence over all members, but women are increasingly involved in decision-making. Respect for the elderly is extremely important. Pakistani cuisine reflects its diverse population by featuring both meat and vegetables. Chapati or roti is a key element of the Pakistani diet. Additionally, Pakistani food is renowned for its spiciness and flavorful tastes.

Rice, tea, and meat are crucial components of Pakistani cuisine. Mutton and chicken are the preferred meats, while beef is highly desired for Kabab dishes. The culture of Punjab has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It encompasses various aspects such as philosophy, poetry, spirituality, education, artistry, music, cuisine, science, technology, military warfare,
architecture,traditions values and history.

With Punjabi people having a significant global presence in Pakistan and India; the influence of this culture continues to expand. Traditional Punjabi culture is also becoming popular in the Western world.
Punjab serves as a melting pot for individuals with different languages,cultures customs,and races resulting in mutual exchange of influences between immigrants and the Punjabi culture.

Punjabi literature consists of written works in the Punjabi language by individuals primarily from historical Punjab region. The most commonly used scripts for writing Punjabi include Shahmukhi and

Gurmukhi.

The sufi poetry of Fariduddin Ganjshakar marks the early beginnings of Punjabi literature. This was followed by the development of Punjabi Sufi poetry by Shah Hussain, Sultan Bahu, Shah Sharaf, Ali Haider, Saleh Muhammad Safoori, and Bulleh Shah. Unlike Persian poets who favored the ghazal, Punjabi Sufi poets often composed in the Kafi style. The deep and beautiful use of words in Punjabi poetry has gained recognition worldwide, with numerous translations available in different languages.

The Punjabi language is renowned for its extensive literature of qisse, which predominantly revolve around themes of love, passion, betrayal, sacrifice, social values, and the resistance of an ordinary individual against a larger system. Friendship, loyalty, and love hold great significance in Punjabi tradition, and many qisse center around these elements. Among the most well-known qisse is Waris Shah's Heer Ranjha, which is one of Punjab's four popular tragic romances. The other three are Mirza Sahiba, Sassi Punnun, and Sohni Mahiwal. Waris Shah is considered the most popular writer and poet to have penned these qisse.

Bulleh Shah, the Punjabi Sufi, is highly esteemed and often quoted on matters of love and divinity. Punjab is home to impressive architecture that brings great delight to those who see it. The Harappa civilization in Punjab boasts ancient examples of architecture, sculpture, and painting. One remarkable architectural wonder is the Badshahi Mosque – a renowned landmark cherished by visitors. Constructed by Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, in 1671, the mosque was completed two years later in 1673.

The Faisal Mosque is the second largest masjid in Pakistan and fifth largest in the world. Taxila is an archaeological site in

the Punjab province of Pakistan that includes buildings, fortifications, and settlements showcasing architectural influence. The Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, is renowned for its extensive faience tile work and is often referred to as 'a mole on the cheek of Lahore'. It was constructed over a span of seven years, starting around 1634–1635 AD, under the rule of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. Rohtas Fort, built by King Farid Khan near Jhelum in Pakistan, is a historical garrison fort that encompasses Pashtun and Hindu architectural styles—the first successful amalgamation of these styles in the Indian Subcontinent. The Khewra Salt Mine, situated in Khewra, north of Pind Dadan Khan in the Punjab province of Pakistan, is the country's largest and oldest salt mine, as well as the second largest in the world. It attracts many tourists. Punjab arts and craft.

Punjab's arts and crafts tradition is rich and widely acclaimed. The handicrafts of Punjab reflect the richness of the land and are highly valued for their attention to detail. Skilled artisans, including rural women, produce a variety of captivating handicrafts. Mud work, a longstanding rural practice in Punjab, remains popular to this day.

Mud-plastering walls and incorporating motifs and designs has become a stylish trend in Punjab. Metal utensils are widely utilized both in households and for religious practices, making metalwork highly sought after. The craft of basketry using thin glass straws is popular in Punjab, where mats, rugs, carpets, curtains, and hand fans are woven from these straws. Embroidery is similarly a renowned art form in the state under various local names.

The art of Phulkari, a well-liked needlework form, is mainly performed

by young girls in rural areas. The Punjabi juttis from Punjab are known for their exquisite patterns and stunning designs. Additionally, Punjab is recognized for its festivals such as Urs, which are fairs held at the shrines of Sufi saints to commemorate their death anniversary. These occasions draw many devotees who come together to honor the saint's memory.

During the most significant urs events, such as the urs of Data Ganj Buksh in Lahore, Hazrat Sultan Bahu in Jhang, Hazrat Shah Jewna in Jhang, Hazrat Mian Mir in Lahore, Baba Farid Ganj Shakar in Pakpattan, Hazrat Bahaudin Zakria in Multan, Sakhi Sarwar Sultan in Dera Ghazi Khan, Shah Hussain in Lahore, Hazrat Bulleh Shah in Kasur, Hazrat Imam Bari (Bari Shah Latif) in Rawalpindi-Islamabad, and Shah Inayar Qadri (the murrshad of Bulleh Shah) in Lahore; soul-filling music is played and devotees dance.

A large fair is held at the Mausoleum of Syed Waris Shah in Jandiala Sher Khan, honoring the beloved Sufi poet of Punjab known for his famous work, Heer Ranjha. The shrine of Heer Ranjha in Jhang attracts many visitors in Punjab, where captivating folk music conveys mystical messages. In addition to these events, all districts host industrial and commercial fairs, exhibitions, and annual horse shows. Official support is provided to the National Horse and Cattle Show in Lahore.

The National Horse and Cattle Show in Lahore is the largest festival that showcases sports, exhibitions, and livestock competitions. This event serves to promote and support agricultural products and livestock, as it features exhibitions of agricultural products and cattle. It also acts as a vibrant representation of the Province's cultural heritage

with its strong rural traditions. In addition to religious festivals, Punjabis celebrate seasonal and harvest festivals such as Lohri, Basant, Baisakhi, and Teej. Punjabi Cuisine is also worth mentioning.

Punjabi cuisine's global popularity has attracted entrepreneurs who have found great success in the field. "Sarso ka sag" and "Maki ki roti" are famous Punjabi dishes enjoyed worldwide. This cuisine offers both non-vegetarian and vegetarian options. Restaurants typically utilize ample ghee (clarified butter) in their cooking, whereas homemade Punjabi meals prioritize whole wheat, rice, masala-flavored ingredients, and other flavorful preparations.

In the Punjab region, there are various preferences. Those in Lahore prefer stuffed parathas and milk products, which the region is renowned for. Punjabi dishes typically use onion, garlic, and ginger as the main masala. Tandoori food is a specialty for non-vegetarian dishes from Punjab. Punjab is also known for dishes such as Tandoor, Naan, Pakoras, and vegetable dishes with paneer. One of the many Punjabi art forms, Bhangra music is gaining popularity in the west and becoming a mainstream favorite.

Punjabi music is being utilized by western musicians in various ways, such as incorporating it with other compositions to create award-winning music. Additionally, Punjabi Classical music is gaining popularity in the western world. Punjabi music encompasses a diverse range of styles, including folk and Sufi as well as classical music, most notably the Patiala Gharana. The traditional music of Punjab, known as folk music, is produced using traditional instruments like Tumbi, Algoze, Dhadd, Sarangi, Chimta and more. Sufi music encompasses the singing of Sufi poetry across various genres.

The Punjab region is renowned for producing notable poets, including Baba Farid, Bulleh

Shah, Shah Husain, Waris Shah, and Mian Muhammad Bakhsh. Alongside poetry, the classical music scene in this region is represented by two famous Gharanas - Patiala Gharana and Sham Chaurasia Gharana. The traditional Punjabi dances are diverse and performed on various occasions such as harvests, festivals, and weddings. These dances can trace their origins to religious or non-religious practices and showcase different styles like the energetic "Bhangra" men's dance as well as the more composed "Jhumar" and "Gidha" women's dance.

Punjabi dances are a variety of traditional and spiritual dances performed by the Punjabi people, who practice the Punjabi religion and reside along the borders of India and Pakistan. During celebrations, dancing is encouraged for all participants, with married couples typically dancing together. The husband engages in male Punjabi dances with raised arms, while the wife performs female Punjabi dances. Female folk dances encompass Sammi, Giddha, Jaago, Kikli, and Luddi. Male dances include Bhangra, Jhumar, Gatka, Jalli, Dhamal, and Dankara Khatka (Sword Dance). In Punjab's rural or urban areas exist diverse options for traditional attire. Turbans or caps are commonly worn by Punjabis. Rural men wear Dhoti, Kurta and Turban; women wear Shalwar Kurta and Dupatta. Urban men wear Shalwar shirt coat pants while western influence can be seen in urban attire.

The dress is specifically made to meet the requirements of "pardah" during the bride's marriage. Punjabi wedding traditions and ceremonies, which reflect Punjabi culture, typically involve rituals, songs, dances, food, and attire. While the religious marriage ceremony may be conducted in various languages by different religious figures, similarities can be seen in the rituals and attire. These traditions have evolved over

time.