Punjabi culture

Taxila in Pakistan is a World Heritage Site

Punjabi Culture is the culture of the Punjab region. It is one of the oldest in world history, dating from ancient antiquity to the modern era. 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.^{[citation needed]}

Middle Age Punjabi Culture

The Shalimar Gardens in Lahore

Middle Age Punjabi Culture, during the period of foreign invasions, saw the already very high number of layers and complexity of the Punjabi Culture increase to another level.^{[citation needed]} During this time contributions from Greek, Persian, Mongol and Afghan influences were incorporated into the Punjabi culture.

Modern Punjabi Culture

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 etc.), the scope is huge, ranging from Punjabi Philosophy, poetry, spirituality, education, artistry, music, cuisine, architecture etc.^{[citation needed]}

Bhangra tournament concert

People of different languages, cultures, customs and races came to Punjab for various reasons. These immigrants influenced and were influenced by Punjabi culture.^{[citation needed]}

Punjabi Music

See also: Music of Punjab

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.^{[citation needed]} Punjabi music is being used by western musicians, in many ways, such as mixing it with other compositions to produce award-winning music.^{[citation needed]} In addition, Punjabi Classical music is increasingly becoming popular in the west.^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]} "Sarso ka saag" and "Maki ki roti" is the best known cuisine.

Punjabi literature

See also: Punjabi Kisse

Punjabi Poetry is renowned for its extremely deep meaning, beautiful, exciting and hopeful use of words.^{[citation needed]} The poetry is one of the clearest views into the Punjabi mindset. The large number of Punjabi poetry works are being translated throughout the world into many languages. Famous Punjabi poets.

Punjabi Dances

See also: Punjabi dance

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, 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, etc.

Punjabi wedding traditions

See also: 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 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.

See also

	Punjab portal
	Culture portal

Punjabi dialects

• Punjab region
• Punjabi people
• Punjabi language
• Punjabi cuisine
• Music of Punjab
• Punjabi dance
• Punjab (India)
• Punjab (Pakistan)

References

• [Quraishee 73] Punjabi Adab De Kahani, Abdul Hafeez Quaraihee, Azeez Book Depot, Lahore, 1973.
• [Chopra 77] The Punjab as a sovereign state, Gulshan Lal Chopra, Al-Biruni , Lahore, 1977.
• Patwant Singh. 1999. The Sikhs. New York: Doubleday. ISBN 0-385-50206-0.
• Nanak , Punjabi Documentary Film
• The evolution of Heroic Tradition in Ancient Panjab, 1971, Buddha Parkash.
• Social and Political Movements in ancient Panjab, Delhi, 1962, Buddha Parkash.
• History of Porus, Patiala, Buddha Parkash.
• History of the Panjab, Patiala, 1976, Fauja Singh, L. M. Joshi (Ed).
• The Legacy of The Punjab by R. M. Chopra, 1997, Punjabee Bradree, Calcutta.

External links

• Punjabi Culture Forum
• Bhangra Teams' Forum - Discuss the latest Bhangra Competitions, Artists, and Albums
• Punjabi Virsa Mela
• Punjabi News website
• Video about Punjab and Punjabi music from the Horniman Museum
• Punjabi American Heritage Society
• Punjab Heritage
• Punjabi Chandigarh Youth Community
• Punjabi Newspaper
• Punjabi Heritage Organization of Chicago
• Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago
• Punjabi Cultural Society of Seattle
• Punjabi Tourism & Cultural Website
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