Punjabi culture encompasses cuisine, science, technology, military warfare, architecture,
traditions, values and history of the Punjabi people.
Middle Ages
The Punjabi culture had already been a mixture of many ethnic backgrounds due to previous
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, 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 influenced and were influenced by Punjabi culture.
Punjabi music
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 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. 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. 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.
Punjabi dress
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. See also
Punjab region Punjabi people
Punjab Punjab
Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago References
Wrestling in Punjab( Documentary Film), on History of Wrestling in Punjab by Filmmaker
Simran Kaler. [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 by Navalpreet Rangi
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. The Legacy of The Punjab by R. M. Chopra,
1997, Punjabee Bradree, Calcutta. External links
Punjabi News website Video about Punjab and Punjabi music from
the Horniman Museum Punjabi American Heritage Society
Punjab Heritage Punjabi Newspaper
Punjabi Heritage Organization of Chicago Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago