History of punjabi culture:
Historically,Punjab was a vast terrain but when Pakistan and India came into being punjab is divided. The old name of Punjab was Sindu Sapta which means Seven rivers . With the passege of time, Moghuls proposed the phrase Punjab.The term Punjab is a persian word Punj means ‘five’ and ab means “water”. So the phrase punjab means “the land of five rivers”. Punjabis derive their name from historical, and cultural region located in the northwest of the Indian sub-continent.
In the remote past, the Punjab and its inhabitants have enjoyed a great political as well as a cultural identity. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries AD , the region was recalled as a state of the Mogul Empire. But in the mid of nineteenth century, much of the area was united. Britain directed the Punjab as a province of its Indian Empire. However, In 1947, the Punjab was divided between India and Pakistan. Despite of these political issues, now they are called Punjabis instead of indian and Pakistanis by tradition and the name of province as Punjab.
Geographical view:
Punjab is the 2nd largest provience in Pakistan after Bloachistan. The largest city in Punjab is Lahore by population. Other cities include,Faisalabad, Rawalpindi,Gujranwala, Islamabad, Sialkot, Multan, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, Mianwali. Punjab have many villages some which are stated here Longowa, Manakpur,Waisa,Gandal.
Punjab has an area of 205,344 km2 . It is located at the northwestern edge of Indian plate in South Asia. This province is bordered by Azad Kashmir to the north-east and the province of Sindh to the south, and the Islamabad which is the Capital Territory to the north.
Poetry of love and war, fairs and festivals, dancing, music and Punjabi literature are among the characteristic expressions of the Punjabi culture. Punjabi culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. The people of Punjab love their culture. Punjabi culture is one of the oldest and richest cultures in world history, dating from ancient antiquity to the modern era.
Punjabi culture cuisine:
Punjabi culture is admired around the world. When you talk about Punjab, it would be really unfair to miss ‘Punjabi food’. The food from Punjab is as versatile and lovely as the place itself. The abundance of vegetable, fruits and pulses grow in the region and reflected in their dishes. The people of Punjab use butter, dairy products and other ingredients flavored with masala to make food rich and delicious. The people of Punjab are generous. They welcome guests happily and serve their dishes in the traditional manner.
Punjabi Cultural Activities
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 the most prominent being at Punjabi weddings, where the excitement is usually particularly intense. Punjabi celebration of any kind is incomplete without the sound of dhol. Most popular Punjabi dances are Bhangra, Giddha, Jhumar, Luddi, Dankara Julli, Sammi, Dhamal, Jaago, Kikli and Gatka. Punjabi wedding traditions and ceremonies are traditionally conducted in Punjabi and are a strong reflection of Punjabi culture.
The Punjabi wedding has many rituals and ceremonies that have evolved since traditional times. Only close relatives and friends attend this ceremony. The groom accompanied with friends and relatives leaves for the bride’s house on horseback or in car as in many places, the party then arrive at the bride’s house with music and dance. The family members of both bride and groom exchange garlands and gifts.
