Located in the north-western part of the country, Punjab is perhaps the most well-known state of India because it is home to five major rivers of India namely- Jhelum, Chenab, Beas, Ravi and Sutlej. Punjab is an agricultural-based state because there is an abundance of fertile soils and waters in the region. Punjab is surrounded by the following states of India: Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir. It also shares its borders with Pakistan. Chandigarh is the capital city of not only the state of Punjab but also the state of Haryana.
Punjab surely represents a good combination of plenty and antiquity. The people of Punjab are extremely fun loving and live their life to the fullest. It is this spirit of the Punjabi people that is reflected in the festivals celebrated in Punjab. The festivals of Punjab symbolize the mirth and immense energy that is the characteristic feature of the Punjabi people. Each and every festival of Punjab has its own unique charm. One gets the ultimate opportunity to indulge in effective social interaction during any of the Punjabi festivals. The inhabitants of Punjab celebrate all the festivals with much glory and pomp.
Festivals associated with any religion are celebrated equally in Punjab. You will witness that the composite and robust heritage of India is reflected efficiently in the festivals of Punjab. The basic ingredients of any of the Punjabi festivities are colorful costumes, joyous folklores and well-known dance forms. The fun ambience that is created by the Punjabi festivals has the power to get people belonging to the different castes and religious groups together. People get the vital chance to come together and share good experiences with each other. It is surely an enthralling experience to observe the charm of the Punjabi festivities.
Some of the most important festivals of Punjab are mentioned below.
Lohri
Before the auspicious occasion of Makar Sakranti, Lohri- one of the most significant festivals of Punjab is celebrated. Lohri is actually the festival of harvest. One gets to witness the traditional dance (Giddha, Bhangra etc.) and folk song performances during this harvest festival. Lohri is celebrated to honor the memory and bravery of Dulla Bhatti who was like the Robin Hood of India as he used to help the poor people by giving them financial support. Every year on the 13th of January Lohri is celebrated by the Punjabi people.
Baisakhi
With the accompaniment of joyous dancing and music, Baisakhi festival is celebrated because on this particular day, Guru Gobind Singh (10th Sikh Guru) established the Khalsa community in 1699. On the 13th of April every year, Baisakhi is celebrated. On the day of Baisakhi, Sikhs visit their religious place (Gurudwaras) and listen to devotional songs (kirtans). After the religious ceremony is over, semolina (sweetened) is served to everyone who is present in the Gurudwaras. The Baisakhi function ends with the Sikh community lunch which is also known as the Langar.
Gurupurabs
This name is given to the festivals that are celebrated to honor the major Sikh Gurus. One Gurupurabs that is celebrated with much glory is Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary. Similarly Guru Gobind Singh’s birth anniversary and Guru Arjan Dev’s martyrdom are also celebrated as important Gurupurabs. Religious congregations and processions are held in the state of Punjab. Religious hymns are chanted by the devotees during the Gurupurabs.
Hola Mohalla
The festival of Holi is called Hola Mohalla in Punjab. During the Hola Mohalla people get a chance to showcase their skills in relation to martial art forms such as sword fencing, archery, kushti etc. This festival is especially celebrated by the Nihang Sikhs that inhabit the region. After the Holi Festival is celebrated in the other parts of India, Hola Mohalla is celebrated a day after it.
Teej, Maghi, Tika, Basant Panchami, Devuthan, Diwali and so on are some other Punjabi festivals. You will notice that festivals such as Christmas and Id-Ul-Fitr are celebrated with equal charm and excitement in Punjab.