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3. Introduction
Punjab (the land of five rivers) is the biggest land
area of Pakistan and is popularly known for its
culture.According to population, 56% of the total
population of the country is situated in Punjab Province.
It has a total of 36 districts and contributes
approximately 50-60 % of the economy.
Punjabi Culture is one of the oldest in world
history, dating from ancient antiquity to the modern era.
The scope, history, complexity and density of the culture
are vast. Some of the main areas of the Punjabi culture
include: Languages, Cuisine, Dresses, Sports, Dance &
Music, Festivals, Arts & Craft, Punjabi Weddings, Fields
and Rivers.

4. Languages
Punjabi is the provincial language of Punjab. It is
spoken as the first language by majority people in Punjab,
even spoken and understood in areas beyond the confines of
Punjab.Urdu language is also commonly spoken in this region.
Key Punjabi languages/dialects are:
• Pothowari
• Hindko
• Jhangvi
• Shahpuri
• Pahari
• Majhi
• Saraiki

5. Cuisine
The extensive cuisine of Punjab can be vegetarian and
non-vegetarian. One commonality between all Punjabi dishes is
the liberal usage of ghee or clarified butter spices and Punjabis
are fond of sweet-meats also. Most Punjabi food is eaten with
either rice or roti. There are some dishes that are exclusive to
Punjab such as Mah Di Dal, Paratha, Makai ki rotti, Saron Da
Saag, and in cities Choley, Haleem, Baryani and other spicy
dishes are popular. In beverages, tea is consumed in all seasons
and as a custom most of Punjabis serve tea to their guests.
Punjabis are also fond of Zarda, Gulab-Jamuns, Kheer,
Jalaibi,Samosy, Pakorey etc. During summers people drink lassi,
doodh-soda, aloo bokharey ka sharbat, lemonade etc. These
cuisines have become world-wide delicacies with large scale
representation.

7. Dresses
Costumes of Punjab are an indication of the bright
and vibrant culture and lifestyle of the people.
The costumes are a mix of colours, comfort and
beauty and Punjab is well known for the use of
phulkari(embroidery) in its costumes. In most of the
villages of Punjab men wear Pagri(turban), dhoti/lacha,
kurta, khusa. Women wear gharara, or choridar pajama or
colorful shalwar kameez, paranda, duppata, khusa, kola
puri chappal Whereas in urban areas of Punjab men and
women follow latest trends and fashion, generally they
wear different styles of shalwar kameez.

8. Sports
Punjabi people have fanatical interest in sports.
Punjabi’s are fond of kabaddi, and wrestling, which is
also popular in other parts of Pakistan and it’s also
played on national level. Other games being played in
Punjab region include Gilli-Danda, Khoo-Khoo, Yassu-
Panju, Pitho-Garam, Ludo, Chuppan-Chupai, Baraf-
Panni, Kanchy and some major sports include cricket,
boxing, horse-racing, hockey and football. National
Horse and Cattle Show at Lahore is the biggest festival
where sports, exhibitions, and livestock competitions
are held.

9. Dance & Music
Bhangra is most commonly known Punjabi music
genre and dance style. Punjabis passionately love folk
songs/music, Qawali and Punjabi music is recognized
throughout the world. The Tabla, Dhol, Dholki,
Chimta, Flute and Sitar are all common instruments of
this delightful culture. Punjabi dance is based around
happiness, energy and enthusiasm. Different forms of
dance in Punjab are: Loddi, Bhangra, and Dandiya.
Punjabi dances have been embraced by the American
culture and others alike and now they are one of the
most appreciated art forms.

10. Festivals
There are numerous festivals which are celebrated by
Punjabi people including some religious festivals such
as Eid-Milad-Un-Nabi, Jumu’ah, Laylat-ul-Qadr etc. Urcs
(devotional fairs),which are held at the shirnes of sufi
saints, Melas and Nomaish (exhibitions).The Provincial
capital Lahore is widely popular for its entertaining
events and activities. Lahori’s are famous all over the
country for their celebrations particularly for Basant
festival (kite flying) in the spring season.

11. Arts & Craft
Punjab is the major manufacturing industry in
Pakistan’s economy and here each art enjoys a place of
its own. The main crafts created in the highlands and
other rural areas of Punjab are basketry, pottery, which
are famous for their modern and traditional designs all
over the world and are included in the best formations
of Punjabis. bone work, textile, cloth woven on
handlooms with stunning prints is embroidered in the
rural-areas and the weavers produce colorful cloths like
cotton, silk etc. embroidery, weaving, carpets, stone
craft, jewelry, metal work along with truck art and
other wood works. The craft of Punjab is its
fundamental soul and its craft create its entity.

12. Punjabi Weddings
Punjabi weddings are based on traditions and
are conducted with strong reflection of the
Punjabi culture followed by several pre-wedding
customs and rituals (dholki, mayun,
ubtan etc.). Punjabi weddings are very loud,
energetic, full of music,colors, fancy-dresses,
food and dancing.