12 Famous Festivals in Punjab
We all have seen glimpses of Punjabi style celebrations in the movies we watch. If you are looking for an experience of exhilarating spirit and luxurious lifestyle, you can experience the celebrations of Punjab in person. The state is known as the land of five rivers as it is home to five streams that flow through it. Punjab is one of the states known for its rich culture, diversity, warm people, as well as magnetic fields.
We can read this article to know more about the greatest display of Punjabi culture through their festivals, beautifully showcasing their authenticity and values.
Major Festivals Celebrated in Punjab:
Punjab is one of the most fertile agricultural lands in the country. Most of its celebrations revolve around agriculture. Hence, the festivals of Punjab provide an insight into the culture and the joy they bring.
1. Lohri:
Lohri is an autumn harvest festival in Punjab where the sacred fires at Lohri are lit into the sky as cold waves and mist create a wonder in the long winter nights. The days following Lohri become longer and warmer as people invoke the sun god of warmth. The celebration is intensified by lively and exuberant traditional music, dance and songs. Traditional dishes like sarson da sag, makki de roti and til rice are prepared for this celebration.
Most Popular Attraction : Bonfires and people gather around the fire dancing and singing songs from folklore.
When: January.
Where: Punjab as a whole.
The festival lasts for one day.
2022 Lohri: January 13
2. Panchami Basant:
Although Basant Panchami is celebrated throughout, Punjab's fervour for the occasion sets it apart. This festival, which is a vibrant celebration that ushers in the Indian spring, honours Goddess Saraswati, who is revered on this day and is seen as extremely fortunate. This is seen as an auspicious day to embark on any new endeavour, such as purchasing an apartment.
Key attraction: Colourful kites float in the skies, and people dress in brilliant yellow to honour Goddess Saraswati.
Date: February.
Where: Punjab as a whole.
The festival lasts for one day.
Founder Panchami February 5, 2022 (date subject to change)
3. Baisakhi:
Baisakhi is the harvest festival of Punjab which beautifully celebrates all professions with the help of ceremonies. The harvest of one of the crops is celebrated with Baisakhi. Everyone across the state is happily enjoying the fruits of their hard work during the winter. The ceremony also marks the start of the Sikh New Year and the harvesting of one of the crops.
Important attraction: People across the state dance Bhangra in traditional attire. Many melas are held with food stalls as the focal point.
When: April.
Where: All over Punjab.
Festival : lasts for one day.
Baisakhi 2022 : April 14 (date may vary)
4. Maghi:
The Maghi Mela helps commemorate forty Sikh martyrs. It is celebrated every year at Muktsar Sahib. For the first time, this program was announced and observed by Guru Amar Das, the third Guru of Sikhism. Later, however, the practice of honoring the Sikh martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect the name of the Tenth Guru began. People eat kheer cooked in sugarcane juice during these festive celebrations.
Main attraction : Sikhs and a large crowd of kheers cooked with sugarcane juice.
When: January.
Where: All over Punjab.
Festival: lasts for one day.
5. Teaon:
Teaan is celebrated to mark the arrival of monsoons and is also a women's dance festival. This festival of Teej in Punjab sees young Indian women swinging from trees in bright and shiny dresses. Married women perform dances followed by prayers for the well-being of their spouses. They also sing songs that beautifully depict their love for their spouses.
Main attraction : Swings, Geetha dance and music.
When: July/August.
Where: All over Punjab.
Tien 2022: 31 July
6. Jhor Mela:
Jhor Mela (also known as Shahidi Jhor Mela or Shahidi Jhor Mela) is dedicated to the martyred sons of Guru Gobind Singh. It is an event of religious significance. It is held at Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib in Fatehgarh Sahib district of Punjab. Every year in December, it is attended by thousands of followers of the religion. A procession through the streets, display of holy scriptures and recitation of the Sikh holy book are the main highlights of the festival.
Main attraction: Procession in the streets.
When: December.
Location: Fatehgarh Sahib District.
Festival : Duration is three days.
7. Gurupurab:
Gurupurab is a matter of spirituality for Sikhs and one of the major festivals of Punjab. This festival is the birthday celebration of the Sikh Guru who is highly respected by members of the Sikh community. A ritual procession of sacred hymns marks the beginning of the ceremony. This festival is a boon to the soul. You can indulge in delicious and holy meals as well as offer prayers and seek blessings.
Main attraction : Religious procession.
When: November.
Where: Statewide.
Festival : lasts for one day.
Gurupurab 2021: November 19
Gurupurab 2022: November 8
8. Hola Mohalla:
Hola Mohalla is one of the most popular festivals celebrated during Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib when the whole country is celebrating Holi. Guru Gobind Singh accepted the Khalsa Panth as practiced by the people of Anand state. Langar, path and kirtans are planned as well as gurdwaras are decorated with exquisite art. The philosophies of life learned by the legendary Sikh Gurus are celebrated in this ceremony and the area is imbued with spiritual energy.
Main attraction: Religious events and cultural events, horse riding with Nihangs, lunch at Gurdwaras.
When: March.
Where: All over Punjab.
The festival lasts for three days.
Homa Mohalla from March 18–20, 2022 (date subject to change)
9. Mela Chapar:
One of the largest festivals in Punjab is called Chappar Mela, and it honours Guggapir's memory and marks the anniversary of his passing. This festival is annually celebrated in September with dancing and music in addition to a number of ceremonies. In addition, during the celebration, people honour the snake lord. This custom dates back around 150 years.
The main draw is entertaining activities including dancing, music, and other games.
Date: September.
Location: Ludhiana.
Festival: Three days are allotted for it.
September Chapar Mela 2022:
10. Chauth Karva:
The "Karva" festival, or Karva Chauth, is a well-liked occasion observed throughout North India and is a must-go to event in Punjab. Married and engaged ladies fast from sunrise to moonrise throughout the month of Kartika to commemorate this occasion. Now is the moment to offer prayers for the partner's long life and success. It is a lovely representation of a couple's devotion and love.
Women dressed like it was their wedding day were the main draw. When women look up at the night sky, they break their fast.
Date: October.
Where: Punjab as a whole.
Festival: occurs on a single day.
October 13, 2022, Karva Chauth (date subject to change)
11. On Diwali
In some areas of Punjab, Diwali is another extensively observed event, during which residents adorn their homes with traditional artwork and lavish amounts of lighting. There are sweets being handed out. Candy is being distributed. The Golden Temple in Amritsar adorns itself as the new bride moves forward with earthen lamps.
Diwali 2021: November 4
Diwali 2022: October 23 (date may vary)
12. Tikka or Bhai Dooj:
Tikka is often called Bhai Dooj, a celebration celebrated in the days following Diwali and symbolizes the beautiful bond between sisters and brothers. The sisters ask for their brother's longevity by placing an inscription on his forehead. The brother showers the sister with sweets and gifts and the two exchange gifts.
Main attraction : Celebrating love between siblings, gifts and sweets.
When: November.
Where: All over Punjab.
Duration of Festival: One day.
Tikka 2021: November 6
Tikka 2022: October 27 (date subject to change)
During the celebrations you can witness the excitement and vibrant spirit of Punjab. Punjabi people embrace everyone with open arms and you will never be alone in this state. Every major festival is associated with agriculture and is an integral part of their daily life. Track the dates of these festivals before planning your trip to Punjab.
F A Q:
1. What are your top products you can buy in Punjab?
Answer: Here is a list of products that you can buy as a souvenir of your visit to Punjab:
Punjabi hair.
Punjabi suite.
Amritsari pickles.
Bangles.
Parandhis.
Punjabi Phulkari.
Woolen cloths.
2. What are the most famous folk dances from Punjab?
Answers: Some famous festivals unique to Punjab are:
the hawk
Bhangra.
Dhamman.
Bhand.
Daf.
Naqual.
3. What is the reason for celebrating Baisakhi in Punjab?
Answer: Baisakhi is considered a celebration of Punjabi nationalism. It celebrates the harvest time of the first crop of the year and marks the beginning of the year according to the Sikh calendar.
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