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Punjab is a vibrant state in India, renowned for its culture, heritage and traditions. Be it the warmth and humility of the people or the unparalleled hospitality, the best way to experience the essence of Punjab is by celebrating the festivals. Each festival, be it Lohri or Vaishakhi is rooted in its culture and heritage. Be it the customs, music or dance, getting to experience the Punjabi festivals in Punjabi language is an experience that every traveller needs to immerse themselves in at least once in their lives.
10 Punjabi Festivals In Punjabi Language
Numerous Punjabi festivals in Punjabi language are celebrated across Punjab, enabling you to truly soak in the essence of the state.
1. Lohri
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Lohri is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Punjab, marking the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. It is alternatively known as the Harvest Festival and is a popular festival celebrated by the farmers of Punjab. During this time, the farmers celebrate the harvest of crops like sugarcane and wheat. The primary activity in the festival is the “bonfire,” surrounding which the families and friends gather around, sing folk songs and also perform different local dances like Bhangra and Giddha. At the bonfire, the people celebrating offer sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts as a sign of gratitude for a good harvest.
Time Of Celebration: Mid-January
Location: Entire Punjab, especially in rural areas
2. Vaisakhi
Photo: BC NDP / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the famous festivals of Punjab that you can be a part of is Vaisakhi. Beyond being a harvest festival, it also holds a lot of religious significance as it marks the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The people gather around to celebrate it as a mark of the harvest season. On this day, gurudwaras are decorated, and special prayers are held, adding to the festivities further. One of the most important aspects of the festival is the “Nagar Kirtan,” where Sikhs chant hymns from their holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib. The people celebrating the festival wear new clothes and energetic dance performances are staged by the locals.
Time Of Celebration: April
Location: Across Punjab, especially at the Golden Temple, Amritsar
3. Hola Mohalla
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Hola Mohalla is one of the most unique Sikh festivals, which is performed for three days straight. It is usually observed a day after Holi but it is a complete contrast from the celebrations of Holi. Hola Mohalla is a display of martial arts, strength, and valour. The initiation of this festival draws back to Guru Gobind Singh who inspired the entire Sikh community to practice defence and combat skills. The main hub where the festival is celebrated is Anandpur Sahib. But, usually, the Nihang Sikhs are the ones who celebrate the festival throughout Punjab. The festival is marked by grand processions, exhibitions of physical prowess, and mock battles.
Time Of Celebration: The day after Holi (March)
Location: Throughout Punjab
4. Gurpurab
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Gurpurab is one of the most popular festivals in Punjab as it is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Given the importance of the festival, it is celebrated by Sikhs not just in Punjab but globally. The celebrations begin with early morning prayers and processions. The holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, is taken out in a ceremonial procession known as Nagar Kirtan. The main attraction of Gurupurab is the “Langar,” or the community service when people are fed nutritious and home-cooked meals. The meals are prepared and served by the community members. The celebration is breathtaking at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Time Of Celebration: November
Location: Golden Temple, Amritsar, and across all gurudwaras in Punjab
5. Teeyan
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Teeyan is a festival focused on women and is celebrated to welcome the onset of monsoon. It is alternatively known as Teeyan Da Teohar or Teej. It is a vibrant and joyous festival where women come together to sing traditional folk songs and perform the Giddha dance. The popularity of this festival is usually a lot more in rural Punjab. The swings are hung on the trees and women gather around celebrating the whole experience and having fun among themselves. The main objective of this festival is to celebrate womanhood and sisterhood, offering the women in the household a break from the daily chores. Several fairs are also conducted during this time.
Time Of Celebration: July-August
Location: Punjab
6. Diwali
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The beauty of Diwali in Punjab is unmatched. Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali holds a special significance not just for the Hindus but for Sikh people too. In Sikhism, Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Guru Hargobind Ji to the Golden Temple after his release from imprisonment. So, on the occasion of Diwali, the entire Golden Temple is lit up with thousands of oil lamps and fireworks too. Also, the homes in Punjab are decorated with lamps, flowers and rangoli, adding to the whole experience. Families come together, wear new clothes, burst firecrackers and exchange sweets and gifts too.
Time Of Celebration: October-November
Location: Golden Temple and across Punjab
7. Maghi Mela
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Specifically held in Muktsar in Punjab, Maghi Mela is an annual Punjab main festival that commemorates the Battle of Muktsar. During the celebration of this festival, the people remember and offer respect to the lives of the 40 Sikh soldiers who fought the Mughals at the Battle of Muktsar in 1705 and died. The primary centre of celebration occurs at the Muktsar Sahib Gurudwara. However, one of the most important elements of the festivity is the fair and the religious procession that happens with it. Beyond that, kirtan and langar are also hosted. At that cultural fair, you will find numerous stalls selling items like handicrafts and jewellery.
Time Of Celebration: January 14
Location: Muktsar Sahib
8. Basant Panchami
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Among the important festivals of Punjab, Basant Panchami celebrates the onset of the spring season. It is regarded as one of the most colourful festivals in Punjab. You will witness the sky filled with different coloured kites and even people taking part in kite flying competitions. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and people believe that it is one of the most auspicious days to start new ventures. Ludhiana and Patiala are some of the cities where the festival is celebrated with the most vibrancy. Also, people dress in yellow and eat yellow rice and sweets on the day.
Time Of Celebration: January-February
Location: Cities like Ludhiana, Patiala, and Amritsar
9. Karva Chauth
Photo: CSG-Info / Wikimedia Commons
Karva Chauth is another one of the cultural festivals of Punjab where married women fast until the moon is visible in the sky. The fasting period is basically between sunrise and moonrise, praying for the long life of their husbands. On this day, women in the family gather around, wear new clothes, glam themselves up and apply mehendi too. While the day is dedicated to fasting, the evening is marked by grand celebrations where families gather, and the fast is broken upon sighting the moon. Once the moon rises, the women break their fast with some water and sweets fed by their husbands.
Time Of Celebration: October-November
Location: Throughout Punjab
10. Chhapar Mela
Photo: Stalinjeet / Wikimedia Commons
Among the popular fairs of Punjab, Chhapar Mela is another festival that deserves to be discussed. The fair is primarily hosted in the village of Chhapar, which is in the Ludhiana district. The fair is held every year where the main focus is on worshipping the Lord of Snake. The festival dates back 150 years and people gather together to celebrate, dance and have the time of their lives with the local music. It is a cultural fair and every year, a large number of people gather around to celebrate it.
Time Of Celebration: September
Location: Throughout Punjab
If you are planning a cultural journey through Punjab, exploring the different Punjabi festivals in the Punjabi language is a must. Every festival is unique and offers a refreshing look into the different local cultures and traditions. One thing that is unanimous among all is the energy and the spirit of the people. So, without any further delays, plan your next trip to Punjab with TripXL for the ultimate fun and celebrations.
Cover Photo: Nishant Aneja / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
