Top 14 Things Punjab Is Famous For

punjab is famous for which things
Shilpa
Shilpa 
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Swathes of lush green wheat fields, quaint countryside villages dotted with fields of yellow mustard flowers, and beautiful nourishing rivers, Punjab is India’s most fertile and beautiful state. The state which means ‘Five Rivers’ is also one of India’s largest states and the importance of Punjab in India’s development can’t be undermined. Today, the ethos of Punjab is spread far and wide across the world, as many Punjabis have traveled and settled abroad amalgamating with different cultures while proclaiming a message of love and acceptance. Punjab is harmonious with different religions thriving alongside each other, celebrating life, and enjoying good taste in food and drink. You can experience this ‘Punjabiness’ in the cities of Amritsar, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, and Bhatinda. When you visit, you will find plenty of hotels. For an indulgent holiday, a luxury villa would be great. Continue reading for the top things Punjab is famous for.

1. Bhangra dance

Bhangra
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Supreet Malhi used under CC BY-SA 4.0

What is Punjab famous for? The iconic Bhangra dance, for one! Be it a wedding or a village harvest festival, Punjabis are known to break out into a Bhangra dance to celebrate at a moment’s notice. The foot tapping music accompanied by dhols (drum) create an electric atmosphere. Bhangra music does have a bit of singing, but it’s the energetic music that automatically gets the Punjabis on the dance floor. Bhangra has become a music genre not only in India but in countries like UK, and Canada as well, where Punjabis have a strong presence.

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2. Punjabi culture

Punjabi mutiyar dancing festival,punjab pakistan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Beatrix11freedom used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The traditional culture of Punjab doesn’t just belong to the state of Punjab in India; it is about the people who have taken this spirit of being a ‘Punjabi’ and settled around the world. Punjab, the land of five rivers, is known for its brave, helpful and hospitable people, and their exuberant festivals and celebrations. Punjabis love everything that is over the top, colourful dresses, foot tapping music, and an undying love for food and drinks!

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3. Punjabi festivals

Baishakhi festival udit
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Udit Sharma used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The state of Punjab in India has a majority of Sikhs who follow their own religion ‘Sikhism.’ Often, Sikhs are considered synonymous with Punjabis, but even the Hindus belonging to the state are known as Punjabis. Both the communities celebrate festivals with a great fervour. The most important festival is Baisakhi, which is a harvest festival and also marks the New Year for Punjabis. Lohri is an iconic festival and held in winter, it celebrates the winter solstice with a large Bonfire and dancing. Other festivals are Maghi, Basant Festival, Teeyan and Holi.

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4. Mouthwatering cuisine

New Punjab Club food spread
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hongkongfoodlover123 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Punjabi cuisine has taken the world by storm; it’s rich, creamy and spicy recipes are delicious and not for the faint of heart! Punjabi breakfasts are big and filling, usually hot and crispy aloo paranthas (spicy potato-filled flatbread) topped with a dollop of makkhan (homemade butter) and chole kulcha (fried flatbread). Lunches and dinners come with delectable meat dishes including the world-famous ‘Butter Chicken’ and ‘Chicken Tikka’. For the vegetarians, winters are comforting with sarson ka saag (mustard leaf curry) and makki ki roti (cornmeal flatbreads). These specialties of Punjab are the best in the world.

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5. The Golden Temple

Golden Temple Amritsar
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lovedeepsingh used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The shimmering facade of the Golden Temple is the most representative visual of Punjab and Sikhism. The Golden temple located in Amritsar City is a Gurudwara or the holy place of Sikhs. It is also called ‘Sri Harmandir Sahib’ and encloses the Adi Granth (Holy Book of Sikhs) within the sanctum. A pilgrimage to the gurudwara is a must for all Sikhs. A place of serenity, people from all walks of life are welcome here! There is even a langar (free community kitchen) where all the devotees get a meal, and volunteer devotees do the cooking.

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6. Traditional arts and crafts

Women embroidering Phulkari in Rajpura, Punjab (India), 2015
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sheebamadanloewinger used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Punjab has earned its reputation as a hub for traditional arts and crafts due to its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The state’s arts and crafts play a vital role in preserving its cultural identity and showcasing its artistic prowess. Punjab’s crafts, such as Phulkari embroidery, intricate woodwork, and pottery, are not just expressions of creativity but also reflect the vibrant history and values of the Punjabi people. These crafts have been passed down through generations and are integral to various festivals and ceremonies.

Punjab’s arts and crafts are significant for their economic contribution, providing livelihoods to many skilled artisans and craftsmen, while also attracting tourists who seek to explore and appreciate the state’s artistic heritage.

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7. Punjabiyat

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

“Punjabiyat,” the cultural and historical essence of Punjab, has deep roots that extend throughout the region’s storied history. Punjab’s geographical location at the crossroads of South Asia has made it a melting pot of diverse cultures and influences. The term “Punjabiyat” encapsulates the unique blend of cultures, languages, and traditions that have evolved in the state over the centuries, primarily due to its status as a historical gateway between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia.

This cultural syncretism is marked by the harmonious coexistence of various communities, such as Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims, who have contributed to the rich tapestry of Punjabiyat. Punjab’s famous warmth, hospitality, and vibrant festivals are all manifestations of this cultural fusion.

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8. Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake
Source: Photo by Flickr user Aleksandr Zykov used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Amidst the well-planned streets of the capital city of Punjab, Chandigarh, Sukhna Lake offers respite and relaxation to weary citizens. The artificial lake was built as a dam and has become a habitat for migratory birds; it is even protected as a wasteland of national importance by the government. A morning stroll on winter mornings offers a chance to spot birds like Siberian duck, cranes and storks. People of Chandigarh use the Sukhna Lake for recreation activities like rowing, boating, kayaking, and it comes alive during festivals especially the mango festival where hundreds of varieties of mangoes are displayed.

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9. The turban

Turban
Source: Needpix

Right from the moment you land in any airport in Punjab, you will come across a sea of colourful headgear worn by men, called the ‘Turban’! The Turban is worn by Sikh men to protect their unshorn hair as an edict of Sikhism. The colour of the turbans signify different meanings, for instance, the navy blue means valour and service, orange indicates martyrdom, black is resistance while white is associated with peace. Today, young Punjabis take their turban style seriously and wear it as a fashion accessory in a rainbow of colours, and textures.

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10. Lassi

Salt lassi
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Raksanand used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The frothy ‘Lassi’ moustache is a sign of a hearty Punjabi meal and is one of the traditional foods of Punjab. Accompanied with almost every meal in Punjab is a yoghurt-based drink called the ‘Lassi’ but it can also be savoured as a standalone drink. The lassi is made with yoghurt, sugar, cream and garnished with saffron, and it has a creamy consistency like a milkshake. Seasonal variants include a mango lassi is sold during the summers when mangoes are aplenty and ‘bhang lassi’ which uses cannabis as an ingredient is also quite popular during festivals, especially Holi. No matter what season, a tall glass of sweet lassi will perk up your day in no time!

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11. Traditional footwear (Jutties)

Punjabi jutti at Dilli Haat
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ekabhishek used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Ask any Punjabi woman, and she will regale you with the importance of a beautiful sequined jutti with the right Patiala dress (Indian women’s clothing). The jutti is leather footwear that is closed near the toes and the back but barely has any sides. It’s a mix between a traditional shoe and a slipper. The jutti originally was simple plain leather footwear but has over time transformed into a fashionable accessory. It comes in multiple colours, covered in a variety of fabrics like cotton and silk, and is fitted with sequins or even embroidered with silk thread.

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12. Jewellery

Jewellery
Source: Pexels

Punjabis love to flaunt their jewellery, and it is a beautiful mix of Indian jewellery with Mughal design influence. Some types of jewellery are quintessentially Punjabi like the ‘Matha Patti’ which is worn in the centre of the head and ‘Passa’ which is worn on the side of the head. There is also a ‘Tikka’ which is a basic Matha Patti and adorns the forehead. The jewellery is dominated by pearl and precious stones with minimum gold setting. The most beautiful bridal accessory is the ‘Chura’ which are red bangles and the ‘Kalira’ that are worn with the bangles and dangle off the bride’s hands.

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13. Punjabi desserts

Panjeeri.
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Miansari66 used under CC0

The rich dairy and wheat farming traditions of Punjab are reflected in its varied desserts which use desi ghee (clarified butter) and wheat flour as a base. It’s most popular dessert is the ‘kada parshad’ which is offered in gurudwaras. The sweet is made of toasted whole wheat flour, lots of ghee and sugar. ‘Panjeeri’ is another Punjabi favourite and made in winters, it is a mixture of dried fruits, whole wheat flour and natural gum. The mixture is fashioned into laddoos or balls, and eaten to conserve the body heat. Other desserts much in demand are kulfi, rabri, sheer korma, gajar ka halwa (carrot dessert) and khoya.

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14. Phulkari

Contemporary Phulkari design
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sheebamadanloewinger used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Phulkari is the embroidery native to Punjab, a product of women painstakingly spending hours together sewing silken threads in striking geometric patterns. Phulkari itself means ‘flower work’ and a cloth embroidered with the work is called a ‘bagh’ or garden to signify the colourful flower-like motifs on the cloth. The base cloth is coarse cotton and is often brightly coloured like red, yellow, etc. Women wear them on special occasions like festivals and weddings. Traditionally, women sewed them at home for personal use and handed them over as heirlooms to their daughters. Today, many women create these masterpieces for sale and you can pick up one of them as a valuable souvenir when in Punjab.

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Awesome things Punjab is famous for that demand a visit

The Sarovar at Golden Temple, Amritsar
Source: Pxhere

This list of places to see, things to buy and events to experience is a starter pack for all the amazing and unique things that Punjab has to offer. Be sure to check out all the specialties of Punjab, including the awesome wildlife sanctuaries in the state. Only a visit to Punjab and its cities and villages will give you a taste of its culture and people!

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Frequently asked questions about things Punjab is famous for


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Travel and Writing are my two passions and thanks to Trip101 I am able to realize them together. I love curating articles about travel as it gives me the inspiration to travel myself.

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