CULTURE- THE ART OF LIVING

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”

Basically, Culture is the intersection of people and life itself. It's how we deal with life, love, death, birth, disappointment- all of that is expressed in culture. Culture makes people understand each other better. And if people understand each other better in their soul, it is easier to overcome the economic and political barriers.

I’m fortunate to be grown in a family with vibrant Punjabi culture. Punjabi culture is one of the oldest and richest cultures in world history, and also one of the most vibrant. The scope, history, sophistication and complexity of the culture are vast. The Punjabi Culture is the culture of the Punjabi people who are now distributed throughout the world. The scope, history, sophistication and complexity of the culture are vast. Some of the main areas include, Punjabi Philosophy, poetry, spirituality, education, artistry, music, cuisine, science, technology, military warfare, architecture, traditions, values and history . The Punjabi culture is renowned for various reasons. There is an exclusiveness and vivacity in the lifestyle of the Punjabi people. Punjabis are known for their will power and free-spirited nature. The culture of Punjabi community demonstrates a rich history of well-developed ancient civilizations.

Unique, colourful and extravagant, these are the attributes of the Punjabi people. Popular and distinguished across the globe, the culture of Punjabi people is indeed overwhelming. The delicious Punjabi food appeases one’s taste buds like never before. Colorful fancy clothes and Bhangra attract one like nothing else. The beauty of Punjabi culture is as magical as it becomes. Also,  Not to forget the huge variety of Punjabi dishes has made their mark in restaurants and food chains in all parts of the world. Also, some of the famous Punjabi literary works have been translated in many languages around the world.

Punjabis are renowned for their utmost interest in arts and crafts. Art and craft of   Punjabi artisans is described as a creation or expression of something beautiful especially in visual form and many a time in Art and craft. Many phrases have decorative designs and handicrafts. Many things which are associated with art and craft by Punjabi community are known all over the world for their quality and beauty. Women used to weave wollen attire for everybody in the family. “Phulkari” is recognized worldwide for its intricate work. Shawls in silk are carefully hand-woven using traditional motifs as designs. Other famous crafts  include lacquer work, wooden work, Calico painting, paper mache` and many more. Wooden furniture is beautifully crafted by artisans with exquisite craftsmanship.

The culture of Punjabi community has its own unique fragrance. It is unmatched. All communities hold pride in their traditions and the Punjabis whose open-mindedness has become proverbial also hold their unique tradition of hospitality high in their estimation as well as in their values of life. Hospitality binds people together in bonds of love; it increases circles of friendship and makes the atmosphere aglow with human warmth. A guest in Punjabi home is considered as a representative sent by God. Hospitality promotes brotherhood and holds a special significance for bringing people closer; love and kindness flow out of it. In Punjabi families one say that the more one love the more it multiplies and one gets back many more times the kindness that one gives. Punjabis not only profess and practice hospitality in their own land but also carry it, untainted and virgin, to the lands where they immigrate. There is no country in the world where Punjabis have not created waves. Punjabis have proved this in all corners of the world in seemingly alien lands and because of these qualities they have been willingly accepted as useful, responsible citizens of the world, warm neighbours and good friends. Punjabis are heterogeneous group comprising of different tribes, clans, communities and are known to celebrate each and every tradition of their culture. Punjabis also believe in cast system but as now people are getting educated, the differences are getting blurred. Some popular casts of Punjabi’s are; Jats, Maliks, Mughals, Arains, Gujjars, Awans, Rajputs, Gakhars, Khokhars, Sheikhs, Aheers, Kambohs, Niazis, Legharis, Khosas, Dogars, Thaheem, Mirani, Qureshis, and Syeds.

Hospitable and heartwarming, Punjabis are known to be very helpful, welcoming and proud people. They welcome everyone with open hearts Punjabis are very particular about their traditions and relations. Every festival or ceremony have predefined rituals which are followed strictly. May it be birth or wedding, hair cutting or a funeral, the adherence to rituals is a must which according to them strengthens a relation and displays a proper social cordiality.

Punjabis are high spirited and liberal people. Mostly residing in the heart of India, they are soft natured people who celebrate every event and festival with utmost zest. They are lively and vibrant with extremely rich history and culture. They enjoy modern culture and revelry as much they enjoy Lassi and folk music. Punjabis can now be found in many parts of the world especially the USA and Canada. But suffice it to say, they have shifted the land, but their culture is imbibed in them even today. They celebrate their festivals across the globe and welcome others to be a part of their culture. And to less surprise, Punjabis are loved all over the world.

There is artistry in every aspect of lives of Punjabi people and an aura of embellishment dominates the place. The opulent culture of this community is apparent in its artistry in metal work, embroidery, wall paintings, jewelry, mud wall paintings, architecture, folk songs and dances. The culture of the people is wide in scope, encompassing a rich history and a pulsating social life. The century-old Punjab culture is renowned for its tolerance, progressiveness and logical approach to life as well. Today, Punjabi people are widely distributed all over the world. As a result, the traditional culture has been strengthened and expanded to the western world as well, especially US, UK and Canada.

-Bhavya Bhatia