Culture of Pakistani Punjab

lifestyle of People Pakistani Province Punjab

Lifestyle basically shows the living stanandard and traditions of people. All the provinces of Pakistan have a different lifestyle. They spoke different languages, dress up themselves depending on their culture and the variety of food makes them unique from others. Thus cultural effect can be seen in their lifestyles.  Punjab is Pakistan's second largest province by area after Balochistan, and is Pakistan's most populous province with an estimated population of 101,391,000 as of 2015. It is bordered by the Pakistani provinces of Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the regions of Islamabad Capital Territory and Azad Kashmir. It also shares a border with the Indian states of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir. The capital of Punjab is the city Lahore, a cultural centre of Pakistan where the country's cinema industry, and much of its fashion industry, is based. The population of the Punjab is 56% of total population of Pakistan. There are 36 districts in Punjab province of Pakistan. Punjab shares its part in the economy of Pakistan 50 to 60%.Literacy rate in Punjab is 38%. Punjab is Pakistan's most industrialised province with the industrial sector accounting for 24% of the province's gross domestic product. Punjab is well known in Pakistan for its relative prosperity, and has the lowest rate of poverty amongst all Pakistani provinces. A clear divide is found between the northern and southern portions of the province, with poverty rates in prosperous northern Punjab amongst the lowest in Pakistan, while some in south Punjab are amongst the most impoverished. Punjab is among South Asia's most urbanized regions with approximately 40% of people living in urban areas. Its human development index rankings are high relative to the rest of Pakistan. 

Punjab is famous all over the world for its strength of effective culture. Villages of Pakistan are root areas where this renowned culture prevails. People become of good and harmless nature. They respect their tradition and do accord with traditional norms. Punjab always played an important role in the history of Indo-Pak. Punjab was divided in two parts in 1947 one parts to India and other to Pakistan. People of Punjab like gathering and prefer to calibrate every event of life.Punjabi poetry in every accent of Punjabi is common in Punjab. Punjab is abounding in this term of literature, Sufis of Punjab added much more in Punjabi literature. Lahore is the provincial capital of Punjab and famous for its recreational activities. Peoples of Lahore is famous all over the world due to their calibration of the Basant event and their love for fun. Five rivers of Punjab are life line for the agriculture of Punjab. In basic units of cultures, villages, people are very kind and sympathetic to each other. They take part in grief and happiness of each other. They welcome their guests with open arms. Peoples sits late night to tell traditional tales like Hir Waris Shah and Saif ul  Maluk. Punjabi music is also full of every color and line of music as Punjabi of Pakistan has a good taste in music. Lahore and some other cities of Punjab are of much more importance for Sikh community of India, as Nankana Sahib a district of Punjab is birth place of the founder of the Sikh religion. Sikh from all over the world visit to Punjab, Pakistan every year. As an agricultural province Punjab plays vital role in economy of Pakistan. In Lahore city historically Badshahi Mosque and Jahngir tomb are of much more importance. Data Sb in Lahore is a sacred place for people of Punjab & Pakistan. Many visitors from all over the world visit to Data Sahib every year. Bhangra is one of the many Punjabi musical art forms that are increasingly being listened to in the west and is becoming a mainstream favourite. Punjabi wedding traditions and ceremonies are traditionally conducted in Punjabi and are a strong reflection of Punjabi culture.

Punjabi people are expected to be very warm hearted and fun loving. Punjabi are a heterogeneous group comprising of different tribes, clans, communities and are known to celebrate each and every tradition of their culture. People of Punjab have strong beliefs on pir-faqeers, jogi, taweez, manat-ka-dhaga, saint of repute, black magic, and other superstitions, however recently due to increase of literacy, people have become somewhat rational. Punjabi also believe in casting 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. In villages’ people usually live in small communities, biradaris, however they live in peace and harmony with each other. They take active part in the happiness and grieve of each other and give a great deal of respect for their culture, norms and run their lives according to their set traditions. Punjabi people are famous for their hospitable and loving nature. 

Punjabi is the provincial language of Punjab. It is spoken as the first language of most people in Punjab, even spoken and understood in areas beyond the confines of Punjab. Facts and figures show that the Punjabi language is spoken as a first language by 44% of Pakistanis. The urdu language is also commonly spoken in this region. Key Punjabi languages/dialects are Pothowari, Hindko, Jhangvi, Shahpuri, Pahari, Majhi and Saraiki. 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 or lacha, kurta, khusa. Women wear gharara, or choridar pajama or colorful shalwar kameez, paranda, choli or duppata, khusa, kola puri chappal or tillay wali jutti. Whereas in urban areas of Punjab men and women follow the latest trends and fashion. Generally they wear different styles of shalwar kameez. Extensive cuisine of Punjab can be vegetarian and non-vegetarian. One commonality between all Punjabi dishes is the liberal use of ghee or clarified butter spices and Punjabis are fond of sweet-meats also. Most Punjabi food are 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. Punjabi 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. Bhangra is most often known Punjabi music genre and dance style. Punjabi 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, Dhamal, Sammi, Kikli, Gatka, Bhangra, Giddha and Dandiya. Punjabi dances have been embraced by the American culture and others alike and now they are among the most appreciated art forms.