Punjab is a land of vibrant culture, exuberant celebrations, and deep-rooted traditions. The cultural festivals of Punjab reflect the agrarian lifestyle, spiritual heritage, and artistic expressions of the people. Here’s a list of key cultural festivals celebrated across Punjab, along with brief descriptions:
1. Lohri
Celebrated in mid-January, Lohri marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. It is especially important for farmers and is celebrated with bonfires, folk songs like Sundar Mundriye, and dancing to the beats of dhol. Groundnuts, jaggery, and sesame seeds are distributed as part of the festivities.
2. Basant Panchami (Basant Festival)
This festival, held in February, celebrates the arrival of spring. In Punjab, it is marked by vibrant yellow attire, kite flying, and traditional foods. The skies are filled with colorful kites, especially in cities like Patiala and Amritsar.
3. Baisakhi
Celebrated on April 13 or 14 every year, Baisakhi is both a harvest festival and a spiritual day marking the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. It is one of Punjab’s most important festivals, featuring Nagar Kirtans, folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda, and community feasts (langars).
4. Teeyan
Teeyan is the festival of women, celebrating the onset of the monsoon season in July-August. Married women return to their parental homes, swing on decorated swings tied to trees, and perform traditional dances like Gidda. It is a joyful occasion with songs, colorful clothes, and mehndi (henna).
5. Maghi
Celebrated in January a day after Lohri, Maghi commemorates the martyrdom of the “Chali Mukte” (Forty Liberated Ones) who fought for Guru Gobind Singh. Devotees take holy dips in rivers and attend fairs, especially at Muktsar Sahib.
6. Hola Mohalla
Held a day after Holi, this festival was started by Guru Gobind Singh as a gathering of Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles. It is celebrated with martial arts displays, horse riding, kirtan, and community meals at Anandpur Sahib.
7. Gurpurabs (Birth Anniversaries of Sikh Gurus)
These are deeply spiritual festivals celebrated with great devotion. The birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Guru Nanak Jayanti) and Guru Gobind Singh Ji are marked with Nagar Kirtans, continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib (Akhand Path), and langars.
8. Tikka or Bhai Dooj
Celebrated after Diwali, this festival emphasizes the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti and apply tilak (tikka) on their brothers’ foreheads, praying for their long life and happiness.
9. Diwali (Bandi Chhor Divas)
In Punjab, Diwali is not only the festival of lights but also commemorates Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from Gwalior Fort. Golden Temple in Amritsar is magnificently lit up, and the celebrations include fireworks, lamps, and devotional music.