Power Of Punjab
Power Of Punjab
The name Punjab is a xenonym/exonym and the first known mention of the word Punjab is in the writings of Ibn Batūtā, who visited the region in the 14th century.The term came into wider use in the second half of the 16th century, and was used in the book Tarikh-e-Sher Shah Suri (1580), which mentions the construction of a fort by "Sher Khan of Punjab". The first mentioning of the Sanskrit equivalent of 'Punjab', however, occurs in the great epic, the Mahabharata (pancha-nada 'country of five rivers'). The name is mentioned again in Ain-e-Akbari (part 1), written by Abul Fazal, who also mentions that the territory of Punjab was divided into two provinces, Lahore and Multan. Similarly in the second volume of Ain-e-Akbari, the title of a chapter includes the word Panjnad in it.The Mughal King Jahangir also mentions the word Panjab in Tuzk-i-Janhageeri.Punjab, derived from Persian and introduced by the Turkic conquerors of India,literally means "five" (panj) "waters" (āb), i.e., the Land of Five Rivers, referring to the five rivers which go through it. It was because of this that it was made the granary of British India. Today, three of the rivers run exclusively in Punjab, Pakistan, while Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, India have the headwaters of the remaining two rivers, which eventually run into Pakistan.
Punjab Temple :
Since the Golden Temple, location in the city of Amritsar in the state of Punjab,is a places of great beauty and sublime peacefulness. Originally a small lake in the midst of a quiet forest, the site has been a meditation retreat for wandering mendicants and sages since deep antiquity. The Buddha is also known to have spent time at this place in contemplation. Two thousand years after Buddha's time, another philosopher-saint came to lived and meditate by the peaceful lake. This was Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh religions. After the passing away of Guru Nanak, his disciples continued to frequent the site; over the centuries it became the primary sacred shrine of the Sikhs. The lake was enlarged and structurally contained during the leadership of the fourth Sikh Guru "Ram Dass, 1574-1581", and during the leadership of the fifth Guru (Arjan, 1581-1606), the Hari Mandir, or Temple of God was built. From the early 1600s to the mid 1700s the sixth through tenth Sikh Gurus were constantly involving in defending both their religion and their temple against Muslim armies. On numer occasions the temple was destroyed by the Muslims, and each time was rebuilt more beautifully by the Sikhs. From 1767 onwards, the Sikhs became strong enough militarily to repulse invaders. Peace returned to the Hari Mandir punjab temples is a nice temple.
The temple architectures draws on both on Hindu and Muslim artistic styles yet represents a unique coevolution of the two. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), Hari Mandir was richly ornamented with marble sculptures, golden gilding, and large quantities of precious stone. Within the sanctuary, on a jewel-studded platform, lies the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. This scripture is a collection of devotional poems, prayers, and hymns composed by the ten Sikh gurus and various Muslim and Hindu saints. Beginning early in the morning and lasting until long past sunset, these hymns are chanted to the exquisite accompaniment of flutes, drums, and stringed instruments. Echoing across the serene lake, this enchantingly beautiful music induces a delicate yet powerful state of trance in the pilgrims strolling leisurely around the marble concourses encircling the pool and temple. An underground spring feeds the sacred lake, and throughout the day and night pilgrims immerse themselves in the waters, a symbolic cleansing of the soul rather than an actual bathing of the body. Next to the temple complex are enormous pilgrims' dormitories and dining hall where all person, irrespective of race, religion, or gender, are lodged and fed for free.
Punjab Culture :
Since punjabi culture is one of the oldest and richest cultures of the world. The scope, history, sophistication and complexity of the cultures are vast.The Punjabi Culture is the cultures of the Punjabi peoples who are now distributed throughout the world. The scope, history, sophistication and complexity of the cultures 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.Culture of Punjab is one of the distinctive cultures found anywhere around the globe. The Punjabi culture is renowned for various reasons. There is an exclusiveness and vivacity in the lifestyle of the Punjabi people. The state of Punjab is located in north-west India, which is rinsed by five rivers.
The People of Punjab are friendly, hospitables, hardworking and relish living. This is due to the fact that it usually bore the onslaught of attacker a number of times. In time people become to live in their present times by enjoying life. And soon eating became a part of their joys of life. There is a verse to epitomise their colourful nature.Punjabi songs are full of melody. The beats of drum (dhol) and the rhythm of the steel spoon on the dholak is a simple style but adds to the exuberance of Punjabi music. The dance styles of Punjab has more flavor with its bhangra, giddha, kikli and sammi!
Dance and songs are very much compulsory during get togethers and festivals. The festivals of Punjab makes the culture more interesting. Bhangra” is one of the most famous dance forms of Punjab. With the loud drumming of the dholak, people dance with zeal to the tunes of the music. “Giddha” is another important variant of dance practiced by Punjabi women. Bolis are lyrically sung and danced by women. Other popular dance forms are Jhumar, Dhankara and Gatka. Irrespective of age or religion, Punjabis love to dance and enjoy themselves to mark festivity. Folk music is the soul of Punjabi culture. Folk music comprises of simple musical instruments like dholak and dhol drum. Punjabi music relates to the zestful people of Punjab. Bhangra is a popular music form of Punjab. Boliyas are sung and music is played in tune with the lyrics. Punjabi songsat the wedding range from emotional interludes to very peppy beats, where there is a constant chiding of the bride and groom. A sense of humor is essential to enjoy the wedding song.
Punjab Foods :
Since punjab is one of the most prosperous state in India, and the foods of Punjab attests to this in every morsel. Even though it is known as the bread basket of India, we get so much more than just that in their cuisine. Down south, a lot of peoples thinks that most north Indians are Punjabis and you can not blame them given all the Punjabi influence in the cultures up north! No matter what divides peoples, food has the power to unite us as Indians, especially the rich Punjabi foods with in it’s succulent flavors and desi ghee. And with Pakistan being their neighbour, a lot of their flavor have also seeped into the cuisine giving it an even more exotic flavour. Here are some favorites from the land of bhangra and Daler Mehndi which you might not have even known were Punjabi dishes.
Chicken masala:
While chicken may very well be called the national bird of Punjab, butter chicken is the crowning jewel of the food of Punjab. While it may not have originated in Punjab, it was invented by a Punjabi family so that counts, right? No celebration can be complete without this delicacy. This creamy, gravy dish is lightly spiced and paired up with either naan or roomali roti.
Sakkar para:
A great accompaniment to tea, it can also be snacked on when you’re craving something a little sweet. Made from semolina and flour, it is light and not overly sweet. For those with a sweeter tooth, these can be coated in coarse sugar or desecrated coconut for a different flavor. These can be just as easily made at home and stored for 2-3 weeks to keep munching on! It is deep fried so do be careful of how many you munch on.
Punjabi Traditional :
Since In the ancient Punjab region, people wore cotton clothings. The tops for both sexes reaching to the knees. A scarf was worn over the tops which would be draped over the left shoulder and under the right. A largest sheet would be further draped over one shoulder which would hang loose towards the knees. Both sexes wore a dhoti around the waist. Modern Punjabi dress has retained this outfit but over its long history has added other forms of dresses
The Punjab regions had a flourishing industry in cotton during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when various kinds of coarse cotton cloth included lungi, khes, datahi, chadders, coasting, shirting, curtains, susi, tehmats, durris, towels, dusters, patkas etc. were manufactured in Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Peshawar, Lahore, Multan, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jhang, Shahpur, Jalandhar, Delhi, Gurgaon, Rohtak, Karnal, Rewari, Panipat etc.This cotton industry added to the richness of Punjabi clothing which exhibits Punjab's rich and vibrant culture in its dresses.Various types of dresses are worn based on different Punjabi festivals, local events and ceremonies.
Along with different traditional dresses special types of ornaments are also very common.
Punjab Tourisum Places :
Since the state of Punjab is renowned for its cuisine, cultures and history. Punjab has a vast publics transportation and communicated networks. Some of the main cities in Punjab are Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, Pathankot and Ludhiana. is known for the combines made here while Patiala is known for the historical forts. Punjab also has a rich Sikh religious history. Tourism in Punjab is principally suited for the tourists interested in culture, ancient civilisation, spirituality and epic history. Some of the villages in Punjab are also a must see for the person who wants to see the true Punjab, with their beautiful traditional Indian homes, farms and temple, this is a must see for any visitor that goes to India. Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008 has voted the Harmandir Sahib as one of the world best spiritual sites with over 100,000 pilgrims and tourists visit on a daily basis. Since Amritsar is a big tourist spot, a lot of five star hotel are getting attracting to open up properties here. Hotel Ista has become very popular with nonresident Indian "NRI" community. New properties by Radisson and Taj are coming up in this city.
Punjab Festival
There are many origins of Lohri: all Forming parts of folklore. However, the main theme of Lohri is the belief that Lohri is the cultural celebration of the winter solstice. Lohri is meant to be celebrating on the shortest day of the years.
According to folk lore, in ancient times Lohri was celebrating on winter solstice day. It is for this reason that people believe the Lohri night is meant to be the longest night of the year and on the day after Lohri, day light is meant to increase. Accordingly, the day after Lohri is celebrated as Maghi Sangrand when the days are meant to start getting longer. People believe nights gradually shorten "by the grain of one sesame seed" once the winter solstice passes.
However, instead of celebrating Lohri on the day winter solstice occurs, Punjabis celebrate it on the last day of the month during which winter solstice takes place. This is due to linking Lohri to the Bikrami calendar and the twinning of the festival with Makar Sankranti which is celebrated in the Punjab region as Maghi Sangrand. Therefore, Lohri commemorates the passing of the winter solstice.
Scientifically, the shortest day of the year is around 21–22 December after which the days begin to get longer. Accordingly, winter solstice begins on 21 December or 22 December and Lohri ought to be celebrated on the day of winter solstice followed by Maghi "Makar"Sangrand the next day.
