Punjab is a religious state. Most of the people are Sikhs and you can see beautiful gurudwaras in various parts of the state. The state hosts various fairs and festivals throughout the year. Punjabis (people of Punjab) in these occasions spare unforgettable moments with their friends and relatives. For all Punjabis, fairs and festivals are the occasions to wear new clothes and to enjoy numerous fascinating features like races, singing, wrestling bouts, acrobatics, playing folk instruments and many more.
The major festivals of the state include Lohri, Holi, Holla Mohalla, Baisakhi, Dusshera and Deepawali etc. Popular fairs include Muktsar fair, rural sports, chhapar fair, fair of Baba Sodal and Haribhallabh Sangeet Mela.
Lohri Lohri marks the culmination of winter, and is celebrated on the 13th day of January in the month of Paush or Magh, a day before Makar Sankranti. For Punjabis, this is more than just a festival; it is also an example of a way of life.
More…HoliHoli is the festival of colour. It is the festival which gives maximum fun and amusements to both men and women. Four days before the festival, married women play Holi with their men folk by throwing coloured water on them. The day following Holi, Dhulandi (Phag), men folk throw water on women who retaliate by a mock beating with sticks or kolras (twisted cloth strips).
More…Holla MohallaIt is a popular fair held a day after the Holi. The highlight of this fair is a spectacular display of fencing and tent-pegging, as the Nihang Sikhs show off their legendary martial equestrian skills.
The festival being an occasion to rejoice is also a time to restore faith in the Khalsa Panth and rededicate oneself to the service of the community. Everyone, irrespective of their social standing, involves themselves in kar seva - manual labour, like helping in the langars, or public kitchens, cleaning the gurudwaras, and washing dishes etc.
The festival is celebrated grandly at Anandpur Sahib. Thousands of people visit the shrine to participate in prayers. The symbol of this festival is to understand the duty of an individual with responsibilities towards the society.
BaisakhiBaisakhi is a seasonal festival with a special accent. It is celebrated all over the State on the first of Baisakh. This is the time when harvest is gathered in and the farmer exults in the fulfillment of his year's hard work. The Punjab's famous Bhangra and Giddha are inextricably linked with this festival.
More…DeepawaliDiwali is celebrated in Punjab with great enthusiasm and enjoyed by every people irrespective of religion and faith. This is the time for everyone to rejoice, looking forward to a bright future. Enthusiastically it’s magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity. Diwali - the festival of lights, symbolizes the victory of righteousness and lifting of spiritual darkness.
More…
