Punjabi Festivals

Maghi

Makar Sankranti is frequently known as Maghi by Punjabis. People visit the Gurdwara or the Mandir. The festival marks the increase in daylight and celebrated culturally by eating 'kheer' (rice boiled in milk).

Lohri

Lohri is the winter harvest festival of the Punjab region as the traditional time to harvest sugarcane is in winter. The festival also is the symbolic celebration of the winter solstice, and is the last day of the farmers' financial year.

Basant

Basant Festival is a seasonal festival to welcome the spring. The traditional colour of the day is yellow and the dish of the day is saffron rice.

Holi

Holi is the spring festival of colours which is celebrated by throwing colours on each other. The festival is celebrated on the first day of the Punjabi lunar month of Chet and marks the Spring season.

Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi is the Punjabi new year and the harvest festival. Fairs are held throughout the Punjab on this day.

Rakhri

Raksha Bandhan in the Punjab is known as 'Rakhri' and celebrated as a brothers and sisters day.

Teeyan

Teeyan welcomes the monsoon season and the festival officially starts of the day of Teej and last for 13 days. The seasonal festival involves women and girls dancing Gidha and visiting family.

Diwali

For Sikhs, Diwali is particularly important because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other princes with him, in 1619. The Sikh tradition holds that the Emperor Jahangir had imprisoned Guru Hargobind and 52 princes.

Dussehra

Accordingly, Punjabi farmers traditionally start to harvest the kharif (monsoon) rice crops after Dussehra and sow the wheat (rabi crop) after Diwali. Therefore, Dussehra doubles up as a thanksgiving festival and Diwali is also considered to be a harvest festival. The Punjabi calendar has shifted from the seasons over the years. Dussehra is meant to be celebrated near the first full moon after the autumn equinox and Diwali on the first new moon thereafter.

Gurudwara Nankana Sahib

Nankana Sahib is named after Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh faith. Guru Nanak was born here on Baisakh sudi  15 April 1469. Nankana town is part of Nankana Sahib District in the Punjab province of Pakistan. This district is adjacent to Sheikhupura district and until 2005 was part of this district.

Gurudwara Hari Mandir Sahib

Hari Mandir Sahib is the most famous Gurudwara in India. Located in Amritsar, this Gurudwar is popular by the name of Golden Temple. In 1588, Guru Arjan laid the foundation stone of this sacred shrine and it was in 1604 that he placed the Holy Scripture called Adi Granth here. In 19^thcentury, in order to protect this shrine, Maharaja Ranjit Singh covered the upper floors with the sheets of Gold, which later gave the Gurudwara its modern name ‘Golden Temple’. There are four gates in Golden Temple that symbolizes that Sikhs accepts people from all walks of life. Hari mandir Sahib is not only has important as a religious structure but it has historical significance as well. Inside the gurdwara are several memorial items that commemorate rich past of Sikh like events, saints, martyrs and includes commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died in World War I and II.

Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib

Although Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib in Amritsar is often over-shadowed due to the extreme popularity of Guru Harminder Sahib aka Golden Temple, yet this sacred shrine is one of the best Gurudwaras in India. Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib was built to commemorate the early death of the son of Guru Hargobind Singh named Baba Atal Rai. It is believed Baba Atal died at the tender age of 9 years and the place where he renounced the world is the exact location of the Gurudwara. This nine-storied tower is one of its kinds as its architecture differs from the other Sikh worship places in India. It was built between 1778 and 1784 and since then has been frequented by devotees.

Takht Sri Damdama Sahib

Damdama literally means a breathing place and it was in real a place for Guru Gobind Singh, who relaxed in Talwandi Sabo after fighting a battle. Talwandi Sabo is about 28kms from Bhatinda, Punjab. Damdama Sahib is also one of the Takhts of Sikhism and is a historically important place as well, as it is here where Guru Gobind Singh wrote Bir of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Also, it is the same place where Guru ji tested the faith of Singhs.

Takht Sri Patna Sahib

 Situated in Patna, Takht Sri Patna Sahib is one of the most important Sikh religious places in India. Patna is believed to be the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh and the placewhere he also spent many years of his life. The Gurudwara was built in the remembrance of Guru Gobind Singh by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1780. Besides being the birthplace of Guru ji, Patna Sahib holds importance for Sikh pilgrims as Guru Teg Bahadur also visited Patna and stayed in the same place.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Located in the heart of Delhi, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the imminent landmarks of the capital city. Built between the 17^th and the 18^th century (In the 17^th century it was a bungalow and in the 18^th century new construction was done, this Gurudwara was built to commemorate the stay of eighth Sikh Guru Har Krishan here. As mentioned earlier, this sacred edifice was once a bungalow that was owned by Maharaja Jai Singh. Legend has it that Guru Har Krishan stayed here in 1664, when Delhi was under the influence of chicken pox and cholera epidemic. Guru Har Krishan helped the people by giving them clean water from the nearby well. Unfortunately, Guru Har Krishan contracted the illness and died here. In order to pay homage to Guru Har Krishan, Maharaja Jai Singh built a tank over the well, which is believed to have healing property. Today, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most visited Gurudwaras in Delhi.

Gurudwara Majnu ka Tila Sa

This Gurudwara, situated in North Delhi near ISBT Kashmiri Gate, is reckoned to be the oldest Sikh shrine in Delhi. It is believed that the shrine is named after a mound where Majnu (a boatman who used to ferry people across the Yamuna River for free) met Guru Nanak. In 1783, Sikh leader Baghel Singh built a Gurudwara commemorating the stay of Guru Nanak. Also, the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Gobind Singh, stayed here for quite some time and this is also one of the reasons why this place holds so much importance amongst Sikh devotees.

Gurudwara Mattan Sahib

A highly revered place in Srinagar, Gurudwara Mattan Sahib is situated on Anantnag-Pahalgam Road. Built by a Brahmin who converted to Sikhism after listening to the influential message of Guru Nanak Dev, Gurudwara Mattan Sahib is a symbol of eternal knowledge and faith in the supreme. The Gurudwara is built on the site of ruined temples and is today one of the most popular sacred places in Kashmir, where apart from Sikh devotees Brahmins also pay homage.

Gurudwara Chhevin Patshahi Thara Sahib

Gurudwara Sehra Sahib is situated in Sultanpur Lodhi City in Punjab. The Gurudwara is named after the incident that took place here. Legend has it that Guru Har Gobind Singh while heading to Dalla for his marriage, stopped by Sultanpur Lodhi for a night. It is believed that Har Gobind Singh’s Sehra (Floral headband) ceremony took place here. Thus, the Gurudwara built here was named Gurudwara Sehra Sahib.

Gurudwara Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib 

Sahib Gurudwara is situated in Nanded. It is believed to be the same place where the 10^th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, breathed his last. Maharaja Ranjit Singh constructed a Gurudwara at this place in 1832, which is highly revered in the Sikh community. The complex inside is called Sachkhand or the Realm of Truth and the room inside the Gurudwara, where it is believed that Guru Gobind Singh breathed his last breath, is called Angitha Sahib.

Gurudwara Sri Paonta Sahib

This Gurudwara is amongst the most famed Gurudwaras in India. It is situated in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh and has its popularity attributed to being a place where Guru Gobind Singh wrote the pious Dasam Granth. An important Sikh pilgrimage site, Paonta Sahib got its name from either the fact that Guru Gobind Singh set his foot here or because he lost an ornament here that he used to wear on his foot. Shri Talab Asthan and Shri Dastan Asthan are the vital places inside the Gurudwara; atShri Talab Asthan, salaries are disbursed and at Shri Dastan Asthan turban-tying competition are held. Also, next to the Gurudwara is an ancient temple that is dedicated to the Yamuna River.

Gurudwara Tirgarh Sahib

Gurudwara Tirgarh Sahib is situated at a distance of about 22kms from the famed Paonta Sahib Gurudwara in Himachal Pradesh. This Gurudwara is famed as a spot from where Guru Gobind Singh shot arrows at his enemies while he was fighting in a battle. This Gurudwara is the symbol of courage and is frequented by many devotees who come to pay homage at Paonta Sahib.

Gurudwara Mandi Sahib

Gurudwara Guru Gobind Singh Ji is situated in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. This Gurudwara stands as a symbol of the assurance given by Guru ji to the Raja of Mandi. As per the story goes, Guru Gobind Singh was invited by Raja of Mandi and when the time for him to leave came, the King of Mandi humbly asked Guru ji who will protect Mandi from Aurangzeb; in response to this question, Guru ji aimed his gun at a pitcher floating in the river and fired, the pitcher instead of sinking kept floating. Seeing this, Guru Gobind assured the King of Mandi that like the pitcher floated even after being shot at, so will Mandi remain safe from any attack. A Gurudwara was later constructed here, where this incident took place and one can see some of the belongings of Guru ji here even today

Gurudwara Shri Narayan Hari

Popular as Manikaran Sahib, Gurudwara Shri Narayan Hari is situated in Manikaran, which is about 45kms from Kullu. The Gurudwara is the result of 50 years of consistent labour put by Baba Narayan Hari. According to some accounts, Baba Narayan came to Manikaran and started building a Gurudwara, where he constructed a small wooden structure. Several time this Gurudwara had to face local people’s anger, who demolished it each time he started to rebuild it. However, Sant Narayan Hari didn’t lose hope and within 50 years constructed a bigger Gurudwara. Today, Manikaran Sahib is one of the most revered Sikh places of worship in India.

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib

It is one of the most important Gurudwaras in India and is situated in Bidar, Karnataka. The Gurudwara got its name after a popular incident which took place here; according to legends, Guru Nanak was staying on the outskirts of Mardana, where there was shortage of water and despite the efforts of the village people, drinkable water was hard to find. It is believed that Guru Nanak touched a part of the hillside with his toes and removed some debris after which a fountain of sweet water gushed out from there. Today, on the side of the fountain is where the Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib stands. The Gurudwara is thronged by a large number of devotees thrice in a year i.e on Holi, Dusshera and Guru Nanak’s Birthday.

Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib

Hemkunt Sahib is situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is known for its architecture. Dedicated to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Sahib, Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib is located at an altitude of more than 4000mts above sea level. It is a star-shaped Gurudwara that has been specially designed keeping in view the prevailing weather and altitude of the place. This particular Sikh worship place remains inaccessible from October to April, and it is only in the month of May that the Sikh pilgrims start coming here. Nestled amidst lofty snow-clad mountains, Sri Hemkunt Sahib redefines spirituality.

Gurudwara Rewalsar Sahib

Built to honour Guru Gobind Sahib, Gurudwara Rewalsar is situated in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is believed that the Gurudwara was constructed in the same place where Guru Gobind Sahib met Raja Siddh Sen of Mandi. Situated on a hill, Gurudwara Rewalsar can be recognized from a great distance due to its massive dome. One has to climb 108 stairs to get to this sacred place of worship. At a short distance from here is a Buddhist monastery; thus people who visit the monastery like to pay homage to Rewalasar Gurudwara as well

Gurudwara Dera Baba Bharbhag Singh

Situated near Una Town in Himachal Pradesh, Dera Baba Bharbhag is dedicated to Gurbarbhag Singh. Locally, this sacred shrine is called Gurudwara Manji Sahib. It is situated atop a hill and is a popular religious site in the area. Each year a festival called Baba Bharbhag Singh Mela or the Hola Mohalla Fair is held here; the festival is reckoned to have some magical powers. Many people suffering from mental sickness and under the influence of evil spirit visit here in the hope of getting cured from their diseases.

Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib

Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh is rich in history. Associated with the battle of Bhangani, the Gurudwara is seen as the symbol of victory in the war with Raja Bhim Chand. According to legends, Bhangani is the place where the Guru Gobind Singh fought his first battle at the age of twenty. Guru ji defeated Raja Bhim Chand. This Gurudwara was built in the memory of the war and signifies victory and power of the unity of Sikhs. Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib is located amidst a paddy field and looks simply stunning with its white-marble work.

Gurudwara Nadaun Sahib

Gurudwara Dasvin Patshahi is situated in Nadaun, which is a village in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This holy place was built in the memory of the second battle fought by Guru Gobind Singh. Legend has it that Guru Gobind Singh helped Raja Bhim Chand to defeat the Mughal Commander-in-chief Alif Khan. After emerging victorious in the battle, Guru ji stayed in Naduan for nine days (eventually, this is how the place got its name). The present structure of the Gurudwar Dasvin Patshahi was constructed in 1929 by Rai Bahadur Wasakha Singh.

Gurudwara Paur Sahib

Paur Sahib is situated at Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, and like many other Gurudwaras in India has a legend attached to it. As the story goes, Guru Har Gobind Singh was on a visit to Bilaspur and when he reached this place, his horse started stomping the ground due to which water gushed out of the ground. Today, there is a Gurudwara situated next to this fountain and it is called Gurudwara Paur Sahib.

Gurudwara Shri Shergarh Sahib

This Gurudwara was built to commemorate the brave Guru Gobind Singh who decapitated a man-eating tiger. Gurudwara Shergarh Sahib is situated in Sirmour district, which is only about 12kms from Paonta Sahib. According to legends, Guru Gobind Singh was in Sirmour to meet Raja Medini Parkash, the Raja of Nahan, Raja Fateh Shah and the Raja of Garhwal, when a villager requested the Guru to save their lives from the man-eater. Guru Gobind Singh cut the head off the tiger with a single strike and thus was greatly appreciated. The Gurudwara was then built to remember this brave act of Guru ji.

Bhangra

Bhangra refers to the traditional dance originating in the Majha area of the Punjab region free form traditional Bhangra originating in Punjab, India and modern Bhangra developed by the Punjabi diaspora.

Giddha

 Giddha is a popular folk dance of women in Punjab region of India.The dance is often considered derived from the ancient dance known as the ring dance and is just as energetic as Bhangra; at the same time it manages to creatively display feminine grace, elegance and elasticity. It is a very colourful dance form which is now copied in all regions of the country. Women perform this dance mainly at festive or social occasions

Chaar Sahibzaade

Sahibzada Ajit Singh
Sahibzada Jujhar Singh
Sahibzada Zorawar Singh
Sahibzada Fateh Singh

The word "Sahibzada" means "son" in Punjabi and is a term commonly used to refer to the 4 sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. The word is a traditional word not used in the everyday language of today. The plural of the word is "Sahibzade" with a stretched "A" sound at the end.

The younger pair, called the "Chotta Sahibzade" were martyred together by the Mughals in Sirhind at the tender age of 6 and 9 years old. The older sahibzade, called the "Vaada Sahibzade" died fighting the enemy of many thousands at the young age of 18 and 14 years old in battle at Chamkaur Sahib.

Panj Piare 

Panj Pyare (Punjabi: ਪੰਜ ਪਿਆਰੇ  literally the five beloved ones), is the name collectively given to the five Sikh men, Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh by Guru Gobind Singh at the historic divan at Anandpur Sahib on 30 March 1699. They formed the nucleus of the Khalsa, as the first batch to receive khanda di Pahul, i.e. rites of the two-edged sword.

Gatka

Gatka (Punjabi: ਗਤਕਾ gatkā) is a traditional South Asian form of combat-training in which wooden sticks are used to simulate swords in sparring matches.In modern usage, it commonly refers to the northwestern Indian martial arts, which should more properly be called shastara vidiyā (ਸ਼ਸਤਰ ਵਿਦਿਆ, from Sanskritsastra-vidya or "science of weapons"). In English, the terms gatka and shastar vidya are very often used specifically in relation to Panjabi-Sikhs. In actuality, the art is not unique to any particular ethno-cultural group or religion but has been the traditional form of combat throughout north India and Pakistan for centuries. Attacks and counterattacks vary from one community to another but the basic techniques are the same.This article will primarily use the extended definition of gatka, making it synonymous with shastara-vidiya.
Gatka can be practiced either as a sport (khel) or ritual (rasmi). The sport form is played by two opponents wielding wooden staves called gatka. These sticks may be paired with a shield. Points are scored for making contact with the stick. The other weapons are not used for full-contact sparring, but their techniques are taught through forms training.The ritual form is purely for demonstration and is performed to music during occasions such as weddings, or as part of a theatrical performance like the chhau dance. A practitioner of gatka is called a gatkabajwhile a teacher is addressed as Guru or Gurudev.

Punjabi Culture

Khalsa

Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Guru Ji

1.  Guru Nanak Dev

Guru Nanak Dev, first of the 10 gurus, founded the Sikh faith, introducing the concept of one GodSon of: Kalyan Das ji (Mehta Kalu ji), and Mata Tripta ji. Brother of: Bibi NanakiMarried to: Sulakhani ji.Father to: sons, Siri Chand and Lakhmi Das.Birthplace: Nankana Sahib (Pakistan),observed October 20, 1469 (April 14, 1469 Nanakshahi)Age: 70

2.  Guru Angad Dev

Guru Angad Dev, second of the 10 gurus, compiled the writings of Nanak Dev, and introduced the Gurmukhi script.

Son of: Pheru Mall ji and Mata Daya Kaur (Sabhrai) ji.Married to: Mata Khivi ji.Father to: sons, Dasu, Datu, and daughters, Amro and Anokhi.Birthplace: Harike, March 31, 1504 (April 18, Nanakshahi)Became Guru: Kartarpur, September 7, 1539 (September 18, Nanakshahi)Place of Death: Khadur, March 29, 1552 (April 16, Nanakshahi)Age: 48

3.  Guru Amar Das

Guru Amar Das, third of the 10 gurus, disavowed caste with the institution of langar, pangat and sangat.

Son of: Tej Bhan ji and Mata Lakhmi ji.

Married to: Mansa Devi.

Father to: sons, Mohan, Mohri, and daughters, Dani and Bhani.

Birthplace: Basarke (Amritsar) May 5, 1479, (May 23, Nanakshahi)

Became Guru: Khadur, March 26, 1552 (April 16, Nanakshahi)

Place of Death: Goindwal, September 1, 1574 (September 16, Nanakshahi)

Age: 95

4.  Guru Raam Das

Guru Raam Das, fourth of the 10 gurus, began the excavation of the sarovar in Amritsar.
Son of: Hari Das ji Sodhi and Mata Daya Kaur ji.
Married to: Bibi Bhani ji.
Father to: sons, Prithi Chand, Maha Dev and Arjun Dev.
Birthplace: Chuna Mandi (Lahore, Pakistan) September 24, 1534 (October 9, Nanakshahi)
Became Guru: Goindwal, September 1, 1574 (September 16, Nanakshahi)
Place of Death: Goindwal, September 1, 1581 (September 16, Nanakshahi)
Age: 47

5.  Guru Arjun Dev (Arjan Dev)

Guru Arjun (Arjan) Dev, fifth of the 10 gurus, erected the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, compiled and contributed to Adi Granth, 1604.
Son of: Guru Raam das and Ji Mata Bhani ji.
Married to: Raam Devi (issueless), Ganga ji.
Father to: one son, Har Govind.
Birthplace: Goindwal, April 14, 1563 (May 2, Nanakshahi)
Became Guru: Goindwal, September 1, 1581 (September 16, Nanakshahi)
Place of Death: Lahore, May, 30 1606 (June 16, Nanakshahi)
Martyred age: 43

6.  Guru Har Govind (Har Gobind)

Guru Har Govind (Hargobind), sixth of the 10 gurus, constructed the Akal Takhat. He raised an army and woretwo swords symbolizing secular and spiritual authority. The Mughal emperor Jahangir imprisoned the guru who negotiated release for whomever could hold on to his robe.
Son of: Guru Arjun and Mata Ganga.
Married to: Damodri ji, Nankee ji and Maha Devi ji.
Father to: Sons, Gur Ditta, Ani Rai, Suraj Mal, Atal Rai, Teg Mall (Teg Bahadur), and daughter, Bibi Veero.
Birthplace: Guru ki Wadali (Amritsar), June 19, 1595 (July 5, Nanakshai)
Became Guru: Amritsar, May 25, inaugurated June 10 - 11 or 25, 1606 (June 11, Nanakshahi)
Place of Death: Kiratpur, February 28, or March 3, 1644 (March 19, Nanakshahi)
Age: 49

7.  Guru Har Rai

Guru Har Rai, seventh of the 10 gurus, propagated the Sikh faith, maintained a cavalry of 20,000 as his personal guard, and established both a hospital and zoo.
Son of: Baba Gurditta ji and Mata Nihal Kaur.
Married to: Sulakhni ji (Kishan Kaur) and Daughters of Daya Ram.
Father to: sons, Ram Rai and Har Krishan, and daughter Sarup Kaur.
Birthplace: Kiratpur (Hoshiarpur), January 16, or February 26, 1630 (January 31, Nanakshahi)
Became Guru: Kiratpur, March 3, or 8, 1644 (March 14, Nanakshahi)
Place of Death: Kiratpur, May 30, or October 6, 1661 (October 20, Nanakshahi)
Age: 31

8.  Guru Har Krishan (Har Kishan)

Guru Har Krishan, eighth of the 10 gurus, became guru at the age of five, and is known for his wisdom and compassion.
Son of Guru Har Rai and Mata Kishan (aka Krishan or Sulakhni) Kaur.
Birthplace: Kiratpur, July 7, 1656 (July 23, Nanakshahi)
Became Guru: Kiratpur, June 10, July 7, or October 6 - 7, 1661 (October 20, Nanakshahi)
Place of Death: Delhi, March 30, 1664 (April 16, Nanakshahi)
Age: 8

9.  Guru Teg Bahadar (Tegh Bahadur)

Guru Teg Bahadar, ninth of the 10 gurus, reluctant to leave meditation and come forward as guru, ultimately sacrificed his life to protect Hindu Pandits from forced conversion to Islam.
Son of: Guru Har Govind and Mata Nankee ji.
Married to: Gujri ji.
Father to: one son, Gobind Singh.
Birthplace: Amritsar, April 1, 1621 (April 18, Nanakshahi)
Became Guru: Baba Bakala, August 11, 1664 (April 16, Nanakshahi)
Place of Death: Delhi, November 11, 1675 (November 24, Nanakshahi)
Martyred age: 54

10.  Guru Gobind Singh

Guru Gobind Singh, tenth of the 10 gurus, created the order of Khalsa. Sacrificed father, mother, sons and his own life to protect Sikhs from forced conversion to Islam. Completed the Granth bestowing upon it title of everlasting Guru.
Son of Guru Teg Bahadar and Mata Gujri ji.
Married to Jito ji (Ajit Kaur), Sundri, and Mata Sahib Kaur.
Father to sons, Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh.
Birthplace: Patna (Bihar, India) December 22, 1666 (January 5, Nanakshahi)
Became Guru: Anandpur, November 11, 1675 (November 24 Nanakshahi)
Creation of Khalsa: April 14, 1699
Place of Death: Nanded, October 7, 1708 (October 21, Nanakshahi)
Age: 4

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