The most distinctive
Punjabis are the Sikhs with their martial identity.While in Punjab, head
for Amritsar and the Golden Temple , which is the most revered temple
for the Sikhs. Other noteworthy stops are the Durhiana Temple, a Hindu
shrine with features resembling the Golden Temple's; the Rambagh
Gardens, a prince's summer palace now a museum; and Jallianwala Bagh, a
national monument honouring the martyrs of India's freedom movement.
Patiala has several attractions worth a look. Visit the Moti Bagh Palace
with its mirror-studded Shesh Mahal and fine collection of miniature
paintings.
Capital of Punjab: Chandigarh
is the capital of Punjab and the language spoken is Punjabi. It is a
typically north Indian city with an interest in Delhi: every family has
one family member either working in the capital or atleast a married
daughter staying in Delhi. People in Chandigarh lead disciplined lives.
Unlike its more industrial neighbours like Ludhiana, it's a
service-oriented culture here. Chandigarh, is on the whole, a clean,
educated and corporate place.
History
of Punjab: The area entered recorded history with the annexation of
Punjab and Sindh to the Persian Empire by Darius I (c. 518 BC). Punjab
subsequently came under various Muslim rulers until the victorious entry
of the Mughals in 1526. Under the Mughals the province enjoyed peace and
prosperity for more than 200 years. Punjab came under British occupation
in 1849, after the British victory over the Sikhs. When the Indian
subcontinent received its independence in 1947, Punjab was split between
Pakistan and India, with the larger western portion becoming part of
Pakistan. The present provincial boundaries were established in 1970.
The Punjabi People: The
determined industrialization of the state has moved the people from
their farms to businesses of transport and motor accessories. But by and
large Punjab remains a land of large farms, robust food and an animal
zest for life. Even today, the family is the epicenter of their lives,
with generations sitting down together for the evening meal.
Culture
of Punjab: The genius of Punjabis finds expression in love stories,
lusty dancing, and humour. Most popular Punjabi dances are: Bhangra,
Giddha, Jhumar, Luddi, Dankara Julli, Sammi, Dhamal, Jaago, Kikli and
Gatka. The mirasis (professional wits), naqalias (mummers), and domanis
(female singer-actresses) are professional performers belonging to the
lower classes. They exploit all the tricks of exaggeration, absurdity,
malapropism, comic gags, and lewd references.
Occupation in Punjab: The
economy of Punjab is characterized by a productive, increasingly
commercial agriculture, a diversity of small- and medium-scale
industries, and the highest per capita income in the nation. Wheat and
cotton are the principal crops. Live- stock and poultry are also raised
in large numbers. Industries with the largest number of workers include
cotton, woollen and silk textiles, metal products and machinery, food
and beverages, and transport equipment and parts. Others: hosiery,
bicycles, sewing machines, and sporting goods.
CLIMATE OF PUNJAB:
Climatically the state has three major seasons. Hot weather ( April to
June) when the mercury shoots up to as high as 110 F. Rainy season is
from July to September. The average rainfall annual ranges between 96
cms in the sub-mountain region and 58 cms in the plains. Winter months
are October to March when the temperature dips to as low as 40F. October
to March is the best season to visit.
Population of Punjab: 22
million
Festivals: Holla Mohalla during
March-April at Anandpur Sahib; Bawan Doadsi is celebrated 18 days after
Krishna Janmastami at Patiala; Jor Mela at Sirhind; Harballabh Sangeet
Sammelan is organised every year in last week of December at Jalandhar;
Baisakhi in April; Lohri, another seasonal festival in mid-January.
Other feasts to mark anniversaries of the 10 Gurus are also observed.
