Sheikhupura is an industrial city in Punjab province, Pakistan located 38 km from Lahore. It has a population of over 473,000 people and is known for its historical monuments from when it was ruled by Mughal emperors. The culture of Sheikhupura is influenced by Lahore, featuring traditional Punjabi attire, food like nankeen lassi and shag with roti, and festivals. Important historical and cultural sites include Sheikhupura Fort built by Jahangir and Hiran Minar constructed as a monument to one of Jahangir's pet deers.
2. Features of Sheikhupura
Sheikhupura is an industrial city in the northwest of Punjab province, Pakistan. The city
is also the administrative headquarter of the Sheikhupura district and is approximately 38
km from Punjab’s provincial capital, Lahore. It is also connected to District Kasur.
The town is famous for its historical monuments and is also known as the city of
Mughals, where emperors come for hunting. The city is also well-known for its booming
industry.
According to the Census of 2017 the Population of Sheikhupura City is about 473,129.
Area of Sheikhupura City is about 75 km2
Postal Code of Sheikhupura City is 39350,
3. Culture
Because of its proximity to Lahore, Lahori culture is
dominant in the city. People enjoy and cherish events
such as Mela, Cattle Show, Basant, and theater.
Traditional attire, Kurta-Shalwar, Dhoti,
Chadar/Dupatta, & Turban, is mostly preferred.
Nankeen Lassi is their favorite drink. Shag with Roti
is a much-loved food.
4. History
Sheikhupura is a historical place. Several rulers, such as Mughal
emperors, Sikhs, and British, have ruled this city. Jahangir founded it
along with the famous Sheikhupura Fort in 1607. Its old name was
Kot Dayal Das. Historians also mention two more titles for this city;
Virkgarh or Singhpuria, later renamed by Jahangir as Sheikhupura.
The city is famous for its historical places such as Qila or fort
Sheikhupura. This fort was built by the son of Mughal emperor Akbar
the Great, Jahangir. The name of this fort is attributed to Jahangir’s
nickname, Sheikhu.
5. Hiran Minar
Hiran Minar or (Minate of
Deer) is situated in Sheikhupura,
Pakistan. It was constructed by
Emperor Jehangir as a
monument to Mansraj, one of
his pet deers.
7. Sports
People like cricket most. There is a cricket stadium in the city that has
hosted two international Tests and two international ODIs so far. Locals
enthusiastically watch and play:
Cricket
Football
Hokey
Pigeon Sports
8. Dresses
In Sheikhupura, Dresses are Various Colors and
Designs.
Men wear Dhoti, Shalwar Kameez, Kurta Pajama and
Khusa some wear Turban.
Women wear Shalwar Kameez and Dupatta.
9. Food
The extensive Diet of Sheikhupura can be vegetarian and non-vegetarian. One
commonality between all Sheikhupura’s dishes is the liberal usage of ghee or
clarified butter spices and Punjabis are fond of sweet-meats also. Most
Sheikhupura’s food is eaten with either rice or roti. There are some dishes that are
exclusive to Sheikhupura’s such as Mah Di Dal, Paratha, Makai Ki roti, Saron Da
Saag, and in cities Choley, Haleem, Biryani and other spicy dishes are popular. In
beverages, tea is consumed in all seasons and as a custom, most of the Punjabis
serve tea to their guests. Punjabis are also fond of Zarda, Gulab-Jamuns, Kheer,
Jalebi, Samosy, Pakorey etc. During summers people drink lassi, doodh-soda,
aloo bokharey ka sharbat, lemonade etc. These cuisines have become world-wide
delicacies with large scale representation.
10. Education
The educational trend in the city is gradually improving. According to the
Punjab government’s statistics, the literacy rate is approximately 43.6%.
The number of educational institutions in the city highlight this aspect.
Following are among some of the well-known institutions in the city:
Beaconhouse School System, Lahore Grammar School, College of Commerce,
College for Women, Degree College, Postgraduate College, Hajvery University,
Oxford International College of Commerce, Prime College of Commerce, Punjab
College of Commerce, Punjab College of Science, Sheikhupura College of Commerce
& Information Technology, The City School, The Superior College, University of
Central Punjab
11. Music and Dance
Bhangra is the most commonly known Punjabi music genre and dance
style. Punjabis passionately love folk songs/music, Qawwali and Punjabi
music is recognized throughout the world. The Tabla, Dhol, Dholki,
Chimta, Flute and Sitar are all common instruments of this delightful
culture. Punjabi dance is based around happiness, energy and
enthusiasm. Different forms of dance in Punjab are Lodi, Dhamal, Sammi,
Kikli, Gatka, Bhangra, Giddha and Dandiya. Punjabi dances have been
embraced by the American culture and others alike and now they are
one of the most appreciated art forms.