Punjabi culture is one of the oldest cultures with a history dating back to antiquity. It is characterized by several key elements including languages, cuisine, dance, music, and sports. The Punjabi language is spoken by the majority as a first language and some common dialects include Pothowari and Hindko. Cuisine incorporates liberal use of ghee and spices and includes dishes like makai ki rotti and sarson da saag. Popular dances like bhangra incorporate music from instruments like the tabla and dhol. Sports enjoyed by Punjabis are kabaddi, wrestling, cricket and others.

1. CHARACTERISTICS OF PUNJABI CULTURE

2. Main characteristics of Punjabi
culture
 Punjabi Culture is one of the oldest in world history, dating from
ancient antiquity to the modern era. The scope, history, complexity
and density of the culture are vast. Some of the main areas of the
Punjabi culture include:
 Languages
 Cuisine
 Dance and Music
 Sports

3. Languages
 Punjabi is the provincial language of Punjab. It is spoken as the first
language by majority people in Punjab, even spoken and understood
in areas beyond the confines of Punjab. Facts and figures show that
Punjabi language is spoken as first language by 44% of Pakistanis. Urdu
language is also commonly spoken in this region. Key Punjabi
languages/dialects are:
 Pothowari
 Hindko
 Jhangvi
 Shahpuri
 Pahari
 Majhi
 Saraiki

4. Cuisine
 The extensive cuisine of Punjab can be vegetarian and non-
vegetarian. One commonality between all Punjabi dishes is the
liberal usage of ghee or clarified butter spices and Punjabis are fond
of sweet-meats also. Most Punjabi food is eaten with either rice or
roti. There are some dishes that are exclusive to Punjab such as Mah
Di Dal, Paratha, Makai ki rotti, Saron Da Saag, and in cities Choley,
Haleem, Baryani and other spicy dishes are popular. In beverages,
tea is consumed in all seasons and as a custom most of Punjabis
serve tea to their guests. Punjabis are also fond of Zarda, Gulab-
Jamuns, Kheer, Jalaibi,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.

5. Dance and Music
 Bhangra is most commonly known Punjabi music and dance style.
Punjabis passionately love folk songs/music, Qawali 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: Loddi, 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.

6. Sports
 Punjabi people have fanatical interest in sports. Punjabi’s are fond
of kabaddi, and wrestling, which is also popular in other parts of
Pakistan and it’s also played on national level. Other games being
played in Punjab region include Gilli-Danda, Khoo-Khoo, Yassu-
Panju, Pitho-Garam, Ludo, Chuppan-Chupai, Baraf-Panni, Kanchy
and some major sports include cricket, boxing, horse-racing, hockey
and football. National Horse and Cattle Show at Lahore is the
biggest festival where sports, exhibitions, and livestock competitions
are held.

7. ‘Thank you’