Punjab - Once 'A Land Of Five Rivers'

Punjab's (Desi) Kolaveri di

2011-12-29T07:38:00.000-08:00

From the past few days i was observing what my dear friends want to have more from my side to post interesting about Punjab. So, i am happy that their hearts beat for punjabi music. It seems people all around the world really enjoy desi (a term referring to something or someone who is from the Indian subcontinent) music. Recently, a South Indian song has been introduced which performed so well that it had crossed 20 million hits on the video sharing internet platform YouTube in a short time and becoming one of the biggest ever chartbusters from the Indian entertainment industry.
And now there are many versions of Kolaveri Di songs released over internet in the past few days. While the world is going crazy about the song Kolaveri Di, we have here is a Punjabi version of the song Kolaveri Di. It is released by DesiRoutz on youtube. So, below i am putting the video of the song , enjoy it

These guys have really performed well. kolaveri fever is still on.

Folks of Punjab:

2011-08-28T02:20:00.000-07:00

Punjabi folk is so rich, so varied and so versatile that even common man feels it-s charm. The style of Punjabi dances range from very high energy to slow and reserved, and there are specific styles for men and women. Some of the dances are secular while others are presented in religious contexts. The dances are typically performed at times of celebration, such as Punjabi weddings. With the drum beat or to the tune of some other instrument of folk music, the energetic feet of the people of Punjab are spontaneously set in to give birth to a folk dance - an expression of the soul triumphant, an outburst of emotions.

Punjabi folk songs are varied and colorful. The entire Punjabi culture, so to speak, is reflected in them. They whirl round and round bending and straightening their bodies alternatively, hopping on one leg, raising their hands, clapping with their handkerchiefs and exclaiming Bale Bale! Oh Bale Bale to inspire themselves and others to the abandon of the dance.

Bhangra

Bhangra (folk dance) actions and movements are full of energy and happiness as well as being highly methodical. Bhangra has its own distinctive costumes and instruments. Bhangra is not only exuberant in sound, but also in colour. The Bhangra dress reflects the Punjabi love for bright colours, a sign of happiness. The Bhangra dress is derived from typical daily wear, so it varies depending on which region of the Punjab you are in. Bhangra costumes include Turla - a fan like adornment on the turban, displaying a sign of pride, Pag - a turban, displaying a sign of honour, Kaintha - a type of necklace, Kurta - a loose shirt, Jughi - a waistcoat, Thamba - a rectanglular cloth which goes around the legs and is tied around the waist, all of which are worn with Khussa - shoes.

Gidda

Women have a different but no less exuberant dance called gidda (folk dance). Punjabi women reveal joy, give vent to their suppressed feelings in a male dominated society through the Giddha. Slogans known as bolis are sung while dancing which exhibit the deep human feeling.

So let's watch the video below showing bhangra performing by both girls and boys.......

Gems of Punjab

2011-08-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

The golden period of Punjabi literature begins with the first Sikh guru Nanak Sahib and continued until the last Sikh Guru Gobind Singh. Modern Punjabi literature begins with the work of Bhai Vir Singh, who is described as the ‘Father of Modern Punjabi Literature’. Let me tell you something about most famous and worldwide poets and writers.

Amrita Pritam

Amrita Pritam: She is one of the most celebrated poets of Punjabi literature. She embodied the fullness of poetic expression, creativity and the intensity of a woman in the perpetual state of love. Yet her audience has been global as well: her work was translated into dozens of world languages. One of her poems makes the following confession:

“Today I have erased the number of my house

And removed the stain of identity on my street’s forehead

And I have wiped the direction on each road

But if you really want to meet me

Then knock at the doors of every country

Every city, every street

And wherever a glimpse of a free spirit exists

That will be my home” Read more….

Watch the interview of Amrita Pritam in the below video:

Waris Shah: A tribute to Waris Shah by Amrita Pritam

From Aj Aakhan Waris Shah Nu:

"I say to Waris Shah today, speak from your grave

And add a new page to your book of love

Once one daughter of Punjab wept, and you wrote your long saga;

Today thousands weep, calling to you Waris Shah:

Arise, o friend of the afflicted; arise and see the state of Punjab,

Corpses strewn on fields, and the Chenaab flowing with much blood.

Someone filled the five rivers with poison,

And this same water now irrigates our soil......"

Waris Shah was a Punjabi Sufi poet, best-known for his seminal work Heer Ranjha, based on the traditional folk tale of Heer and her lover Ranjha. Waris Shah also sublimated his own unrequited love for a girl (Bhag Bhari) in writing romance.

Khushwant Singh

Khuswant Singh: Khushwant Singh is many things to many people. More you read about him, hungrier you get. He is the high priest of journalism and can be said to be India's best. he is a free thinker and an international celebrity. Khushwant Singh had become a legend and an icon in his lifetime. He is a lawyer, critic and columnist. He is a prolific writer and historian. He is a man people love to hate and may even agree "Not a nice man to know". Yet, you would love to read him day after day to no end. Singh's weekly column, "with Malice towards One and All", carried by several Indian newspapers, is among the most widely-read columns in the country. Read more....
(All the pics in my blog have been taken from google and other sources)

Immortalized - The mortal love

2011-08-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

Punjab has produced great love legends which are liked by Punjabis with great respect. Love dominates Punjabi literature, movies, songs and art. There are four popular tragic romances of the Punjab: Heer Ranjha, Mirza Sahiba, Sassi Punnun, and Sohni Mahiwal.

Heer Ranjha, Sassi Punnu and Mirza

These folktales immortalize and enshrine mortal love as the spirit of divine love. The poet Waris Shah, who versified the tale of Heer Ranjha, elevated mortal love to the same level as spiritual love for God. The tales also portray a double standard of moral and social convictions and the supremacy of love and loyalty. The protagonists are punished with death for flouting social conventions and disobeying their parents, yet their deaths are glorified and offerings are made at their tombs by those who seek blessings and redemption from suffering and unfulfilled desires. Read more…

Reaching Out Globally

2011-08-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

Today, punjabi is the sixth largest spoken language after English, French, Chinese, Italian and German. Punjabi is set to become the fourth largest spoken language in Canada. In British Columbia province, Punjabi is taught in the University Of British Columbia (UBC). Statistics from the Office for National Statistics estimate that there are approaching nearly a million people of Punjabi origin in Britain. Punjabi is this country's second language.


Town of England

The difference between the number of Punjabi speakers and those of German and Italian is very small. By the next census of 2011, Punjabi will overtake both to occupy the fourth place. "More than 150 million people in 150 countries speak this language. Mini Punjabs in Canada, the US, the UK, Pakistan, Australia and Singapore are testaments to it," he said. Hospitals, city halls, airports and markets carry Punjabi signs. Like here's a picture of billboard of Southall - a town in England. It has been written in punjabi because the town has one of the largest concentrations of South Asian people outside of the Indian sub-continent.

Large number of Indians in London

And it is common see the Punjabi sign of Aseen Punjabi Bolde Haan (We speak Punjabi) at banks. Guidelines on provincial issues – elections, health, old age and education – come out in Punjabi, as do government bills and notices. You can see the another picture of London where you will find thousands of Indian faces.

Watch the video showing that not only Indians but foreigners also learn to dance on the tune of Punjab. The girls are trying to do Punjabi steps. Punjabi culture, Punjabi movies, Punjabi dance, Punjabi language is now appreciated worldwide.

Wealthiest State

2011-08-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

Punjab, the richest state in India that throbs with the vibrant culture of equally vibrant people, has always moved on the path of prosperity despite all odds. A state where dreams of moving with the times have blossomed among the lush green fields and fertile soil. With its inimitable style of transforming every potential opportunity into a success story through enterprise and endeavor Punjab has always been at the forefront in the development story of India. Punjab – The Food basket and Granary of India", has been awarded National Productivity Award for agriculture extension services for consecutively ten years.

Punjab has been declared one of the best States in India in terms of rail, road and transport network. Ludhiana (Punjab) has been adjudged as the best place for doing business in India. Punjab is already home to many large Indian Companies & MNCs like Ranbaxy, Hero Group, Avon Cycles etc.

The Punjab Agricultural University situated in Ludhiana, has brought about a real revolution in farming techniques and has contributed to increased agriculture production and improvement of the cultivators' economic status. This institution has developed high yielding varieties of wheat, rice, bajra and other crops which has spearheaded Punjab to make the state and the country self sufficient for many key crops. Read More... Watch the video below:

In the above video you can see the lush and green fields of Punjab.

The Way to Heart in Punjab.....

2011-07-29T00:49:00.000-07:00

Punjabi culture is one of the most talked about culture which reflects the color and happiness in one. Being born and brought up in Punjab, I am deeply touched by the customs of Punjab. Generations ago, the turban was the “crowning glory” of all Punjabi's whether Muslim, Hindu or Sikh. Muslims and Hindus have given up their turbans, but it remains, as a faith for Sikh men whose religion forbids them to cut their hair. Turban is their pride.

The culture of Punjab, from among the cultures of the world, has its own unique fragrance. It is unmatched. A guest in Punjab is considered as a representative sent by God. Punjab’s villages are really so pious. I usually used to visit to a village in my childhood which was few kms away from my place with my father. I really got impressed from their life styles. My father took me to our driver uncle’s house which was made of mud. When we (me and my father) entered the house, immediately the ladies of the house covered their heads with their dupattas and welcomed us with their folding hands saying “jee aayian nu”. One of the ladies offered us to sit on the beds known locally as “chaar payi.” Later, my father explained me that though these people live in village but the way they treat their guests is incomparable. I remember the lines of gandhiji – India lives in her villages and it’s really true. The land of Punjab is so fertile that it is best suited for growing variety of crops.

The traditional Punjabi juttis retain their popularity with both rural and urban people; they are both elegant and comfortable. Duppatta is very important part of Punjabi girls. Punjab is a wonderful and colorful state in Northern India.

The typical Punjabi is an extrovert, a sociable fellow who likes to eat well, dress well. Punjabi men would like to twirl their moustache and say "Chardi kala" ("on the up and up") to those who ask how he’s doing.

In below video you can see how graceful and dignified this culture is. Girls or women working with their charkhas and taking swings. It has been shown that on the eve of wedding, a JAGGO procession begins from bridegrooms home and continues throughout the village with song and dance. In vast fields of punjab, two young women are returning from the village well and sharing little joy and secrets of life. Farmers are ploughing the field. You can also enjoy the bhangra. There's no pollution and silence on village roads gives extreme relief to the minds of people. Have a look into the souls of punjab's:

Enriched Punjabi Diet

2011-07-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

Whenever I sit to read or to write about Punjabi cuisine, it simply tempts me with its taste and smell. In fact, I started imagining having delicious, delightful, and luscious, sarson ka saag, makki ki roti, pickle, salad and definitely one glass of lassi with chunks of white butter floating on top lies in front of me. Every Punjabi loves this combination and wish to have it in their every time meal. It is a special treat for the people living in the northern parts of India. Punjabi dishes are a reservoir of nutrients.

Punjab is a place where no one goes hungry. Punjabi style of eating originally arises from road side truck stop dhabhas. The Dhaba moves wherever a Punjabi goes. The British were astonished to see, when they conquered Punjab that in every village there was a special Dera where hospitality was offered to every outsider. Dhabas are where only vegetarian food is cooked in pure ghee or white butter. Actually the thing is if Punjabi’s don’t find butter known locally as desi ghee in their meals for one day, they don’t feel like eating it. The strong built of Punjabi’s is popularly known for this. Dal Makhni, has become world famous and is served in Punjab on all ceremonial occasions. There’s a saying “No one ever goes hungry in the land of Punjab.”

Pranthas, stuffed with vegetables, fried on a pan or baked in the tandoor with milk products, is a daily breakfast for punjabi’s. I remember my graduation days in Chandigarh where we used to go to dhaba nearby our college in sec-11, the most famous dhaba. Whenever we used to go for an outing we surely went there to have one or two parantha’s with butter on it along with tea. Nothing we found better than this. Chole bhathure was our second preference when we didn’t find parantha’s someday.

Panjiri, wheat flour fried in sugar and ghee, loaded with dry-fruits. The Bazaars of the towns of Punjab are always loaded with sweets, seasonal fruits and other foodstuffs. Punjabi cuisine can be non-vegetarian or completely vegetarian. Home cooked and restaurant Punjabi cuisine can vary significantly. There are certain exclusive dishes of Punjab, such as Mah Di Dal, Shahi Paneer, Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Fish, Paneer Pakora, Pakoras, Jalebee, Gulab Jaman. Punjabi khana is spicy in taste which provides the rich finishing touch. Taste the taste of punjab through this video:

In the above video, you saw a man tasting the flavors of punjabi food. A delicious lassi with butter, aaloo kulcha with chole and Amritsari papad (most famous one) made on the roofs of the shops. It has been shown how this lassi, kulche and papad are made.

Upcoming Pollywood

2011-07-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

Punjabi culture is very prominent in bollywood industry these days. It would not be wrong if I change the word prominent to dominant. Punjab is the biggest market for film producers. Just about every other movie has a Punjabi connection. Thats the grace of our Punjabi culture. Almost all entertaining music of the newest Bollywood films that makes everyone dances to the Punjabi tunes. The Punjabi dance is popular in great number and play in clubs and discos across the country. Number of movies like ‘Love Aaj Kal’, ‘Namaste London’, ‘Jab we Met’, ‘Singh is King’, ‘Rabb Ne Bana di Jodi’, ‘Patiala House’, ‘Amritsar to L.A’, ‘Apne’, ‘Singh is King’, ‘Veer Zara’, were a big hit to the Indian cinema.

Some Punjabi songs are included in the movie with Bhangra and gidda (folk dance) music to give it a nice, peppy feel and these songs give a big support to the movie itself, as they normally become large hits. The Punjabi theme has gained so much recognition that we usually see big joint families, characters being dressed up in Punjabi salwar kameez, kurta pajamas, Punjabi jutti’s and turban covering their heads and using typical Punjabi tone in dialogues which makes movies remarkable. Many a times, village scene is shooted for movies to bring the feel in the hearts of the people. The way of living in villages, long green fields, tractors and trucks in fields, farmers ploughing the fields, all these have been depicted in many bollywood movies which look fascinating.

The Punjabi theme appeals to everyone. Today, weddings, college functions, all prefers Punjabi themes to make it lively. Not only bollywood but Hollywood movies can also be seen with Punjabi themes and few famous words of language. In fact, it’s not only in India, but the Bhangra beats and tunes are well known all over the world. It does not matter which country you live in or belong to, if the Bhangra music is playing, the odds are that you would get up and start dancing spontaneously.

Punjabi Dance is based around happiness and energy. Punjabi culture has had an impact on Hindi movies without doubt. Their vibrant dance and music are definitely really worth trying. Punjabi concept has been very familiar with bollywood movies. The majority of the songs in Hindi movies are mostly from Punjabi albums. They appeal to the audience as they are close to Indian culture being portrayed in bollywood films. A bollywood movie without a Punjabi taste will not have its meant impact. Bhangra songs are really well-liked amongst globally audience and this can be a precise reason why Hindi films are a worldwide popular. You can watch the video:

Everlasting Safari

2011-07-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

The cities of Punjab have many places of interest for the tourists and people from all over the world visit these cities. Punjab fulfills all dreams and aspirations of a traveler. While talking about Punjab’s places one never forgets the name of Amritsar - the supreme sacred pilgrimage destination for Sikhism.

Golden Temple

Amritsar: lies in the heart of Punjab where one could see the richness of Punjabi culture, arts and crafts, music and dance. It is the place famous for world’s largest gurudwara of Sikhism – Harmandir sahib popularly known as the Golden Temple. Its dome is covered with 400kg gold. I have a very special moment associated with Amritsar. I went there with my school trip when I was in 3rd standard and was chosen ‘best student of the year.’ I must say the langar(sacred food service, or divine dining) which is served there is so yum that one would literally lick her fingers. If you travel to Punjab then the one place you should never ever miss is the world renowned Golden Temple. Here you can watch the video:

Jallianwala Bagh has a remarked history related to it as one of the most gruesome acts of inhumanity on Indian soil was jallianwala bagh massacre. In 1919, during Indian freedom struggle, thousands of people had lost their lives. The marks of bullet are still there on the walls of it. Wagah border is the land point between India and Pakistan. It has its own symbolic importance.

Rock Garden

Chandigarh: Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab, is the first planned city of india. Chandigarh is like my second home. I spent their three years and it was unforgettable part of my life. The main tourist attractions in Chandigarh are the Punjab university, Sec-17 market, Rose Garden, Sukana lake, Pinjore Gardens, and Rock Garden. Here you can see the rock garden:

If one visits Chandigarh one must have a look of the university. Chandigarh rock garden, full of art objects made, human creativity and innovation. How can one forget sec-17 market and sukhna lake while talking about Chandigarh. These are the two most ultimate places in Chandigarh. Sukhna Lake, the best place I found in chandigarh. During sunset it looks more lavish with lights and water all around. Sec-17, was our pet place to go on an outings. It is the most famous place with an ultimate crowd and where even celebrities don’t forget to come once. Pinjore garden is a fascinating Mughal Garden also known as Yadavindra Gardens.

Ludhiana: is famous for its hosiery and woolen goods and products from Ludhiana are exported all over the world. For its production of hosiery, Ludhiana is also known as the Manchester of India. It has famous panjab agricultural university.

Jalandhar: The most ancient cities of Punjab. The most famous places devi talab mandir, rangla Punjab and Jamma Masjid. Rangla Punjab is a Haveli, a traditional Punjabi restaurant following typical Punjabi culture inside it. If you want cheap and best food, you should not miss going there. At evening time you can watch cultural programmes by village women and bhangra by village boys.You can now simply enjoy the visit to Rangla Punjab by sitting here and watch this video:

The Way Through Soul..........

2011-07-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

The land of five rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas ans Satluj. Punjab has a rich cultural history of celebrating various festivals and fairs with grandeur and enthusiasm. Festivals in Punjab are famous for its vivacity and color. Festivals are usually held in April and May when the harvest is ripe and ready. People come out to celebrate Baisakhi with zeal and religious fervor. Gurupurab, lohri, Bhaidooj, Basant Panchmi are some of the popular festivals celebrated in Punjab.

Lohri

Lohri: Celebrated on the 13th day of January. In true spirit of the Punjabi culture, men and women perform Bhangra and Giddha, popular Punjabi folk dances, around a bonfire. Enthusiastic children go from house to house singing songs and people oblige them generously by giving them money and eatables as offering for the festival. Lohri is my favorite festival among all. It is the festival of kites also. On this festival, no one bothers about the chilly winter and go on their terraces to fly kites high in the sky. On that day you can see the sky filled with different colors of kites. I never missed this festival till my graduation. From the very morning, I used to go on my terrace with all my kites and thread to fly and catch kites. I never got tired till evening and my mom literally screamed to get down. Late in the evening, people gather around the bonfire and throw sweets (gachak and rewri), puffed rice and popcorn (as holy offering) into it and sing folk songs. Lohri is also an auspicious occasion to celebrate a newly born baby’s or a new bride’s arrival in the family. You can watch the video:

Baisakhi: Celebrated on the first day of the month of Baisakh (April/May). This is the New Year’s Day, going by the Saka calendar. Essentially, a North Indian harvest festival, it is the time for the reaping of the rabi (winter crop). For the Sikhs, the day has great religious meaning as Guru Gobind, the 10th guru of Sikhs, established Khalsa on this day at Anandpur in 1699 AD. The Sikhs were baptized to form the Elect. This baptism of the sword led to the creating of the Panj Pyare, the Beloved Five. Each Khalsa was to adopt the panch kakkas, (the five K’s), Kesh (unshorn hair), kanga (small boxwood comb in their hair), kaccha (a pair of shorts), kara (a steel bangle), and a kirpan (a short dagger), which have since become an integral part of the Sikh identity.

Gurupurabs: Gurupurabs celebrate the births and honor the martyrdom of Sikh Gurus. The Sikhs celebrate 10 Gurpurabs in a year. Three major Gurupurabs are: the birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind and the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev. On the full moon of Kartik, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak is celebrated by the devotees with great ardor. Two days before the day of Gurupurab a non-stop reading of the Adi Granth starts and religious congregations are held and hymns from the Granth Sahib are chanted. At night buildings are illuminated.

Gugge di Marhi

Chhapar Fair: The fair is celebrated near the shrine 'Gugge di Marhi' of Gugga Pir on Anand Chaudus. A village fair that originated as a small gathering of locals to worship snake embodiment of Guga 150 years ago has emerged as a mega festival in the past three decades. The legend narrates a story of a boy and a snake born together in an agricultural family of Chhapar village. The serpent and the boy were so intimate that if one suffered a pain the other used to cry. One day the mother of the child went to the fields after laying him on a cot. To save him from the scorching sun, the snake stretched its hood over him. Mistaking that the snake is going to bite the child, a passerby killed it with a stick. The child also died immediately after the death of the snake that left the family in sorrow.The family was advised by the elders to perform religious ceremonies to worship Guga and Sidh and a he-goat was left free to mark the place of worship by striking at a particular place.

The fair lasts for three days with fun, music and dance. I remember me with my family along with other families used to go to see the fair on bullock carts. There are different kinds of swings, sweets and other eatables. You can watch the video in which people are enjoying the fair: