PUNJABI CULTURE

Sofia Panagiotakis

Geography Punjab is a state of India located in the northwestern

part of the subcontinent. The word “Punjab” is a compound of two Persian

words; “panj” which means “five” and “ab” which means “water” thus signifying the land of the five rivers.

Wheat, millet, barley, cotton and sugarcane are grown.

Punjabi Language Punjabi is the official state language. Along with Hindu, it is most widely

spoken. However, many people also speak

English and Urdu.

Punjabi Religion

The majority of people in Punjabi follow the Sikhism religion.

Under the Sikhism religion, the Punjabis believe in an ultimate God who is invisible yet present in every form of life. Guru Nank, who spread the message of love and peace through his scriptures, is considered to be the leader of Sikhism.

The Punjabi people are required to meditate, and praise the ultimate God by reciting kirtans. Kirtans are chants that are said throughout the meditations that are usually performed by a kirtanker.

Punjabi Clothing Punjabi girls and women wear

salwarkameez's with bright colored duppattas.

Men and boys generally wear loose pants or slacks with a collared shirt or t-shirt.

Some males also wear the kurta pajama, an Indian shirt and pant outfit, especially the Punjabi farme.r

On their head, many Sikhs also wear bhuggs, or turbins.

Panjabi Cuisine

The cuisine of punjab can be vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

One commonality between all punjabi dishes is the liberal usage of ghee or clarified butter.

Most punjabi food is eaten with either rice or roti (a small flour based bread).

Dishes are usually prepared with onions, garlic, ginger and tandoori.

Punjabi Dance and Music Punjab has a rich tradition of folk songs

and dances. There are songs for every occasion, be it a marriage, birth of a baby or the harvesting season.

Both men and women participate in this rhythmic and energetic dances and songs.

Punjabi Crafts Women in Punjab traditionally practice

the craft of needlework on bedspreads, garments and other textile products.

Punjab also has the craft tradition of hand woven dhurries (cotton floor spreads).

Family Structure

Kinship plays a vital role in the social and cultural life of the people of Punjab.

The family system is very authoritative. Responsibility for the household, maintenance, and social relations falls upon the father.

The relationship between a brother and a sister is the warmest

Punjabi Communication and Respect

Bow and hold your palms together when greeting instead of shaking the hand.

Female Punjabis don’t like to be met with a kiss.

Try not to wink, particularly at women and children.

When visiting temples, you must remove your shoes ad wear something on your head to show respect.

Education Education in Punjabi is free for children

between the ages of six to eleven years old.

Secondary education is also free in state schools.

There are over two hundred specialized colleges and institutions.

Teaching Strategies

Allow students time to adjust to classmates. Incorporate diversity and differences. Use technology to help the student feel more

comfortable Give students a job in the classroom so they feel

important and helpful. Teachers must understand that when it comes to

communicating with parents, they must be aware that the father of the family will be in control and it is the father that the teacher will most likely communicate with.