SNEAK INTO BELLES-LETTRES OF LAND OF FIVE RIVERS - PUNJAB

Ek onkar satnam kartapurakh, Nirmoh nirvair akaal murat

Ajuni sabham, Guru parsad jap aad sach jugaad sach

Hai bhi sach nanak hose bhi sach

Soche soch na ho wai, Jo sochi lakh waar

Chhupe chhup na howai

Je laai har lakhtaar, Ukhiya pukh na utari

Je banna puriya paar, Sahasyanpa lakh woh hai

Ta ek na chale naal, Ke ve sach yaara hoi ae

Ke ve kude tutte paal

Hukum rajai chalna nanak likheya naal

The 4am prayer is so soothing and calming that it gives me strength and makes me mentally strong to fight in any situation. After staying 3yrs here in this place all I can say that this place is full of life in every aspect. It is the perfect blend of culture, art form, cuisine, nature, traditions, dance, music, festivals.

"Punjab" the heart of India's Sikh community and the land of five rivers. Located in the north west of India, It is the second largest producer of major agricultural products in the country. The state has many attractions like gurudwaras, shrines, wildlife, lakes, and so on. 

Punjab is a state full of tradition and culture. With its rich lifestyle, food, artIfacts, jewellery, clothes, Punjab is the most sought-after place not just by tourists but also by the people of India. Let's go and check out some awesome kinds of stuff.

1. Phulkari

Phulkari is one of the most fascinating embroideries of Punjab. Phulkari itself means Flower work. The cloth used for making this embroidery is generally of red or maroon in color and the embroidery thread is made of silk in gold, yellow, red, green, blue colors. This embroidery is specially done in dupattas, suit sets, shawls, cushion covers, stoles etc. The embroidered dupatta is a part of bride's trousseau. Various motifs of birds, animals, flowers are embedded to show sensitiveness.

2. Parandis or Paranda

Paranda is one of the most prominent and traditional hair accessories from Punjab and India. It was used as a hair accessory by the women of villages but today it has become a style statement. The bright colored long tassels are braided with hairs and it is loved globally. The Parandis are made up of yarn, nylon, polyester, recycled fibers and are decorated with beads, studs, silk threads in order to make it look more stylish.

3.Juttis 

Punjabi juttis represent the traditional footwear of Punjab. These juttis have intricate designs and exquisite patterns. These leather jootis have color, beauty, and utility as the central theme. Multicolored and rich gold threads and zari embroidery are done in this jootis which makes them more attractive and stunning and gives them a royal touch. 

4. Basketry

Basket weaving is a longstanding handicraft followed in most parts of Punjab. It is commonly known as Sarkanda. The womenfolk in villages takes basketry as a means of employment. These baskets are used for making household items. The proceed includes weaving and sewing available materials into artifacts such as mats or containers. This is made from a variety of fibrous or pliable materials. Some of the raw materials which are used include pine straws, stems, animal hairs, grasses etc.  

5. Mudwork

Mudwork is an intrinsic part of the ancient history of Punjab. The people of Punjab were brilliant in turning a mound of plain mud into interesting pieces of an art form. Women were adept at this mud work especially in the village where this art form was encouraged and developed. This type of mud work was done on the exterior walls of a house to ward off the evil spirit and to bring wealth, good luck and happiness. Nowadays this mud work is done on special occasions of Diwali, Holi, Karwa Chauth to decorate the house and the compounds.

6. Folk Toys

Punjab is one of the most culturally rich state steeped in tradition. The handicraft industry of this state is one of its main source of income. In Punjab, there are many families who follow folk toys making as there tradition. Carts made of terracotta along with chankana, Lattu, Parat, chulha, handi, tawa along with doll are some of the exquisite folk toys made for both girls and boys. These designs come in different shapes and sizes and they have a story to tell. People take this toys as a token of love.

The traditional craft of Punjab is remarkable for their intricate design and delicate work. My three years stay at Punjab proved me that the people of Punjab do not have big hearts but also they know how to enjoy each and every moment of life. 

The state is rich in architectural design too along with a great history in handicrafts which speaks a lot about its origin.