We always have got a glimpse of Punjabi-style celebrations in our movies. But if you want a view of exuberant spirit and grand lifestyle, you need to experience famous Punjab festivals firsthand. This state is called the land of five rivers because it has five gurgling rivers flowing through it. Punjab is state the most acclaimed for its cultural richness, heart-warming people, and magnetic fields.
Let us go through this article to learn about Punjabi culture’s grandest manifestation through their festivals, showcasing their trueness and values beautifully.
Famous and Must Visit Festivals Celebrated in Punjab:
Punjab is one of the agriculturally fertile lands in the country, and most of its festivals revolve around agriculture. As a result, Punjab festivals give you an insight into the tradition and excitement associated with them.
1. Lohri:
Lohri is a major festival of Punjab, a winter harvest festival where the sacred fire of Lohri is lit to reach the skies when the mist and cold waves cast their spell on the longest winter night. The days start to become warmer and longer after Lohri as people invoke the Sun god for warmth. The festive spirit is further enhanced with the loud and exuberant folk music and dance. Traditional dishes like Sarson da saag, Makki di roti, and til rice are prepared during this occasion.
- Key Attraction: Bonfire and people revolve around the fire singing folk songs and dance.
- When: January.
- Where: All over Punjab.
- Duration of Festival: One day.
- Lohri 2023: 13th January
2. Basant Panchami:
Although Basant Panchami is celebrated all over the country, the zeal with which it is celebrated in Punjab makes it even more special and this festival known as Basant is an important festival in Punjab. This colourful festival marks the onset of spring in India, and on this day, the goddess Saraswathi is worshipped and considered highly auspicious. Therefore, people think this to be a bright day to start anything new, like buying a house.
- Key Attraction: People wear bright yellow clothes to worship goddess Saraswathi, and you can see colourful kites flying in the sky.
- When: February.
- Where: All across Punjab.
- Duration of Festival: One day.
- Basant Panchami 2023: 26th January (Date may vary).
Read: Best Places to Visit in Punjab
3. Baisakhi:
Baisakhi is Punjab’s harvest festival that beautifully commemorates all occupational capacities through festivals. The occasion of harvesting the first crop is celebrated as Baisakhi. People all around the state enjoy the fruits of the labour they put through the winter enthusiastically. This festival also marks the first day of the Sikh new year and the harvesting of the first crop.
- Key Attraction: People all over the state perform Bhangra by wearing traditional clothes. Many fairs are organized where food stalls are the highlight.
- When: April.
- Where: All over Punjab.
- Duration of Festival: One day.
- Baisakhi 2023: 14th April (Date may vary).
4. Maghi:
Makara Sankranti is celebrated as Maghi in Pujab, which is a popular festival. Maghi is a mela held in memory of forty Sikh martyrs, and it is held at Muktsar Sahib every year. Initially, this festival was mentioned and observed by the third guru of Sikhism, Guru Amar Das. But later, the tradition to commemorate the Sikh martyrs who gave their lives to protect the tenth guru started. People eat kheer prepared in sugarcane juice during the celebration of this festival.
- Key Attraction: A large gathering of Sikhs and kheer prepared in sugarcane juice.
- When: January.
- Where: All over Punjab.
- Duration of Festival: One day.
- Maghi 2023: 14th January
5. Teeyan:
Teeyan is celebrated to welcome the arrival of the monsoon and is also a women’s dance festival. Young Indian women tie swings to the trees for the Teej festival in Punjab, wearing shiny and colourful clothes. Married women offer prayers after dances for their spouses’ well-being and sing songs that beautifully depict their love for their spouses.
- Key Attraction: Swings, the Geedha dance, and music.
- When: July/August.
- Where: All over Punjab.
- Teeyan 2023: 19th August
Read: Must Visit Temples in Punjab
6. Jor Mela:
Jor Mela or Shaheedi Jor Mela is celebrated to commemorate the martyred sons of Guru Gobind Singh and is a religious get-together. It is held at the Gurudwara Fatehgarh sahib in the Fatehgarh Sahib district in Punjab during December every year and is attended by religious followers in lakhs. The procession on the streets and the recital of the holy book of Sikhs are the highlights of this festival.
- Key Attraction: The processions on the street.
- When: December.
- Where: Fatehgarh sahib district.
- Duration of Festival: Three days.
- Jor Mela 2022: 26th December to 28th December
7. Gurupurab:
Gurupurab is a matter of spirituality for the Sikhs and is one of the main festivals of Punjab, being the biggest festival. This festival celebrates the highly revered Sikh Guru’s birth anniversaries in the Sikh community. The religious procession with the chanting of holy hymns marks the beginning of this festival. During this auspicious festival, you can enjoy the sweet and holy langar, offer prayers and seek blessings.
- Key Attraction: Religious processions.
- When: November.
- Where: All over the state.
- Duration of Festival: One day.
- Gurupurab 2023: 27th November
8. Hola Mohalla:
Hola Mohalla is one of the famous festivals celebrated in Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib, Punjab after the entire nation celebrates Holi. Guru Govind Singh has accepted Khalsa Panth, which the people of this state commemorate. Langar, path, kirtan is arranged, and Gurudwaras are decorated beautifully. The philosophies of life taught by the great Sikh gurus are remembered during this festival, and the region is soaked in spiritual vibes.
- Key Attraction: Religious programs, Cultural activities, Horse riding by Nihangs, langar at the Gurudwaras.
- When: March.
- Where: All over Punjab.
- Duration of Festival: Three days.
- Hola Mohalla 2023: 8th – 10th March (Date may vary).
9. Chappar Mela:
Chappar Mela is one of the spectacular festivals in Punjab that is celebrated in memory of Gugga Pir commemorating his descent. Apart from various traditions, this fair is filled with music and dance every year in September. Moreover, people worship the Lord of the snake during this festival, and this tradition started around 150 years ago.
- Key Attraction: Fun-filled activities, music, and dance.
- When: September.
- Where: Ludhiana.
- Duration of Festival: Three days.
- Chappar Mela 2023: September
10. Karwa Chauth:
Karwa Chauth is a prominent festival celebrated all over North India, and it has a special place in Punjab festivals. Celebrated in the month of Kartik when married and engaged women fast from sunrise to moonrise. They pray for their partners’ long life and health and is a beautiful representation of the bond between married couples.
- Key Attraction: Women dress up like they were on the wedding day. Women break their fast after looking at the moon.
- When: October.
- Where: All over Punjab.
- Duration of Festival: One day.
- Karwa Chauth 2023: 31st October – 1st November (Date may vary).
Read: Mouth-Watering Punjabi Dishes You Need to Try
11. Diwali:
Diwali is yet another festival widely celebrated in the Punjab regions with people lighting their houses to the max and decorating them in folk art. Sweets are offered and distributed. The Golden Temple in Amritsar adorns and ornaments itself while earthen lamps are set to sail in front just like a newlywed bride.
- Diwali 2023: 12th November (Date may vary).
12. Tikka or Bhai Dooj:
Tikka, popularly known as Bhai Dooj, is a festival celebrated the day after Diwali, and it signifies the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for the long life of the brother by applying a tika on his forehead. Whereas the brother showers the sister with gifts and sweets exchanged between each other.
- Key Attraction: Celebration of the beautiful bond between siblings, Gifts, and sweets.
- When: November.
- Where: All over Punjab.
- Duration of Festival: One day.
- Tikka 2023: 15th November (Date may vary).
You can experience the enthusiasm and colourfulness of Punjab during festivals. The people in this state welcome one and all with open arms, and you will never find yourself alone in this place. All the major festivals are associated with agriculture and are an inseparable part of their life. Mark your calendar for the dates of these festivals before you plan a visit to Punjab. So don’t forget to let us know if you found this article helpful!
Read: Best Honeymoon Destinations in Punjab
FAQ:
1. What are the favourite shopping items you can buy in Punjab?
Ans: Here is the list of some of the items you can buy as a souvenir for your visit to Punjab:
- Punjabi jutti.
- Punjabi suit.
- Amritsari pickles.
- Bangles.
- Parandhis.
- Punjabi phulkari.
- Wollen textiles.
2. What are the famous folk dance forms of Punjab?
Ans: Some of the famous festivals that are unique to Punjab are:
- Giddha.
- Bhangra.
- Dhaman.
- Bhand.
- Daff.
- Naqual.
3. Why is Baisakhi celebrated in Punjab?
Ans: Baisakhi is considered the national festival of Punjab. It commemorates the harvesting of the first crop of the year, and according to the Sikh calendar, it is also considered the first day of the new year.
