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| Festival
of Punjab |
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The festivals in Punjab have always
been celebrated with much exuberance and fanfare.
For the masses these festivals are popular occasions
for social interaction and enjoyment.
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Punjab being a predominantly agricultural
state that prides itself on its food grain production,
it is little wonder that its most significant festival
is Baisakhi, which marks the arrival of the harvesting
season. For the Sikhs, Baisakhi has a special significance
because on this day in 1699, their tenth guru, Guru
Gobind Singh organized the Order of the Khalsa.
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The
Gurpurab festival is celebrated by the Sikhs to express
their reverence for their gurus. Two major Gurpurabs
are celebrated during the year. The first in the month
of Kartik (Oct-Nov) to celebrate the teachings of
the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, and the second
in the month of Pausa (December-January) to celebrate
the birth anniversary of Guru Govind Singh. On all
Gurpurabs, non-stop recital of the granth sahib and
religious discourses are held. Langars (free meals)
are served to all without distinction of caste or
creed. |
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A day after Holi, the Sikh community
in Punjab observes Holla Mohalla with thousands of
devout Sikhs gathering at Anandpur Sahib-where Guru
Gobind Singh was baptized-to participate in the grand
fair of Holla Mohalla. The whole place wears a festive
look and processions are taken out and the people
participate in the festivities with gaiety and fervor.
Tika is celebrated in the month of
Kartik (Oct-Nov.) one day after Diwali. Women put
a tika of saffron and rice grains on the foreheads
of their brothers, to protect them from evil.
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Like most other festivals of Punjab,
Lohri too is a festival related to the seasons. Celebrated
in the month of Pausa (December-January), it marks
the end of the winter season. A huge bonfire is made
in every house and the fire god is worshipped.
Teej heralds the onset of Sawan (monsoon),
which is essential for the agricultural prosperity
of the state. Dressed in all their finery, with menndi
on their hands, the womenfolk converge to welcome
the rains and pray for the long life of their husbands.
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