1.

Punjabi Culture Sofia Panagiotakis

2. 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.
3. Punjabi Language • Punjabi is the official state language. • Along with Hindu, it is most
widely spoken. • However, many people also speak English and Urdu.
4. 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.
6. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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).
11. 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
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.