Punjabi Art And Craft: 7+ Absolutely Fabulous Facts

With one look at the people of Punjab, you will understand that art and craft are undeniable in their way of life. Punjabi people abhor dullness; the bright colors and artistry around them are a sight to behold. Join me for insight into the glorious Punjabi art and craft!

Three words have to be mentioned when discussing Punjabi art and craft – Indus Valley Civilization. Ever wondered why the culture is so unique of the Punjabis? Here are some details. The Indus valley civilization, or Harappan civilization, is one of the earliest recorded civilizations in India. It was found in none other than the Punjab and Sindh provinces, Harappa, and Mohenjo-Daro starting as far back as 3300 years before Christ.

This civilization is known for impressive buildings, roads, drainage systems, and urban development. These buildings were not just for living but for work and businesses. So impressive!

Dynamic And Vibrant Culture

The crafts of Punjab are dynamic as are the people. Even listening to them greeting each other is joyous. Their colorful traditional culture is full of fascinating and indigenous work. Punjab has a long tradition and ancient practice of various art and craft.

Here is a brief list of Punjabi arts that display excellent artistic skills:

  • Traditional Ornaments: As the people of Punjab love to keep their traditions evergreen, they prefer to adorn traditional ornaments rather than recent or western ones. Women are seen with ornaments dating way back and with pride. They mostly adorn these on occasions, but there is never a dull or colorless day with Punjabi ladies.
  • Basketry Punjab Art: This is done by shaving thin straws of thick elastic grass and then creating baskets, mats, hand fans, carpets, and rugs. The baskets are even used as showpieces or decorative items, as are many other craftworks of Punjabis.
  • Wood crafts: The woodwork is exceptional for the Punjabis. The toy industry is well-known wood works and has become a vital handicraft industry internationally.
  • Doll making: Folk toys are also becoming very important for Punjab in gaining recognition and income from this traditional handicraft industry. Folklores cannot be shared without folk toys!
  • Earlier, the mud works were done to plaster walls by the women of Punjab. Late, many began to display designs and motifs following religious beliefs to keep evil spirits away. Paintings on mud walls are also done on certain occasions to celebrate.
  • Intricate needlework with silk threads is a large part of Punjabi crafts. Often these are done on cotton bedspreads. You can find stories of different walks of life in such a work, even for festivals and ceremonies.
  • Metalworks: Punjabi men work in this industry, creating household utensils and utensils used in religious traditions.

Punjabi Women

punjabi-art-and-craft

There is a rich tradition of keeping traditions in Punjab! This is because it is colorful and a lot of fun. Certain auspicious occasions at home or a temple require many traditional practices. One of these occasions is the Punjabi wedding.

A Punjabi wedding is a fabulous sight, especially for the Punjabi bride. From the colorful hanging worn on their hair to the traditional Indian shoe, she is breathtakingly beautiful. Even food, sweets, garlands, and gifts are in decorative boxes. The folk songs and feast make a Punjabi wedding a true example of Punjabi art and craft.

Punjabi women have a very creative imagination. A much-practiced occupation among rural women is painting mud walls, as mentioned earlier. It is also known that Punjabi women preferred to transfer dull objects in the home to stunning crafts of Punjab. Thus a feminine touch becomes the turning point in creating masterpieces!

Punjabi Art And Craft In Furniture

Punjabi Art And Craft
Mud Works of Punjab

Even in the furniture of the Punjabis, art and craft can be clearly seen. For example, almost every home has beautifully adorned stools or low chairs called ‘moorras’ which are visually attractive furniture. Pinhas or low seats are also called ‘peeras’ with exquisite ancient woodwork, and they have bun-legged woven stools with seats made of colorful threads.

As mentioned earlier, almost all items for household usage can be transformed from dull and unattractive to marvelous creations in a Punjabi household. Even hand fans used when there was no electricity are stunning pieces.

A standard part of a Punjabi household is also flat woven rugs, wooden, and other lacquer ware products, including a cotton bed. Amritsar and Jallandhar are two cities in Punjab that are famous for these.

Internationally Acclaimed Status

The handicraft industry has become the go-to option to purchase gifts for near and dear ones among those who live abroad. The artistic designs draw locals and foreigners, and tourists visiting Punjab to collect these as souvenirs.

Learn Punjabi With Ling

Learn-Punjabi-with-Ling
Learn Punjabi with Ling

A visit to Punjab is highly recommended to understand the depth of Punjabi art and craft. Being part of the lively fold dance alongside beautiful village girls wearing conventional ornaments around splendid houses is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

Travel to Punjab and spend time among the needlework of Punjabi women; behold the traditional pattern of Punjabi arts. Experience the rich tradition shown in Punjabi folk art.

The best would be to Learn Punjabi with Ling. It is a gamified language learning app that can ease your transition into the Punjab culture by first understanding Punjabi. The free lessons, quizzes, and user-friendly interface help prepare you quickly. 

You will learn common phrases, pronunciation, and culture within minutes and even on the go with the Ling App. Download Ling App today and begin the first few steps into Punjab.

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