10+ Punjabi Holidays: A Fun And Festive Journey

Punjab, a state located in northern India, is undoubtedly known for its rich culture, history, and festivals. Today, we will take a fun and festive journey through some of the most exciting Punjabi holidays. We will discuss the exclusive holidays in Punjabi culture, national, bank holidays, Hindu festivals, and more! Are you ready? Then get something to mark your calendars because you don’t want to miss out on these celebrations on ਜਸ਼ਨ (pronounced as Jaśana)!

Exclusive Holidays In Punjabi Culture

First, let’s talk about some holidays exclusive to Punjabi culture. These festivals are celebrated mainly in the Punjab region and are not widely recognized in other parts of the country.

1. Vaisakhi (ਵਿਸਾਖੀ)

This spring festival is one of the most significant celebrations for Punjabis and is celebrated on April 13th or 14th yearly. It marks the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. People decorate their homes, visit temples, and participate in processions.

2. Hola Mohalla (ਹੋਲਾ-ਮਹੱਲਾ)

This is a three-day festival celebrated in March. Guru Gobind Singh Ji started it as a way to showcase the martial arts and physical skills of the Sikhs. It’s a time for people to come together and participate in various activities, including military exercises, horse riding, and poetry recitals.

3. Maghi (ਮਾਘੀ)

This festival is celebrated on the first of Magh (January) and marks the end of the winter solstice. It’s a time for people to come together and pay their respects to the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It’s also a time to remember and honor the sacrifices of the 40 Sikh martyrs who fought for freedom and equality.

4. Bandi Chhor Divas (ਬੰਦੀ ਛੋੜ ਦਿਵਸ)

This festival marks the release of the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, from imprisonment. It’s celebrated on the full moon day of October and is a time for Sikhs to remember the guru’s sacrifice and celebrate his release.

5. Parkash Utsav Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਉਤਸ਼ਵ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ)

This regional holiday is celebrated by Sikhs worldwide, but it holds a special significance for the Punjabi community. Guru Granth Sahib Parkash Utsav falls on the 15th day of the new moon of Bhadon, which is the 6th month of the traditional Punjabi calendar. It’s a day filled with devotion and religious fervor.

Regional Holidays In Punjab

Have you ever heard of the regional holiday Guru Ravidas Jayanti or Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Martyrdom Day? These are just a few examples of Punjab holidays celebrated in the region but may not be as well-known outside the area.

1. Guru Ravidas Jayanti (ਗੁਰੂ ਰਵਿਦਾਸ ਜਯਾਂਤੀ)

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is a holiday celebrating the birth of Guru Ravidas, a spiritual leader and social reformer. This holiday is marked by the Ravidassia community and is a time for devotion and reflection.

2. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Martyrdom Day (ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਅਰਜੁਨ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਸ਼ਹੀਦੀ ਦਿਵਸ)

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Martyrdom Day marks the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, who was martyred for his beliefs. This holiday is an important day for the Sikh community, as Guru Arjan Dev was responsible for compiling the Adi Granth, which is the holy scripture of Sikhism.

3. Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s Martyrdom Day (ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਹੀਦੀ ਦਿਵਸ)

Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s Martyrdom Day observes the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur, another martyr. This day is also an important Sikh tradition, as Guru Teg Bahadur sacrificed his life to protect the freedom of religion for all.

Commonly Used Greetings In Punjabi for Holidays

Wait, can we pause for a bit? Before we continue exploring all these fantastic Punjabi holidays, have you ever thought about what you would say if you wanted to join in on the celebrations? Well, Punjabi is not hard to learn! Knowing some commonly used greetings in Punjabi can come in handy if you want to join in on the festivities.

So, let’s dive in and learn Punjabi key phrases to help you navigate these holidays like a pro!

National Holidays And Their Significance In Punjabi Culture

Now that you know the basic holiday Punjabi greetings, we can continue. So, are you curious about how Punjabis celebrate national holidays? Well, let’s get to it.

Independence Day (ਸ੍ਵਾਤਨ੍ਤ੍ਰਤਾ ਦਿਵਸ)

Independence Day, or the day India gained freedom from British rule, holds a special place in the hearts of Punjabis. Can you imagine the excitement and celebration that must have occurred in 1947? Just like the rest of India, Punjabis celebrate this day with patriotic fervor and pride. From hoisting their national flag to singing patriotic songs, Independence Day is a day to remember and honor the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters.

Republic Day (ਗਣਤਨਤਕਾਲ)

This belongs to the most important government holidays. The day India adopted its constitution is another meaningful national holiday for Punjabis. It’s a day to celebrate the unity and diversity of the nation, and what better way to do that than with a grand parade in the capital city of New Delhi? The parade showcases the cultural richness of India, and Punjabis are proud to be a part of it.

Gandhi Jayanti (ਗੰਧੀ ਜਯਾਂਤੀ)

Gandhi Jayanti, the birthday of the famous Mahatma Gandhi, is a national holiday with special significance for Punjabis. Gandhi, the father of the nation, played a crucial role in India’s independence movement. He advocated for non-violent resistance, and his principles continue to inspire many Punjabis today. On Gandhi Jayanti, Punjabis pay tribute to this great leader by participating in community service and peaceful demonstrations.

Hindu Festivals And Their Celebration In Punjab

Hindu festivals are part of Punjabi culture and are celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. Let’s look at how these festivals are celebrated.

Diwali (ਦੀਵਾਲੀ)

The Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, is one of the most popular festivals in the Punjab region. It is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. People light diyas (oil lamps) and candles in their homes, burst firecrackers, and exchange sweets with friends and family. The streets are decorated with lights, and it’s a sight to behold!

Dussehra (ਦਸਹਰਾ)

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, marks the victory of Lord Rama over the wicked king Ravana. It is observed on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin. People burn effigies of Ravana, Meghanada, and Kumbhakarna and enjoy delicious food and sweets.

Holi (ਹੋਲੀ)

The festival of colors, Holi, is celebrated in Phalguna (February/March). It marks the coming of spring and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People smear their faces with colored powders and water, and there’s a lot of music and dancing. It’s a fun and joyous worldwide festival that brings people together!

Ram Navami (ਰਾਮ ਨਵਮੀ)

Ram Navami is the birth anniversary of Lord Rama and is observed on the ninth day of the Hindu month of Chaitra. It is celebrated with devotion and faith. People visit temples and offer prayers to Lord Rama and his consort, Sita.

Janmashtami (ਜਨਮਾਸਤਮੀ)

Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna and is honored on the eighth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. On this day, people fast during the day and break their fast in the evening. They then visit temples and sing devotional songs in Lord Krishna’s honor.

Public Holidays And Their Impact On The Punjab Region

When it comes to public holidays, Punjab is a melting pot of various religions and cultures. These holidays give the community a chance to come together and celebrate and significantly impact the local economy and daily life.

Eid ul-Fitr (ਈਦ-ਉਲ-ਫ਼ਿਤਰ)

Eid ul-Fitr is a lively holiday that marks the end of the sacred month of Ramadan. It’s a time for Muslims to come together with family and friends to give thanks and celebrate their faith. The holiday is celebrated with special prayers, feasts, and gift-giving. The local economy also gains during Eid ul-Fitr, with businesses and markets bustling with activity.

Eid ul-Adha (ਈਦ-ਉਲ-ਅੱਧਾ)

Eid ul-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is another important public holiday for the Muslim community in Punjab. It’s a time to remember the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for God and to celebrate the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The holiday is marked with special prayers, feasts, and the sacrifice of animals.

Christmas Day (ਕ੍ਰਿਸਮਸ ਦਿਨ)

Christmas is a big deal in the Punjab region, where many Christians live. The holiday is celebrated with special church services, carol singing, and the exchange of gifts. Streets are decorated with colorful lights some homes are decorated with traditional decorations. The local economy also grows during Christmas, with shops and markets selling festive goods.

Good Friday (ਗੁਡ ਫਰੈਡੇ)

Good Friday is a significant public holiday for Christians in the Punjab area. It’s a day to commemorate the crucifixion of Christ Jesus and his death on the cross. Special church services are held, and many people participate in processions and other religious rituals. The holiday is somber, but it’s also an important time for reflection and spiritual contemplation.

Be A Pro In Punjabi With The Ling App

With all these exciting Punjabi holidays coming up, it’s the perfect opportunity to use your language skills and immerse yourself in the culture. And if you’re feeling a little unsure about your Punjabi abilities, don’t worry! The Ling app will help you brush up on your language skills!

Ling is a language learning application that makes picking up a new language easy and fun. With interactive games, quizzes, and professional instructors to answer questions, it is the perfect way to get a handle on Punjabi grammar and vocabulary! So take advantage of the chance to experience these fantastic holidays fully. Download from App Store or Google Play and start learning Punjabi today!