Festivals are called Tyohar in the Punjabi language. Festivals belong to religion, culture, and seasonal changes. Punjabis are people who not only celebrate their own religious festivals but also celebrate other religious and cultural festivals as well. However, if we explore the Punjabi people’s history, there will be a historic event every day. It is a land of freedom fighters, religious martyrs, and enthusiastic people. But we will talk about the major festivals that are celebrated in Punjab every year. These festivals are based on cultural, religious, and historical traditions. These festivals are celebrated in almost every home in Punjab.
The 14 Major festivals of Punjab
Punjab celebrates many vibrant festivals that reflect its rich agricultural roots, community spirit, and religious heritage. The following is a list of major festivals in Punjab.
1. Lohri
Lohri is celebrated on 13 January. It is in the month of Poh. The person associated with Lohri is Dulla Bhatti. Dulla Bhatti is also called the Robin Hood of Punjab. It is said that he robbed the rich people of his area and distributed it among the poor. Dulla Bhatti rebelled against Mughal Emperor Akbar, and his father Farid also rebelled. Rai Abdullah Khan Bhatti was the name of Dulla Bhatti. Sandalbar had an ancient Rajput hero who led a rebellion against Mughal Emperor Akbar.
It is said about Lohri that there were two poor Brahmin girls in his area, Sundari and Mundari. He arranged their marriage in the forest by lighting a fire and following Hindu rituals. That is why the festival of Lohri is celebrated.
2. Basant Panchami
It is a festival of spring, associated with Goddess Saraswati. Patiala’s Basant Panchami is very famous in Punjab. Maharaja Jagjit Singh of Kapurthala started it. It marks the arrival of the spring season. People wear yellow clothes and fly kites. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
3. Hola Mohalla
Hola Mohalla was started by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and is celebrated at Anandpur Sahib in 1701. It is celebrated in the month of Chet, that is, in March, one day after Holi. The festival continues for two to three days. It is celebrated in Anandpur Sahib.
4. Holi
Holi is celebrated in Phagun on the full moon day. Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Assu. Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas are celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Katak.
5. Vaisakhi
It is the first day of the month of Vaisakh. This festival started with the happiness of the harvesting of the Rabi crop. On the same day, Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth.
6. Nirjala Ekadashi
It is also called Nimaani Ekadashi. It is celebrated in the month of Jeth. It is the 11th day of the month of Jeth. Hindu women observe a fast on this day, and it is said that not even a drop of water is drunk on this day.
7. Teej / Teeyan
It is also called Teejan. It is celebrated on the third day of the month of Sawan. Girls or newly married women swing on swings. Swings are associated with Teejan or Teeyan. It is celebrated in the month of Sawan.
8. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhri
It is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Sawan. This festival is associated with sisters and brothers. A sister ties a rakhi on the wrist of the brother, and in return, the brother gives her a gift and money.
9. Chakkrian or Ahoi Ashtami
Chakriyan is also called Ahoi Ashtami in Hindi. In the Punjabi areas, it is called Chakriyan. Ahoi Ashtami is a North Indian Hindu festival. On this day, mothers observe a fast for the safety and well-being of their sons. It is celebrated in the months of Assu and Katak. It falls on Ashtami. Ashtami means the eighth day. On the day of Chakriyan, mothers observe a fast for the safety of their sons. Fruits and sweets are given to the children. The story is narrated, and prayers are offered. After ten days, it is immersed in flowing water.
10. Sanjhi Mai
Sanjhi Mai is mainly a festival of Punjab. It is also celebrated in Haryana and Malwa. The festival begins when Dussehra is about to begin, that is, ten days before Dussehra. It starts on the first day of Navratri and continues until Dussehra. Different types of decorative things are placed on walls. The moon, stars, and the image of the goddess are made. Sanjhi means everyone’s mother. It is mainly a festival of Puadh.
11. Garbade
Garbade is popular and celebrated in the Puadh region. In the evening, diya lamps are lit in Garbade after offering prayers, and they are taken around the villages. People put money in them.
12. Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Assu. On Dussehra day, people perform home prayers in the morning after sunrise. Local organizers burn giant Ravana effigies in the evening.
13. Diwali or Bandi Chhor Divas
Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas are celebrated on the new moon day (Amavasya) of the month of Kartik. It is the festival of light and joy. Bandi Chhor Divas is a Sikh festival that celebrates freedom and takes place on the same day.
14. Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab is another festival and event that is celebrated in Punjab. It is the day of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary.
