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10 Major Festivals in Punjab 2024

lohri punjab

Punjab, a vibrant state in northern India, is renowned for its lively festivals that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage. Among the most notable celebrations is the festival of Punjab, which showcases the spirited traditions and colorful customs of its people. Each festival holds a special place in the hearts of Punjabis, marking significant events in the agricultural calendar and religious life. One of the most famous festivals in Punjab is Baisakhi, which is celebrated in April. This harvest festival of Punjab is not just about reaping the crops but also about honoring the Sikh New Year. Baisakhi is a time for lively fairs, traditional music, and dance performances, especially the energetic Bhangra and Gidda. It also holds historical significance as it commemorates the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Another major Punjabi festival is Lohri, which takes place in January. This festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. It is celebrated enthusiastically, featuring bonfires around which people gather to sing, dance, and share sweets like sesame seeds and jaggery. Lohri symbolizes warmth and prosperity and is a time for families to come together and celebrate the new harvest. The Punjab festivals also includes celebrations like Diwali and Gurpurab. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is observed with vibrant decorations, fireworks, and sweets, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Gurpurab, on the other hand, marks the birthdays of Sikh Gurus and involves reading the Guru Granth Sahib and participating in processions.

The diversity of festivals in Punjab illustrates the state’s rich cultural tapestry and deep-rooted traditions. These celebrations not only mark important agricultural milestones but reinforce communal bonds and cultural identity. Whether it’s the harvest festivals of Punjab or other significant events, each festival offers a glimpse into the joyous spirit and enduring traditions of the Punjabi people.

Punjab Festivals List with Dates and Images

Lohari Festivals
1
 Lohri Festival

Lohri is celebrated in Punjab to mark the end of the winter and the sugarcane harvest. Held on January 13, this Punjab festival is associated with warmth and community. Families gather around the bonfire, offering sesame seeds, jaggery, and popcorn as they sing traditional Lohri songs—the crackling fire symbolising hope, warmth, and the renewal of life. Here, people dance to the beats of Dhol, performing Bhangra and Gidda in colourful traditional dresses. Lohri is also considered auspicious for newlyweds and newborns, with families organising special celebrations to bless them. The festival brings people together in a joyous atmosphere where food is essential: makke di roti (corn flatbread) and sarson da saag (mustard greens), commonly served. 

2
Baisakhi

The first festival of Punjab is Baisakhi, which marks the significance of the Punjabi New Year and the harvest of the Rabi Crop. Celebrated on April 13 and 14 each year, this festival holds immense importance for the Sikh community as it commemorates the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh. The day starts with early morning prayers at gurudwaras, and people take holy dips in rivers or lakes. People perform their traditional Bhangra and Gidda performances, which adds to the festival spirit. Moreover, the vibrant attires, music, and dances that showcase Punjabi culture make this festival more prominent. You can watch Baisakhi melas organised across the state for entertainment. For farmers, Baisakhi represents a time to rejoice after months of hard work in the fields. It is a great time to visit places like Amritsar and feel the festival vibes. 

3
Basant Panchami

Basant Panchmi in Punjab is a vibrant celebration of the arrival of spring, which you should witness across the state. Celebrated in January or February, this festival is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, and is marked by joy and enthusiasm. Punjab is also known as the kite flying festival, where the sky is filled with colourful kites as people compete or cut each other’s strings. Yellow is the dominant colour of this main festival in Punjab, which symbolises the mustard flowers that blossom during this season and the warmth of the sun returning after winter. People wear yellow clothes, offer prayers, and enjoy traditional dishes like yellow rice and sweets made with saffron. Basant Panchami is also a time for children to start their formal education, as the day is believed to be promising for learning. 

4
Hola Mohalla

Hola Mohalla is a unique Punjab festival celebrated the day after Holi. Initiated by the Guru Gobind Singh, it combines spirituality with martial prowess and brotherhood. Taking place primarily in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, it's a grand three-day event where Sikhs showcase their marital skills through mock battles: sword fighting, horse riding, and other displays of bravery. Kirtans, spiritual discourses, and langars in gurudwaras also mark the festivals. Processions of the Nihang warriors, dressed in their distinct blue robes and armed with traditional weapons, are a sight to behold. Hola Mohalla serves as a reminder of the Sikh community’s warrior heritage, where devotion and courage are intertwined, making it a deeply revered and influential celebration in Punjab. 

5
Teeyan

Teeyan is a traditional Punjabi festival celebrated to mark the arrival of the monsoon season and is dedicated to the joy and freedom of women. Celebrated mainly in July or August, it’s a vibrant occasion where women gather to sing, dance, and celebrate camaraderie. The festival is often centered around swings tied to large trees, and women dressed in colourful dresses enjoy the simple pleasure of swinging high, symbolising their freedom and happiness. The traditional folk songs and gidda performances are integral to this celebration, making it one of the most famous festivals of Punjab. Teeyan also serves as a cultural reminder of the bond between women, where they can rejoice while away from their daily responsibilities. It is a day for them to express their joy and enjoy the beauty of the rainy season. 

6
Guruparab or guru Nanak Parab

Guruparab, also known as the Guru Nanak Parab, is one of the most famous festivals in Punjab and is dedicated to the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji, the founder of Sikhism. Celebrated with immense devotion, it typically falls in November and is marked by three days of spiritual activities. The festival begins with Akhand Path, a continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhs. On the day of Guruparab, devotees organise processions called Nagar Kirtans, where people sing hymns and display martial arts like Gatka. The golden temple in Amritsar, along with the other Gurudwara across the state, is beautifully illuminated, attracting thousands of pilgrims. Langar, a community meal, is served to all, reflecting on the principle of equality preached by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. People also engage in prayers. Reciting the Guru Granth Sahib verses commemorating Guru Nanak’s teachings of love, unity, and equality. 

7
Jor Mela

Jor Mela, held annually in Fathgarh Sahib, is a significant event in Punjab’s cultural and religious calendar. This three-day festival of Punjab commemorated the martyrdom of the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru, who were bricked alive by Mughal rulers for refusing to convert to Islam. The mela serves as a reminder of their bravery and unwavering faith. Thousands of devotees gather at Fatehgarh Sahib, where the historical event took place, to pay their respects. The festival begins with prayers at the Gurudwara Fathegarh Sahib, followed by the religious processions of kirtans and langars. Sikhs worldwide participate in the event to honour the supreme sacrifices made by the guru’s sons, Sahibzadas. Jor Mela in Punjab also features exhibitions and lectures on Sikh history to educate people about the sacrifices. You can enjoy Punjabi food, crafts, and cultural performances in Mela. 

8
Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth is a vibrant festival celebrated in Punjab by married women, signifying love, devotion, and marital bliss. Falling on the fourth day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik (October or November), women observe a day-long fast, praying for their husbands' long life and well-being. The fast begins at sunrise and continues until moonrise, with women abstaining from food and water throughout the day. Traditionally, married women dress in colourful ethnic attire, often wearing bridal outfits and adorning themselves with jewellery and mehendi (henna designs). In the evening, they gather with other women in their community for a group puja, where they listen to stories about the significance of Karwa Chauth and sing traditional songs. Once the moon appears, the women look at it through a sieve and then at their husbands, breaking their fast after offering prayers. Husbands often reciprocate by providing gifts and treating their wives with unique gestures of love.

9
Chappar Mela

Chappar Mela is one of Punjab’s most popular rural fairs, celebrated annually in the village of Chappar near Ludhiana. Held in September, this vibrant festival honours Gugga Pir, a folk deity revered for his protective powers against snakebites. The mela dates back several centuries and has become a significant cultural event for the local communities. Traditional Punjabi music, folk dances, and wrestling competitions mark the celebrations. Devotees from nearby villages gather to pay homage to Gugga Pir at his shrine, offering prayers and tying threads around the temple as a gesture of faith. The fair is also known for its bustling marketplace, where visitors can shop for traditional goods, handicrafts, and food items. Additionally, various rides, games, and entertainment options make it a lively family event. Chappar Mela showcases Punjab’s rich rural heritage, blending spirituality with festivity. It serves as a platform for local artisans, performers, and vendors, contributing to the region's cultural and economic vitality. 

10
Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is a cherished festival in Punjab that celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. It falls on the second day after Diwali, similar to Raksha Bandhan but with slight ritual differences. On Bhai Dooj, sisters pray for their brother's long life, prosperity, and happiness. The day begins with sisters performing aarti and applying a tilak (vermilion) on their brothers' foreheads, followed by prayers for their well-being. In return, brothers offer gifts or tokens of appreciation, reinforcing their love and protection bond. It is also customary for brothers to visit their sisters' homes, where they are treated to a special meal. The festival strengthens family ties, and the exchange of gifts adds a festive spirit to the occasion. Bhai Dooj symbolises the enduring bond of love and care shared between siblings, celebrated affectionately in Punjabi households.  

FAQs About Festivals in Punjab

  1. Q1.
    What are some popular festivals celebrated in Punjab?

    Punjab is known for its vibrant and lively festivals, with Baisakhi being the most popular. Celebrated in April, it marks the harvest season and is a major cultural and religious event. Other important festivals include Lohri, celebrated in January to mark the end of winter, and Gurpurab, which commemorates the birthdays of Sikh Gurus. Diwali, Holi, and Teej are celebrated enthusiastically, showcasing Punjab’s diverse cultural heritage.

  2. Q2.
    How is Baisakhi celebrated in Punjab?

    Baisakhi, one of the most significant festivals in Punjab, is celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm. It marks the harvest of the Rabi crop and also holds great religious importance for Sikhs as the day commemorates the formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh. People visit Gurdwaras to offer prayers, partake in Nagar Kirtans, and enjoy traditional dances like Bhangra and Gidda. The festival brings together communities in celebration with music, dance, and delicious Punjabi food.

  3. Q3.
    What is the significance of Lohri in Punjabi culture?

    Lohri, celebrated in January, marks the end of winter and the onset of longer days. It is particularly significant for farmers as it symbolises the harvesting of sugarcane crops. Lohri is traditionally celebrated by lighting bonfires, around which family and friends gather to sing, dance, and enjoy seasonal treats like sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts. The festival also celebrates new beginnings, with families often organising special Lohri celebrations for newborns and newlyweds.

  4. Q4.
    How is Gurpurab celebrated in Punjab?

    Gurpurab, one of the most important religious festivals for Sikhs, is celebrated to honour the birth anniversaries of Sikh Gurus, particularly Guru Nanak Dev Ji. On this day, devotees visit Gurdwaras to offer prayers and participate in processions known as Nagar Kirtans. The day is marked by singing hymns, reciting the Guru Granth Sahib, and distributing 'langar' (community meals) to everyone. The atmosphere of devotion and service during Gurpurab embodies the Sikh spirit of equality and selfless service.

  5. Q5.
    What is the role of dance and music in Punjabi festivals?

    Dance and music are integral to Punjabi festivals, reflecting the region's vitality and love for celebration. Festivals like Baisakhi and Lohri are incomplete without traditional folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda, performed to the dhol (drum) beats. These energetic performances allow people to express joy and celebrate their culture. Music, especially folk songs, is also a key element, adding rhythm and melody to the festivities.

  6. Q6.
    Are religious festivals like Diwali and Holi celebrated in Punjab?

    Yes, Punjab celebrates religious festivals like Diwali and Holi with much enthusiasm. Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by lighting lamps, bursting crackers, and visiting Gurdwaras and temples. Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated by people smearing colours on each other and enjoying festive sweets. Though rooted in Hindu tradition, these festivals are enjoyed by people from all communities in Punjab, reflecting the region’s inclusive spirit.

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