Page 21 - KYTE INDIA E-MAGAZINE

Punjab_Tradition

The culture of the Punjab encompasses the spoken language, written literature, cuisine,
science, technology, military warfare, architecture, traditions, values and history of
the Punjabi people. The term 'Punjabi' can mean both a person who lives in Punjab and also
a speaker of the Punjabi language. This name originates from the Persian language 'panj',
(five), and 'ab', (water). Panjab or Punjab: land of the five rivers. Indus River (the largest river
in this five river system), and the five other rivers to the south eventually join Indus or
merge into it later in the downstream of the Punjab valley. All the rivers start and flow out
of the Himalayas. These other five rivers are Jhelum River, Chenab River, Ravi River, Beas
River and Sutlej River.The culture of Punjab in the Middle Ages was extremely diverse
dependent upon an individual's caste, community, religion and village[citation needed]. An
array of cultures can be found historically .The main cultures that arose in the Punjab during
the Medieval Age at the beginning of this era was of strong Indo-Aryan dominance.
Dance

Owing to the long history of the Punjabi culture and of the Punjabi people there are many
dances, normally performed at times of celebration, including harvests, festivals and weddings.
The particular background of the dances can be non-religious and religious. The overall style
can range from the high energy "bhangra" men's dance to the more reserved "jhumar," the
"gidha" women's dance and "Malwayi Gidha" is a form of dance can be performed by both men
and women together
Dress

The traditional dress for Punjabi men is the kurta and tehmat, which is being replaced by
the kurta and pajama, especially the popular muktsari style in India. The traditional dress for
women is the salwar suit which replaced the traditional Punjabi ghagra. The patiala salwar is
also very popular.