Besides being the land of five rivers, the enriched and sufficient Punjab is a cultural hub. From the famous festivals of Punjab to the prosperity that grows and flows in the state, makes it one of a kind destination.

Luckily, people living in Punjab get the opportunity to celebrate various auspicious festivals throughout the year. Be it Lohri that comes at the very beginning of the year or following others.

It will not be wrong to say that all these Punjabi festivals are the pride and glory of not only the state but also its people. Thus, let’s get straight to all of them and know about their significance and timing of arrival.

1. Lohri

Out of the most famous festivals of Punjab, Lohri comes to the top, because its celebratory spirit is unmatched. When the temperatures drop in the Northern part of the country, Lohri is celebrated with a bang.

Furthermore, the day is celebrated for various reasons like to remember Dulla Bhatti, who saved Hindu girls from the Mughals. Also, the belief is that after this day, the heat from the sacred fire reaches the skies and marks the return of the chilly winter season.

The highlight of this Punjabi festival is the bonfire, dancing, folk music, and traditional clothes. Besides these, it is a grand feast where families have gurh, gachak, dry fruits, plain popcorn, etc. 13th of January is the date when people enjoy the festivities of Lohri.

2. Baisakhi

Baisakhi or the harvest festival of Punjab is to commemorate the harvesting of the first crop of the year. Every Punjabi, especially the farmer families celebrate Baisakhi with full power, as it is their sweet labor of hard work.

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Not only this, but it also marks the first day of the Sikh New Year. To double the fun, people perform Bhangra on the sounds of Dhol and local music. Additionally, Punjabis are famous to relish their food, and it is a feast on this day too. It is usually celebrated in the middle of April. (Mostly, 13th April)

3. Gurupurab

Another extremely auspicious festival in Punjab is Gurupurab. It is a very important celebration, especially for the Sikh community, as it is the birth anniversary of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak. He is also the founder of Sikhism and played an important role in shaping the community and its belief.

On the day of Gurupurab day, people visit the Gurudwara sahib, offer prayers, and seek blessings. After the darshans, everyone enjoys the langar together and at night light candles and diyas. There are religious processions all over the state and Gurudwaras are beautifully decorated. Usually, Gurupurab comes in the month of November.

4. Teeyan

Just like Baisakhi marks the onset of the Spring season, Teeyan is a celebration to welcome the monsoon season in Punjab. Traditionally, women used to apply mehendi (Heena) on their hands and enjoy on swings tied to trees. Also, everyone gets together, wears traditional Punjabi suits, and dances to the songs.

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The whole idea behind this celebration is also to depict that wives are not hesitant to dedicate their lives to their husbands. Finally, the festivity includes Teeyan Gidha, soulful music, and swings.

5. Diwali

Out of many festivals of Punjab, Diwali is one of the most awaited ones. Everyone celebrates the festival in different regions and districts of the state in full swing. Houses are decorated with lights and diyas, and people distribute sweets to near and dear ones.

Additionally, villagers worship their cattle on Diwali and generally people visit their respective holy places to seek blessings.

6. Tikka/Bhai Dooj

Just after Diwali, Bhai Dooj, known as Tikka in Punjab is celebrated. It signifies the precious and pure bond between a brother and a sister. It is commemorated in a simple manner, where the sister applies Tikka on the brother’s forehead. In return, the sister gets gifts and sweets.

Overall the significance of Tikka is celebrating the beautiful relationship between siblings. A sister prays for a long and healthy life for her brother. On this day, both of them dress up well, eat sweets, and have a good time together.

7. Jor Mela

Out of so many religious festivals of Punjab, Jor Mela is one of them. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, who were children of a Sikh Guru. (Guru Gobind SIngh) Shaheedi Jor Mela is a religious get-together, where there are frequent processions on the roads.

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Every year, it is held at Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib in the Fatehgarh Sahib district of the state. Not only it is attended by lakhs of people, but followers arrange open langars for the attendees to enjoy. Finally, people pay their homage and enthusiastically participate in nagar kirtan, langar, kirtan, etc. There is a recital of the holy Sikh Book also.

8. Karwa Chauth

This Hindu festival is very popularly celebrated in Punjab. According to this festivity, a married woman keeps a fast for her husband’s long life and prosperity. The nirjala vrat is to be kept for the entire day and women open their fasts on seeing the moon at night.

Women dress up like newlyweds and gather in the evening for an evening katha (Pooja). The festival comes on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. Women not only look their best but end their fast in the presence of their husbands by sipping water.

Before keeping the whole day fast, the women can get up in the morning and eat Sargi which is prepared by mother-in-laws. Also, it falls on the last week of October.

9. Basant Panchmi

This Punjab festival is celebrated in honor of Goddess Saraswati and also the onset of Spring. Although it is a Hindu festival, however, it is commemorated in the state with full enthusiasm and zeal. It is considered to be one of the main and auspicious festivals of Punjab to buy anything new.

For a positive start, buying a house, getting married, or anything else, Basant Panchmi is favorable. Also, people wear bright, preferably yellow clothes and fly kites too.

10. Hola Mohalla

Mainly celebrated in Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib, Hola Mohalla is also a religious festival. People commemorate it after Holi and is Guru Govind Singh’s acceptance of Khalsa Panth.

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Not only all the gurudwaras are decorated beautifully but also there is an excellent arrangement of paths and kirtans. There are religious programs, cultural activities, langar at the gurudwaras, and horse riding by Nihangs too.

11. Chappar Mela

Significantly a huge fair in the Chappar district of Ludhiana, this mela celebrates the assumed lord of snakes, Gugga Pir. All the attendees who visit the fair enjoy the folk music and various dance performances.

Not just these, there are many thrilling activities, food stalls, game areas, art & craft spots, etc Although, it started 150 years ago, it still sees a huge footfall every year.

12. Maghi

Makara Sankranti or Maghi is a popular festival and is held in remembrance of forty sikh martyrs. It is held each year at Muktsar Sahib to commemorate the martyrs who gave their lives to guard their tenth guru.

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On this day, people gather together and prepare Kheer, especially in Sugarcane juice. It is usually observed on a day in the month of January.

13. Rakhri

Commonly known as Raksha Bandhan is known as Rakhri is among the most common festivals of Punjab is a celebration of a sister and brother’s bond. It is celebrated on the same day as that of the lunar month of Sawan.

A sister ties a rakhi (a thread) around the wrist of her brother. In return, the brother promises to always take care of her and also gives her gifts. Also, this festival usually falls in August.

14. Gadbade

On this day, it is a full moon night and it comes just a few days before Diwali. Celebrated on Sharad Purnima, where children paint the earthen pots will holes (Gadbade) and light diyas in the center.

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Children paint and worship the pots after the full moon is visible in the sky. Also, children are treated with chocolates, toffees, or Kheer (something sweet) and gift too.