Explore The Colourful Punjab
HISTORICAL PUNJAB
INTRODUCTION
Punjab, the second largest province in Pakistan is known for its ancient cultural heritage as well as its religious diversity. Punjab represent a unique mixture of Mughals, Sikhs and Colonial architecture. It presents a promising outlook due to factors like better communication infrastructure, a more satisfactory security situation and the diversity of its cultural and natural assets. culture, history, religion, and eco-tourism. From Alexanderās invasion and the resistance of the valiant Porus, to the legendary engineering marvels of Sir Ganga Ram, the provinceās history has much to attract both domestic and foreign tourists. Khushab, Thal and Cholistan deserts are some of the most attractive places for adventure lovers and eco-tourism.
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Punjab has been the cradle of civilisation since time immemorial.
The ruins of Harappa show an advanced urban culture that flourished over 8000 years ago. Ancient Taxila, another historic landmark also stands out as a proof of the achievements of the area in learning, arts and crafts. The ancient Hindu Katas raj temple and the Salt Range temples are regaining attention. Mosques abound all over Punjab and vary in architectural style. There are historical tombs of Mughal empires and Sufi shrines in Punjab, Calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran decorate mosques and mausoleums in Punjab.
Brief Hisyory OF PUNJAB
Punjab has been inhabited since ancient times. In 326 BCE, Alexander the Great defeated King Porus at the Battle of the Hydaspes in Jehlum, Punjab. The Umayyad empire conquered Punjab in the 8th century CE. In the subsequent centuries, Punjab was invaded and conquered by the Ghaznavids, Ghurids, Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, Durranis and the Sikhs. The Sikh Empire was established in 1799 under the rule of Ranjit Singh with his capital based in Lahore, until its defeat by the British. Punjab was central to the independence movements of both India and Pakistan, with Lahore being site of both the Declaration of Indian Independence, and the resolution calling for the establishment of Pakistan. The province was formed when the Punjab province of British India was divided along religious boundaries in 1947 by the Radcliffe Line after Partition.
Pakistani Independence
āI do not believe in taking the right decision, I take a decision and make it right.ā ā Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
In 1947 under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Punjab province of British India was divided along religious lines into West Punjab and East Punjab. Western Punjab was assimilated into the new country of Pakistan, while East Punjab became a part of modern-day India. This led to massive rioting as both sides committed atrocities against fleeing refugees. The part of the Punjab now in Pakistan once formed a major region of British Punjab, and was home to a large minority population of Punjabi Hindus and Sikhs up to 1947 apart from the Muslim majority.
MINAR-e-PAKISTAN
The tower was built between 1960 and 1968 on the site where theĀ All-India Muslim LeagueĀ passed theĀ Lahore ResolutionĀ on 23 March 1940Ā
Fairs and festivals
Punjabi Culture is one of the oldest in world history, dating from ancient antiquity to the modern era.
There are numerous festivals which are celebrated by Punjabi people including some religious festivals such as Eid-Milad-Un-Nabi, Jumuāah, Laylat-ul-Qadr etc. Urcs (devotional fairs),which are held at the shirnes of sufi saints, Melas and Nomaish (exhibitions).The Provincial capital Lahore is widely popular for its entertaining events and activities. Lahoriās are famous all over the country for their celebrations particularly forĀ Basant festival (kite flying) in the spring season. Other festivals celebrated in Punjab region include Baisakhi, Teej, Kanak Katai etc.
Folklore AND Music
Folklore songs, ballads, epics and romances are generally written and sung in the various Punjabi dialects. There are a number of folk tales that are popular in different parts of the Punjab. These are the folk tales of Mirza Sahiban, Sayful Muluk, Yusuf Zulekha, Heer Ranjha, Sohni Mahiwal, Dulla Bhatti, and Sassi Punnun. The mystic folk songs include the Kafees of Khwaja Farid in Saraiki, Punjabi and the Shalooks by Baba Farid. They also include Baits, Dohas, Lohris, Sehra, and Jugni.
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The most famous of the romantic love songs are Mayhiah, Dhola and Boliyan. Punjabi romantic dances include Dharees, Dhamaal, Bhangra, Giddha, Dhola, and Sammi. For the most popular music from the region, Bhangra, the names of Abrar-Ul-Haq, Arif Lohar, Attaullah Khan Essa Khailwi, Jawad Ahmed, Sajjad Ali, Legacy, and Malkoo are renowned.
Folklore songs, ballads, epics and romances are generally written and sung in the various Punjabi dialects. There are a number of folk tales that are popular in different parts of the Punjab. These are the folk tales of Mirza Sahiban, Sayful Muluk, Yusuf Zulekha, Heer Ranjha, Sohni Mahiwal, Dulla Bhatti, and Sassi Punnun.
The mystic folk songs include the Kafees of Khwaja Farid in Saraiki, Punjabi and the Shalooks by Baba Farid. They also include Baits, Dohas, Lohris, Sehra, and Jugni.
The most famous of the romantic love songs are Mayhiah, Dhola and Boliyan. Punjabi romantic dances include Dharees, Dhamaal, Bhangra, Giddha, Dhola, and Sammi. For the most popular music from the region, Bhangra, the names of Abrar-Ul-Haq, Arif Lohar, Attaullah Khan Essa Khailwi, Jawad Ahmed, Sajjad Ali, Legacy, and Malkoo are renowned.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” is a famous saying that best illustrates a Tourism activity. Travel and Tourism provide health, knowledge and pleasure. TDCP’s Tour Promotion Wing has a lot to offer for a nature-lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventure seeker. Our well-planned and carefully designed Tour Itineraries will thrill and entertain you for memories of a lifetime.ā
Come and join us…
Saeed Ahmed,
Manager-Tour Promotion Wing, TDCP (0333 – 4343877)Ā Ā Ā Ā
