July 13th, 2009
The Diverse Festivals of Punjab, India
The Sufi Saints are worshipped and celebrated in the city of Punjab. Many festivals and fairs are held throughout the city each year, and artistic and religious culture of this Indian city is based on these different saints. These celebrations offer different glimpses into the multi-faceted culture of the people, through the devotional or religious fairs, to the commercial and industrial. The religion of the region is Muslim. Sacred days such as Shab-e-Brat and Muharram are celebrated by many throughout the communities, and pay homage and tribute to the various saints. These are mainly devotional fairs, with days and nights spent in prayer and performing the ceremonial rituals of the religion.
When a fair is held at one of the shrines, this is usually a day in history in which the particular saint died. These are very celebratory occasions where the people dance and play music. The music of these fairs is something that every tourist staying in Punjab hotels should experience. The music is the traditional folk music of the culture, and is uplifting and spirit enhancing. One of the largest of these fairs is in honor of the Sufi poet, Syed Waris Shah, one of the most loved poets of the city of Punjab.
The commercial and trade shows are completely different. Each year there is a festival of sports, competitions and exhibits. This is the National Horse and Cattle Show is the largest of these kinds of fairs in the country. The animals compete, sports are played, and the there are many companies selling the various products for livestock and agricultural industries. The roots are very strong in these region of India, to farming and the rural way of life, and this is celebrated fully during this time. There are also many craft and art festivals as with many cultures throughout the country, the arts have played a large role in the traditions of the people of India. This is a great time for those wanting to purchase the colorful material, the incredible sculptures, or the leather and jewelery work of the artisans of Punjab.
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