Introduction

The culture of Punjab region is mainly Punjabi. Being born in a Muslim Jatt family my
culture is Punjabi. Punjabi is the mother tongue of the people who follow Punjabi culture.
It is spoken by 110 million to 120 million people of the world. The people of Punjab are
very kind hearted, greet others with open arms and hospitable. There are certain cultural
issues that effect people who are adhered to Punjabi culture in my area.

Cultural issues
Some of the cultural issues faced by people belonging to primitive Punjabi Culture are
following:

Caste System
Punjabi people believe in caste system and it affects many spheres of their lives. For
example intra cast marriage is very rare in this culture. Adherence to cast system also
causes certain problems such as nepotism and favoritism.

Gender Inequality
Generally men are dominant over women and it effects the living of women in certain
ways. Women cannot take part in sports e.g., cricket, football, swimming, running etc.
The discrimination in the education of boys and girls affect the educational experience
and life of girls. Most of these factors are getting blurred and the society is moving
towards gender equality.

Goal of my culture
Upholding of religion and moral beliefs to spend life according to religious doctrines and
to come in terms with the people and surroundings is the primary objective of my
culture. Getting education, knowledge and material possessions such as wealth and
money by proper means is not limited by the culture.

Conflicts in culture
There are many beliefs, ideas and actions that may object others people actions
belonging to different cultures. Every culture has conflicts with other cultures. For
example in my culture women do not talk with (na mahram) men. But in many other
cultures of my country which call themselves so called developed and educated, girls
can befriend with boys.
There is no such thing in my culture which comes in way of someone aim of life unless it
contradicts the fundamental religious beliefs of Islam.

Characteristics of the culture

 Language
Punjabi is the mother tongue of the Punjabi people with diverse dialects of Hindko,
Potohari etc.
This language is spoken by approximately 60 percent of the people of Pakistan.
 Literature
Punjabis has a very rich and diverse literature. Many Sufi poets contributed their life for
the welfare of the society with their poetry such as Baba Bulleh Shah, Sultan Bahu,
Waris Shah and Mian Mohammad Baksh. Sassi Punnu and Heer Ranjha are romantic
stories found in the literature.

 Dress
Most Punjabis wear shalwar and qameez. The dress wear by old people was dhoti and
kurta but its popularity is decreasing. Pent shirt is wear mostly by young generation.

 Family roles
The head of the family is mostly a man and it has the duty of meeting the financial
needs of the family along with other obligations. Joint family system is common. Female
(mother) is responsible for the managing household affairs such as making food etc. The
children are brought up both of their parents and other family members such as
grandparents, uncles and aunts.
Family members are committed to the health and other needs of their grandparents
when they grow old and there is no concept of sending parents to old homes.

 Gender roles
In Punjabi culture parents have different viewpoints of their male and female children. A
priority is given to the male child because parents think that he will contribute to the
society more than the female child and will be a helping hand in the future. Women are
confined generally to the household activities after education until their marriage.

Nonverbal communication

i. Punjabis stand closely to each other when they talk. However this is not the case
with opposite genders.
ii. It is considered bad to look in someone eyes who is more in age. People lower
their gaze when they talk with others especially with women.
iii. Winking is considered an evil act and it implies different things. For example
winking to some girl implies sexual connotations and interests.
iv. Staring at someone shows the act of rage.
v. Gestures are often use for different purposes. E.g., to greet someone hand is also
waved.

Customs and traditions

 Traditional dances
Bhangra is a traditional dance enjoyed by men. Men raise their arms and wave hands
and move their bodies while doing this dance. Ludi is another dance mostly performed
by women on occasions such as marriage.
There are different cultural festivals along with religious festivals. Basant was a popular
celebration among the people.
  Weddings
Weddings have many traditions and rituals. Weddings last for usually three or more
days. Weddings are full of songs, dance, gatherings, traditional dresses and blend of
colors.
 Birth Customs
The birth of a child is celebrated with great joy. Different dishes are given to relatives
and neighbors and money is given to the poor people.
 Funeral rituals
On funeral, no formal dress code is followed. People come in their normal dresses for
condolences. Lunch is offered to the people by some relative to the people who came
for grievance.