All cultures have different kinds of music played at weddings and parties, but as a Desi (person from South Asia), I feel as if Punjabi music and dancing is a part of everyone’s lives whether they are Punjabi or not. Punjab was originally a state in the middle of India before the Partition. After the Partition, the Punjabi people in Punjab that were Muslim, crossed over the border and went over to Pakistan, while the Punjabi people in Punjab that were Sikhs, crossed over into India. This is why there are Punjabi Muslims as well as Punjabi Sikhs, and also why there is a state called Punjab in the country of Pakistan, as well as the country of India (it was split down the middle). The Punjabis in India that came over to Pakistan after the Partition carried over their culture and traditions and made it one of the biggest cultures celebrated in Pakistan. Punjabi music and dancing are a big part of every wedding and party and are always incorporated in; someway or the other. People take time before hand to rehearse and be able to perform. Even Bollywood movies create songs with Punjabi verses in them because historically, Punjabi-speaking film makers have influenced Bollywood songs. As a modern day Punjabi myself, I can say first hand that we are known to be loud, carefree people who show off and party. Our music brings a sense of freedom and is very upbeat with a fast rhythm that can make anyone want to get up and dance. Its initial task is to put you in a happy and joyful mood. So tell me, have you listened to your dose of Punjabi music today?
This picture captured my attention and made me laugh. This was not a laughter toward you all, but it was a laugh with you all. The image reminded me of my own friends and us dancing. It represents to me how different, but how very similar various cultures are. You mentioned that all cultures have different preferences of music, but I can see the similarities in the funky dance moves! My friends and I dance like that. I can also relate to the fact that the music that I listen to when dancing gives a feeling of freedom and joy. Maybe all of us can get together and integrate our dance moves!
I enjoyed reading your post, as a Gujarati Indian, often at Indian weddings and parties they play Punjabi music, and it gets the crowd pumped. I like that you went into detail about the history of Punjab and the division between India and Pakistan. I did not know about Punjab Sikhs in India and Punjab Muslims in Pakistan. Also, I never considered the influence that Punjabi people have on Bollywood culture, but now that I think about it I can see how it is in songs in Bollywood films.
This post was a lesson in geography and history for me, not just culture. I didn’t know any of that before and found it very interesting. I also did not know what Punjabi music was, so I googled/youtube-ed it! Turns out I’ve heard it before (or something similar) I just didn’t know what it was called. You’re right is does inspire happy, joyful, freedom to dance (although I probably shouldn’t ha!). And I can honestly answer yes, I’ve listened to a dose of Punjabi music today.
The strong ties between Punjabi culture and music is clearly evident to any person who knows some one punjabi. The quick peppy beats and fast paced music define the personality and lifestyle of most punjabi people. I loved the back story that was provided so the reader can get the proper knowledge of where the influences came from.