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Ludhiana Culture


The religiously diverse metropolitan of Ludhiana enjoys the ideal cosmopolitan culture. Families migrated from different states of the country like Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttranchal, West Bengal, Bihar, Kerala, Rajasthan and so on have happily amalgamated in this melting pot of unity in diversity. People following different religious faiths namely Sikhism, Hinduism, Muslim, Christianity and Jainism have found a home in this kaleidoscopic culture of Ludhiana. Chief social activists of India mainly, Spiritual Gurus, Missionaries, Reformers, Yoga Gurus, and similar others avail Ludhiana as their platform for launching new agendas aimed at Northern India.
Ludhiana is honored by the title the cultural nerve of the state of Punjab. A number of Punjabi Folk Songs mention the name of Ludhiana and adding to this, most of the Punjabi singers are from this city. Ludhiana is the forth major hub of performing arts, fine arts, photography and painting in Punjab. Nehru Shidhant Kendra based in Ludhiana is the pivot of Punjabi cultural events. Ludhiana also suffices as the epicenter of Punjabi literary activities as many Punjabi Publishing Houses are situated here.
The most striking aspect of Ludhiana culture is the brilliant artistic expertise of the folks dwelling there. The art and craft flows in the blood of Ludhianavis. Folk women finely plaster the walls of their houses with mud and decorate it with engravings of flowers, plants, ferns and many other creative designs. They make wonderful handmade paper pots which can be used as storage. Some villagers even earn their livelihood by weaving cotton bed sheets, beautiful straw carpets, floor spreads, intricate wall hangings and dazzling showpieces made with needle work and appliqué work. Ludhiana is also noteworthy for its tradition of handmade toys. Women folks still make stuffed toys, birds, animals, dolls, wooden carts, clay dolls, utensils, animals and a number of other handmade toys decorated with colorful feathers, beads, tassels, tinsels and buttons. Another exceptional feature of Ludhiana culture is its edible toys which are sweet in taste and made in different shapes and sizes. These toys are most popular amongst kids and sold a lot in fairs and festivals.
Folk dance is the most outstanding component of Ludhiana Culture. Famous Punjabi dance forms performed at Ludhiana include Bhangra, Gidda and Jhumar. Bhangra, the king of dances is the traditional Punjabi dance form which is chiefly performed on the occasion of Baisakhi. Performed by a radiantly dressed group, this group dance follows the rhythms of loud drum beats and joyful Punjabi folk songs. The most frequently adopted pose in this dance is jumping which suggests the jubilant mood of the dancers as well as the beholders. Bhangra Dance is enjoyed at the times of marriages, parties and other happy occasions of festivity.
Gidda is a unique dance specially meant for women who dance to the tunes of the folk verses called Bolis. These bolis cover almost every topic under the sun starting from arguments with sister in laws to current political affairs. The rhythm in this dance is supplied by the dholki and the claps of the dancers. Jhumar dance, the living testimony of the joy and happiness of human nature is exclusively performed by men. Apart from these main dance forms, the culture of Ludhiana is profound with a number of other dances like Kikli, Luddi, Julli, Dhamal, Dankara, Gatka, Jaago and Sammi.
Lohri, Basant Panchami, Holi and Baisakhi are the principal festivals celebrated in Ludhiana. Lohri, which falls on the last day of Poh in the month of January, worships the God of Fire. Basant Panchami is celebrated when the mustard fields are flourishing with its yellow crop. This festival falls in the months of January or February. At the time of Basant Panchami people wear yellow, organize feasts and fly kites. Holi is the festival of colors celebrated country wide. Baisakhi, the harvest festival of Punjabis is celebrated with exceptional pomp and gaiety.
Ludhiana is also reckoned for the unique fairs held here. They include, Chhapar Mela, Jarag Mela, Roshni Mela – the Fair of Lights, Prof. Mohan Singh Mela, Kisan Mela and many others. Chhapar Mela is held in the fond memory of Gugga; the famous Punjabi warrior. Jarag Mela is organized in the honor of Goddess Durga. Roshni Mela, the death anniversary of Baba Mohkam Din is now not celebrated frequently. Prof. Mohan Singh Mela is the great cultural festival of Ludhiana. Punjab Agricultural University organizes Kisan Mela where experts teach the local farmers the new techniques of farming.