1. LOHRI:

So strong is the electrifying ambiance of Lohri, that it no longer is bound to the state of Punjab. It is today a major festival in almost all states of North India. Lohri, also called the 'Festival of Bonfire' is celebrated every year on the 13th of January. The lighting of bonfire around which people perform folk dances and sing Punjabi songs marks the festival. January is a time when the weather is extremely cold and the temperatures linger close to 0 degrees. Thus for many people, Lohri is a also a temporary relief from the chilling weather. In the morning of the day, children run from door to door demanding Lohri 'Loot' in form of either money or eatables like sweets, jaggery, gajak or rewri. As the evening sets in, huge blocks of wood are arranged and are lit up. They are set up either on harvesting fields or in front of the homes.

2. HOLA MOHALLA:

Hola Mohalla is a festival that is among the most important festivals for the Sikh community. The festival marks the New Year according to the lunar Nanakshahi calendar of Sikhs. This day is seen as an occasion for the Sikh community to show their martial skills in faux battles. In fact, 'Hola Mohalla' literally means for 'mock fights'. Originated during the time of Guru Gobind Singh, the first mock fight was held at Anandpur in 1701 AD.
   

This too is a three day festival and on all three days there are grand celebrations including mock fights, exhibitions, display of weapons and kirtans. The festivities close with a ceremonial procession taken through the township which is led by Panj Piaras, (the five beloved ones) and starts form Takhat Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five Sikh religious seats. Dressed in a long tunic of bright deep blue, an elaborate turban, sometimes of enormous size, at times banded with strips of bright yellow, armed with weapons of one's liking - bows and arrows, spears, swords and shield, muskets, guns or what have you - the Nihang displays his skills at this festival of valor, a pageant of the past.

The langar (community feast) is open through the day and lasts as long as there is sangat.
   

3. BASAKHI:

Amongst all the festivals of Punjab, Baisakhi is the most important festival of the state. Baisakhi is a festival celebrating the harvesting of Rabi crops. Not only is it an important day for the farmers, but the festivals also holds a great importance in Sikh religion as well. This day starts early for the people of Punajb. Many take bath in the holy river and visit the nearby Gurudwara. There are special prayers organized in all gurudwaras. Afterwards cultural programmes are organized where people gather to enjoy by dancing and singing. The celebrations of Baisakhi is the best place to witness the Bhangra and Giddha dance.

4. BANDI CHOR DIWAS (DIWALI)

Diwali is the anniversary of Guru Hargobind ji being released from the prison at Gwalior Fort in 1619 AD. Sikhs started celebrating Diwali at Amritsar from the time of their Sixth Master, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. When he rescued fifty-two rajas from imperial detention in the fort of Gwalior and reached Amritsar, the residents there welcomed him by illuminating the whole-city. On this day the entire Golden Temple is illuminated with traditional lamps of different colors. The reflection of the temple in the shimmering water of the holy pool is truly mesmerizing, something that you want to hold onto forever in your memory. Fire works displayed by the traditional professionals recreate the glory of the past.
   
   

5. TEEJ:

Teej is an important festival for the women of Punjab. The sawan month is eagerly waited by the people of Punjab as different festivals fall at this time period. The festival of Teej brings exuberance and chance to get along each other. Young girls and boys actively participate in events taking place in various towns and districts in Punjab. Celebration of Teej begins from the third day of sawan - the fifth Hindu month beginning from Chaitra.

Young women and men enthusiastically celebrate the occasion of Teej. At the time of Teej, many schools and colleges in Punjab organize competitions and cultural programs. Some competitions are organized on higher scale and are attended by senior government officials. The theme of the competitions is totally traditional and cultural. Competitive categories include rangoli, mehndi, dance, singing, painting etc. In colleges, Teej beauty contests take place where young girls passionately participate and win various titles like “Miss Teej”, “Teej Queen” and “Baby Teej”. Teej celebrations in villages too, are full of joy and verve. Young girls and women get along to perform Teej rituals. Girls swing on decorated swings called peeng and adorn their hands and feet with intricate mehndi designs.

Girls who perform gidda on Teej dedicate it to their husband or to-be-husband. Some of these special Teej dance and songs symbolize that women are always ready to sacrifice their life for their lover. After the dance performance young ladies offer prayers and sing songs for good health of their love. Teej fairs called Teelan are organized which has stalls with collection of traditional items like colorful bangles, juttis, dresses and earrings. Main attraction of Teej fair are the mehndi stalls.

At homes, people prepare special Punjabi Teej dishes like Kheer Puri, Gulgale, Karah and Pakoras. Family members sit together and enjoy the lavish feast. Men give blessings to their wife and both pray for each others' long and cheerful life.