Joy has a bhangra beat

For the lionhearted people of Punjab, terrorism became an obstacle in their growth and development, and they overthrew it. If it were not for its people, the state of Punjab would perhaps have become another Bihar. The days of terrorism seem to have been effectively put behind. And the people of Punjab seem to have done well for themselves, restoring to their land prosperity and joy.

It is difficult to come across a single beggar — either in the cities or the countryside. The poorest would perhaps be a mechanic. But what you do come across in the cities are a mindboggling number of swanky imported cars on the roads, many more than what are seen in Delhi or any other metro. Obviously, the people like to live well.

It is also difficult to come across a paan, cigarette or paan masala shop in Punjab. It is almost heartening not to see these shops which are a common sight at roadsides in all otherplaces. Instead there are milk bars selling flavoured milk and thick lassi and fresh juice shops. You can also see fresh fruit sellers lining the roadside. The dhabas are also well stocked with cottage cheese and non-vegetarian dishes, invariably cooked in desi ghee. The people of Punjab also like to eat well.

Driving past the blooming fields, the instant image that is conjured is of turbaned men in colourful clothes performing the bhangra. But one has to wait till Baisakhi — April 13 — to witness the joyous spectacle, in celebration of the harvest. However, one doesn’t have to wait to see the beauty of the graceful Punjabi women. Dressed in colours which only they can carry — colours which would perhaps be termed as garish if worn by somebody else — flowing parandas in their hair and intricately tilla embroidered juttis adorning their feet, the Punjabi women walk proudly alongside the men.

Another lasting impression of Punjab is the magnificent GoldenTemple at Amritsar. It is a pilgrim’s delight — not only in terms of the overwhelming spirituality it evokes but also for its cleanliness and discipline. The spotless premises — comparable to hardly another place in the country frequented by pilgrims — only serves to reinforce the aura of purity of the temple. The long queues to the main Harmandir Sahib are never broken and thus move fast. The Golden Temple is also a great equaliser. You can see the devotees, both poor and rich working together — sweeping the marbled floor, cooking and eating at the langar.

I have heard it repeated several times that Punjab does not have a culture of its own or that its people lack culture. This, I think, is the biggest myth of all. Fighting to save the culture of the country, contributing to its prosperity and adding colour and happiness to the national panorama — isn’t it culture enough? Punjab is all about celebration of life.