If you’ve ever heard of India, chances are you’ve heard a lot about Punjab. Easily one of the most famous states in India for its vibrant culture and hard-working people, Punjab is one of the leading states in the country. Nature’s bounty has made this land India’s dinner plate, and the hard-working people have made a name for themselves all over the world.
Apart from the green revolution, another very famous thing about Punjab is its extremely vibrant culture. The contagious forms of Punjabi music with its rhythmic beat form an essential part of virtually every movie produced by the famous Indian film industry, Bollywood. While the Punjabis are the butt of many jokes, their ability to turn the odds is highly respected.
When it comes to Punjabi home decor, two distinct trends emerge: rural and urban.
The first is the village or rural trend, in which the decoration is quite simple. Simple furnishings, such as jute husk woven beds and floor seats, are popular. The kitchen is generally separate from the main house. When food is served, the men eat first and the women eat second.
The towns of Punjab also produce some popular home decoration items. One of them is the famous Phulkari, which is a very colorful embroidery that uses thick cotton thread and is made into bedspreads, duvet covers and everything. Traditional phulkari embroidery is also sometimes used in part to design smaller pieces such as decorative cushion covers, table covers, and rugs. This form of embroidery can usually be picked up at emporiums that showcase Punjabi culture, cultural fairs, or even online stores.
Another famous product is ‘Durrie’ cotton. Durrie is basically a simple rug made from cotton and is usually used as a floor mat. Very often it is also used as bedding or under mattresses to prevent bedding from slipping. Navy blue color is the most popular, colors like red, green, gray and brown are available. The durrie is durable, versatile in its use and very practical.
Steel utensils are preferred for use in rural Punjab. Expect oversized steel tumblers that hold almost a full liter of ‘lassi’ or buttermilk, rural Punjab’s summer drink of choice. Water and milk are even offered in these huge glasses and guests are usually expected to finish everything!
Outside many Punjabi town houses, you’ll find colorful ceramic tiles decorating the entrance or main archway. This again is in line with the inherent nature of Punjabis to try to show off their wealth to the world.
One interesting thing you may notice about rural Punjabi houses is the shaped water tanks. Thus, you would find an oversized concrete bird perched on top of one house, a horse on another, numerous soccer balls, even airplanes and statues of wrestlers! I would link this back to the basic Punjabi trait of seeking attention and displaying wealth.
In my next article we will delve a little deeper into the home decor patterns of urban Punjab. See you soon!