Punjabi
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Punjabi is the third most spoken language in Canada! Bhangra — Punjab's harvest dance — now influences global pop, and the Golden Temple feeds 100,000 visitors free food daily.
Lin says:
Sat Sri Akal! I'm Lin! Punjabi is the language of the Punjab — the 'Land of Five Rivers'— and of Bhangra, one of the world's most joyful dance styles! The Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar is one of the world's most beautiful and welcoming places — open to people of all faiths 24 hours a day. The Punjabi spirit is legendary for enthusiasm and hospitality. Bahut vadiya! (Excellent!)
Quick Facts
Speakers
~65 million
Language Family
Indo-European (Indo-Aryan)
Writing
Gurmukhi (India) / Nastaliq (Pakistan)
Music
Language of Bhangra
Discover Punjabi
Punjabi is the third most spoken language in Canada! Bhangra — Punjab's harvest dance — now influences global pop, and the Golden Temple feeds 100,000 visitors free food daily.
Writing System
Gurmukhi (India) & Shahmukhi/Nastaliq (Pakistan)
Native Speakers
~65 million
Did You Know?
Punjabi is the third most spoken language in Canada and the UK — the large Sikh diaspora has made Punjabi a major language on four continents.
Punjabi in India is written in Gurmukhi script (developed by Sikh Gurus). In Pakistan, the same language is written in Urdu's Nastaliq script — two scripts for one language.
Punjabi music (from traditional folk to modern bhangra pop) is one of the fastest growing music genres on global streaming platforms.
What Makes Punjabi Special?
Bhangra & Giddha
Bhangra — the vibrant harvest dance of Punjab — has influenced music globally, from UK garage to DJ remixes. Punjabi music pulses in clubs from London to Toronto.
The Golden Temple
The Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar serves free meals to over 100,000 visitors daily — regardless of religion, caste, or nationality. A remarkable model of hospitality.
Breadbasket of South Asia
Punjab means "Land of Five Rivers" — and the Punjab region is the greatest wheat and rice producing area in South Asia, feeding hundreds of millions.
Keep Exploring the World!
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