Difference Between Punjabi and Gujarati
Table of Contents
India is home to several cultures, religions and traditions. The Indian subcontinent comprises 28 beautiful states that differ based on religion, food habits, lifestyle as well as beliefs. Punjab and Gujarat are two of the states in India. People of these two regions speak different languages, have different ethnic food and also, have different religious beliefs. The geography of both these states is also far from each other.
Punjabi vs Gujarati
The main difference between Punjabi and Gujarati is that Punjabi basically refers to the inhabitants of Punjab, which is a state in northwest India, whereas Gujarati refers to the inhabitants of Gujarat, which lies in west India. People of both these regions speak languages that are named Punjabi and Gujarati, respectively. They also follow different religions.
Punjabis, as a matter of fact, belong to Punjab and speak the language Punjabi. The traditional food or cuisine of this region is also known as Punjabi. At the time of the India-Pakistan separation, Punjab was one such state which got distributed. The state has five converging rivers and is an Inland delta. The cultural practices, folk dance, music etc., of this state is unique.
On the other hand, Gujaratis belong to Gujarat and speak Gujarati. Gujarati food is their traditional cuisine, which is very different from Punjabi. The people of this region generally involve in family businesses. The history of this state reveals that it has had several Indus Valley Civilisations during the ancient era.
Comparison Table Between Punjabi and Gujarati
| Parameters of Comparison | Punjabi | Gujarati |
| Region | Punjabis are the inhabitants of Punjab. | Gujaratis are the inhabitants of Gujarat. |
| Geography | Punjab is a part of north-western India. | Gujarat is a part of western India. |
| Religion | Most people follow Sikhism here. | Most people follow Hinduism here. |
| Language | Punjabi is the native language of this region. | Gujarati is the native language. |
| Food | The cuisine is also named Punjabi, which has vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. | The cuisine is Gujarati, which has vegetarian dishes mostly. |
| Attire | Turbans are considered to be the traditional symbol. | Gujarati style saree is famous here. |
| Folk Dance | Bhangra, Gidha and Jhumas are popular folk dances. | Garba and Dandiya are popular here. |
| Festival | Many festivals are celebrated, out of which Baisakhi and Lohri are famous. | Makar Sankranti and Navratri are very famous here. |
What is Punjabi?
Punjabi is defined as the basis for everything in the state of Punjab. Punjab lies in north-western India. The inhabitants of this state, their cultural practices, as well as their traditional food are all termed Punjabi.
The history of Punjab dates back to the time of the India-Pakistan partition. Several parts of the state got distributed between India and Pakistan. Along with being a state in North India, Punjab is also a state in East Pakistan. The name comes from ‘Pan Jab’, meaning ‘Five Rivers’. This is because Punjab consists of five covering rivers.
It is stereotypically believed that Punjabis are highly enthusiastic and celebration-loving people. Several festivals like Lohri, Baisakhi, Holi, Basant etc., are celebrated by the people of Punjab. On such occasions, people engage in preparing tons of varieties of sweets and cuisines. Bhangra, the folk dance of Punjab, bring joy to people’s faces.
Punjabis believe in visiting the Gurudwara to worship Guru Nanak Ji. Although they are merely 3 per cent of India’s total population, Punjab culture and lifestyle are popular all over the country.
What is Gujarati?
‘Gujarati’ is the term used for referring to the inhabitants, traditional food and cultural practices of the state of Gujarat. It is located in western India. Gujarat is popular among the locals as the ‘Jewel of the West’.
A Greek book has all the things listed about the history of Gujarat in it. Ahmedabad is known to be the most popular and the largest city in Gujarat. The very famous Sabarmati Ashram is also situated in the state alongside the river Sabarmati. In ancient times, Gujarat was a place that was home to Indus Valley Civilisations.
Gujaratis are highly dedicated to trading and business. Most of them rely on their family businesses as their primary profession. It is because they are really witty and make good businessmen. The people are very fond of Garba and Dandiya. Many festivals, including Makar Sankranti, Diwali, Navratri etc., are celebrated here. Gujarati delicacies are mostly vegetarian and sweet.
Most people in Gujarat follow Hinduism. They love eating sweet and savoury dishes like Dhokla, Dabeli, Dal Wada, Jalebi, Gulab Jamun, Basundi etc. This state is quite famous for its fairs and festivals all over the world.
Main Differences Between Punjabi and Gujarati
Conclusion
The Indian subcontinent is a perfect example of the term ‘Unity in Diversity. People that belong to different religions, regions etc., reside here. Out of the 28 states it has, Punjab and Gujarat have a unique mark in the country. Both the states are way famous in the world but due to different reasons.
Punjabi culture, tradition and lifestyle are very different from that of the Gujarati’s. Punjab is famous for the Punjabi cuisine, Bhangra and the way people are devoted towards their religion. While Gujarat is famous for its business reach, Garba and tons of varieties of Gujarati dishes.
Although both these states are quite distinct, they together make a country. One of them has been formed since the time of the India-Pakistan partition, while the other has been home to the utterly ancient Indus Valley Civilisations. People of both these regions preach different religious beliefs as well as worship different gods, but by heart, they are still one.
References
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