Difference between Punjabi and Gujarati
Key difference: Punjab and Gujarat are two different regions within the Indian subcontinent. Punjabi refers to the language spoken by inhabitants of the Punjab region, as well as the inhabitants of the region. Punjabi also refers to the ethnic food of the region, the culture and the folk practices of the region. Similarly, Gujarati refers to the language, people, culture, cuisine and folk practices of Gujarat.
Punjab and Gujarat are two different regions within the Indian subcontinent. Eventually, these regions were made into two distinct states within the country of India. Hence, in retrospect the terms Punjabi and Gujarati refer to anything that is representative of that state.
Punjabi refers to the language spoken by inhabitants of the Punjab region, as well as the inhabitants of the region. Punjabi also refers to the ethnic food of the region, the culture and the folk practices of the region. Similarly, Gujarati refers to the language, people, culture, cuisine and folk practices of Gujarat.
The region of Punjab lies in northwest India. At the time that India gained independence, a number of its regions were distributed between India and Pakistan; Punjab was one such region. Hence, the region of Punjab is now a state in northern India, as well as a state in East Pakistan. The name Punjab was originally written as ‘Pan Jab’ literally meaning ‘five rivers.’ This refers to the fact that the Punjab region is an inland delta consisting of five converging rivers.
Gujarat, on the other hand, is a state in west India. It is known locally as the ‘Jewel of the West.’ The capital city of Gujarat is Gandhinagar, whilst its largest city is Ahmedabad. Gujarat has a 2000 year old history as documented in a Greek book named 'The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea: Travel and Trade in the Indian Ocean by a Merchant of the First Century'. Gujarat is also the home of the ancient Indus Valley Civilizations, such as Lothal and Dholavira. It is believed that Lothal was one of the world's first seaports.
Like all cultures, the Punjabi and Gujarati cultures are unique in their own aspect. They each have either own characteristics. The Punjabi are stereotypically known as a large-built men wearing turbans, eating tandoori chicken and doing the Bhangra; whereas, the Gujarati are stereotypically known as eating dhokla and dancing the Garba. However, both these cultures are so much more.
Comparison between Punjabi and Gujarati:
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Punjabi |
Gujarati |
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Region |
The region was partitioned between India and Pakistan at the time of independence. |
State of Gujarat in India |
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State |
Lies in northwest India, and east Pakistan. Agricultural state leading in the production of rice and wheat Largest grain producer in India Other major industries include the manufacturing of scientific instruments, agricultural goods, electrical goods, financial services, machine tools, textiles, sewing machines, sports goods, starch, tourism, fertilisers, bicycles, garments, and the processing of pine oil and sugar. Has the largest number of steel rolling mill plants in India, which are located in Steel Town Mandi Gobindgarh, District Fatehgarh Sahib. |
Lies in western India Leading producer of Indian cotton and textiles Largest producer of milk in India Major agricultural produce of the state includes cotton, groundnuts (peanuts), dates, sugar cane, milk and milk products. Industrial products include cement and petrol. Contributes to more than 20% of India’s GDP Contains world’s largest oil refineries and two of the three Natural Gas plants in India Has one of the highest employment rates and the per capita income of the people in India. In 2010, Forbes list of the world's fastest growing cities included Ahmedabad at number 3 after Chengdu and Chongqing from China. |
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Religion |
Mostly Sikhism followed by more than 60% of the population. Followed by Hindus at 37%. |
Mostly Hinduism (91.1%), followed by Islam (7.1%) and Jainism (1.0%). |
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Language |
The Punjabi language, written in the Gurmukhi script, is the official language of the state. Punjabi is the 10th most spoken language in the world and 4th most spoken language in Asia |
The official language of the state is Gujarati. Gujarati is the 26th-most widely spoken language in the world. It has eleven dialects, spoken in different parts of the state. |
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Attire |
Known for men wearing turbans. The traditional dress for Punjabi men is the Punjabi Kurta and Tehmat which is being replaced by the kurta and pajama. The traditional dress for women is the Punjabi Salwar Suit which replaced the traditional Punjabi Ghagra. The Patiala salwar is also very popular. |
The traditional dress for Gujarati men is the dhoti and kurta, but which is being replaced by pant and shirt. The traditional dress for women is the Gujarati sari, and now more commonly Salwar Kameez. |
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Cuisine |
Known for non-vegetarian food. Some are vegetarian. Popular for tandoor items, such as tandoori chicken, tandoori roti, naan, etc. Famous for ‘sarsoon ka saag’ and ‘makai ki roti,’ as well as ‘Chole- bature’ and butter chicken, mutter paneer, samosas, pakoras, lassi, etc. |
Mostly known for vegetarian food. Some savory dishes have been known to have a sweet tendency. Famous for ‘Dhokla’, Pakoras, Pav Bhaji, Kutchi Dabeli, Dal Wada, Rabdi, Jalebi, Gulab Jamun, Barfi, Basundi, Gajar Halwa, etc. Paan is a favorite in Gujarat. |
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Culture |
An extensive religious and non-religious dance tradition, a long history of poetry in the Punjabi language, a significant film industry which dates back to before the Partition. |
The Gujarati cinema celebrated its 75th year anniversary in 2007. Gujarati literature's history may be traced to 1000 AD. Since then literature has flourished till date. Bhavai, a musical performance of stage plays. |
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Folk Dances |
Bhangra, Jhumar, and Gidha |
Dandiya Raas, Garba, Garbi, Padhar |
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Festivals |
Seasonal and harvest festivals such as Lohri, Basant, Baisakhi and Teej, all of which are celebrated in addition to the religious festivals of India. |
Around more than 1000 festivals are celebrated in Gujarat, including Makar Sankranti and Kite Flying Festival. The state is known as the land of fairs and festivals. |
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Famous personalities |
Dr. Manmohan Singh, incumbent Prime Minister of India Kiran Bedi, social activist and a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. Priyanka Chopra, Actress and Singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Singer Gulzar, Singer |
Mukesh Ambani, CEO of Reliance Industries Mahatma Gandhi, social activist and freedom fighter Muhammad Ali Jinnah, lawyer, politician, and the founder of Pakistan Sanjeev Kumar, Actor Bindu, Actress Asha Parekh, Actress |
Image Courtesy: flywithaj.com, toptouristplaceinworld.blogspot.com
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Comments
Bhavin Rabari
Sat, 12/16/2017 - 13:44
Sandhu
Sat, 04/30/2016 - 18:24
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