Chicho Chick Ganerian is a traditional Indian mixed-gender game distinguished by the use of vertical lines. Kikli is a Punjabi folk dance, Cloth Game is a sit-and-chase children’s game, and Kho Kho is a popular tag sport.

Patiala Gharana, founded in late 19th century by Fateh Ali Khan and Ali Baksh Khan, is renowned for its intricate taans and layakari. It is the most prominent Hindustani classical Gharana from Punjab, influencing thumri, khayal, and ghazal traditions in North India.

Alahunian are Punjabi death songs sung during mourning, mainly by women, to praise the deceased’s virtues. These are led by a marashan. Such songs are distinct from celebratory Boliyan, romantic Heer, or narrative Jugni, and reflect Punjab’s unique mourning traditions.

Heer Ranjha is a classic Punjabi epic poem written by Waris Shah in 1766. Waris Shah, a celebrated Punjabi Sufi poet, immortalized the folk love story through his poetry. Other listed personalities did not write this epic.

Padma Shri recipient, renowned for Agniparikhya, was a retired Professor and Dean at Punjabi University, Patiala. Also authored Nange Pairan da Safar; received Sahitya Akademi Award (1971), Saraswati Samman (2001), and Punjabi Sahit Rattan Award (2008) for contribution to Punjabi literature.

Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha (1861–1938) compiled ‘Mahan Kosh’, the first Punjabi encyclopedia, published in 1930 by Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee. It covers Sikhism, history, literature, and linguistics, and is widely regarded as a reference work in Punjabi language and Sikh literature.

Waris Shah (1722–1798), a renowned Punjabi Sufi poet, authored Heer Ranjha and is widely known as the Shakespeare of Punjab. He used classical poetic forms and contributed deeply to Punjabi language and culture, leaving an indelible mark on regional literature.

Barnala, founded in 1772 by Baba Ala Singh, originally served as a princely state headquarters. It was re-established as a district on 19 November 2006 and is currently the least populous district in Punjab

Article 243-I mandates State Finance Commissions to recommend on tax assignment and sharing power, allowing State Governments to authorize Zila Parishads to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees as per its recommendations. It is fundamental to local self-governance in India.

The Sarpanch is the head of the Gram Sabha under Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. Gram Sabha comprises local electorate, holds meetings twice a year, and discusses development work and budget. Key meetings: Sawni and Hari, scheduled by the Sarpanch after harvest seasons.

Budhlada Municipal Council was established in 1950 as Punjab’s first municipal council under the Punjab Municipal Act, 1911. This marked the beginning of municipal local self-government in the state after India’s independence.

Sant Harcharan Singh Longowal was chief negotiator for Akali Dal in Punjabi language talks. His efforts led to the Punjab Accord, but the agreement was not fully implemented. He was later assassinated in 1985. Promotion of Punjabi was a critical issue in Punjab politics.

Chandigarh was awarded to Punjab as part of political and administrative agreements. It serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana but was specifically assigned to Punjab by the relevant settlement as mentioned in the text.

Amritsar has the highest number of Post Offices among Punjab’s 22 districts, with 377. Punjab has 3,809 Post Offices overall. Each Post Office is assigned a unique PIN code reflecting state, district, and office. Fazilka has the least number of Post Offices in Punjab.

Punjab launched its Startup and Entrepreneurship Development Policy in 2017 to foster innovation, offering incentives such as power duty exemption and tax reimbursements. The initiative aims to boost startups and industrial growth in the state.

Ludhiana is home to the wheat-maize research site established by the Government of India and BISA, focusing on agricultural advancements. It is a hub for major research institutes such as the Punjab Agricultural University, fostering innovation in crop production and agri-technology in Punjab.

Deer Park Bir Moti Bagh is located in Patiala, Punjab. Patiala is known for its historic palaces and gardens. Other notable sanctuaries in Punjab include Tiger Safari in Ludhiana and Deer Park Bir Talab in Bathinda. Deer Park Bir Moti Bagh is a popular recreational and ecological spot.

Ghaggar River, a seasonal river from the Shivalik Hills, is historically identified with the ancient Saraswati. It enters Punjab near Mubarakpur, often causing floods, and supports wetlands. Other major Punjab rivers—Sutlej, Beas, Ravi—are perennial but not linked with Saraswati mythologically.

Bhai Parmanand founded the Ghadar Party in 1913 to fight British colonial rule. He also chaired Sind Provincial Hindu Conference. Key members included Kartar Singh Sarabha and Lala Hardayal, but Bhai Parmanand was the main founder and ideologue behind its establishment.

Singh Sabha Movement, founded in 1873 in Amritsar, Punjab, focused on reviving Sikhism, promoting Sikh identity, modern education, and countering Christian missionary and Brahmanical influences. It played a crucial role in the religious and social reform of Sikhs during British rule in Punjab.

Nirankari Movement, founded in 1840 by Baba Dayal Singh in Punjab, opposed idol worship, promoted belief in Nirankar—the formless God—emphasized recitation of Gurbani and simple ritual, differing from mainstream Sikh adherence to Adi Granth and Guru Nanak’s authority.

The Battle of Phagwara, fought after the Battle of Kartarpur, was the last major conflict between Sikhs led by Guru Hargobind and the Mughals. However, Battle of Kiratpur was the last conflict between the Sikhs, led by Guru Hargobind, and the Mughals along with Pathans, Gujjars, and locals from Ropar. It occurred due to jealousy over Guru Hargobind’s growing influence and was initiated by a surprise attack by Pathans when Guru Hargobind had only 22 Sikhs. Guru Hargobind took refuge in Brahman Majra, where his forces held off the attackers until reinforcements from Kiratpur arrived. A gurdwara commemorating the battle was built in 1975 by Sant Kartar Singh Bhindranwale.

Nawab Kapur Singh commanded Sikhs at Basarke (1736) against Mughals under Lakhpat Rai. Sikhs faced initial defeat, later revenged at Hujra Shah Muqeem. Key Mughal leaders perished. Afterwards, Lahore authorities seized the Golden Temple, restricting Sikh assemblies and aid, marking a turning point in Sikh-Mughal conflict.

The Punjab Reorganization Act came into effect on 1 November 1966, dividing Punjab into Punjab, Haryana, and the union territory of Chandigarh. Parts of Punjab were also transferred to Himachal Pradesh. This major reorganization focused on linguistic and administrative considerations.

Gopi Chand Bhargava of the Indian National Congress became the first Chief Minister of East Punjab in 1947. Chandulal Trivedi served as its first Governor. East Punjab was formed after India’s independence, now comprising Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab states.

Punjab’s state bird is the Baaz, also known as the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). The Baaz symbolizes strength and bravery, and is closely associated with Sikh culture and history. It is a large, powerful raptor found in forests across northern India, including Punjab.

Muktsar, renowned for ‘Maghi da Mela’, was historically called ‘Khidane di Dhaab’. It commemorates Sikh history and the martyrdom of 40 Mukte in the Battle of Muktsar (1705). The city is significant in Punjab’s cultural and religious heritage.

Roshni Mela in Jagraon commemorates Baba Mohkam Din (d. 1913). The fair includes lighting of lamps, wrestling events, and folk performances at his tomb. Separate Roshni Mela in Ludhiana honors Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, associated with the Qadiri Sufi tradition.