Northern India
Punjab
Punjab is a prosperous northern Indian state known for agriculture, Sikh heritage, vibrant culture, historic gurudwaras, energetic music, and delicious cuisine. Chandigarh serves as the capital of Punjab and Haryana.
31M
People
50,362 km²
Area
23
Districts
13
LS Seats
Formed: 1 Nov 1966
Capital: Chandigarh
Language: Punjabi
Basic Information
State Name: Punjab
Capital: Chandigarh
Formation Year: 1 November 1966
Official Language: Punjabi
Geography & Climate
Area: 50,362 sq km
Major Rivers: Sutlej, Beas & Ravi
Climate: Continental climate with hot summers & cool winters
Region: Fertile Indo-Gangetic plains
Political Parties
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
Indian National Congress (INC)
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Administration
Chief Minister: Bhagwant Mann
Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
Legislative Assembly: 117 Seats
Demographics
Population: ~31 million
Literacy: ~75.8%
Main Religion: Sikhism & Hinduism
Major Cities: Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar & Patiala
Economy
Main Sectors: Agriculture, Manufacturing & Dairy
Major Crops: Wheat, Rice & Sugarcane
Industries: Textiles, bicycles & sports goods
State Symbols
Animal: Blackbuck
Bird: Northern Goshawk
Tree: Shisham
Flower: Gladiolus
Foods
Traditional Foods: Sarson da Saag & Makki di Roti
Popular Dishes: Butter Chicken, Lassi & Chole Bhature
Sweets: Pinni & Phirni
Tourism & Heritage
Golden Temple: Holiest Sikh shrine in Amritsar
Wagah Border: Famous border ceremony with Pakistan
Historic Sites: Jallianwala Bagh & Anandpur Sahib
Religious Tourism: Major Sikh pilgrimage destination
Transportation
Major Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport
Railways: Strong North Indian rail network
Roadways: Extensive highway connectivity
Culture
Dance: Bhangra & Giddha
Festivals: Vaisakhi & Lohri
Music: Punjabi folk & modern Punjabi music industry
Education
Major Institutes: Punjab University & IIT Ropar
Agricultural Research: Punjab Agricultural University
Focus Areas: Agriculture, engineering & medicine
Interesting Facts
Punjab is known as the "Granary of India".
The Golden Temple serves free meals to thousands daily.
Punjab played a major role during India's freedom movement.
Punjabi music & cinema are globally popular among diaspora communities.