Punjabi vs. Gujarati: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Punjabi is a language and cultural identity associated with the Punjab region in South Asia, whereas Gujarati is the language and cultural identity of Gujarat, also in South Asia.
Key Differences
Punjabi is the language spoken in the Punjab region, which spans parts of India and Pakistan. It's known for its rich literary tradition and is written in the Gurmukhi script in India and Shahmukhi script in Pakistan. Gujarati, on the other hand, is spoken in the state of Gujarat in India, characterized by its own distinct script and literary history.
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Nov 16, 2023
The Punjabi culture is celebrated for its vibrant music and dance forms like Bhangra and Giddha. Punjabi cuisine, with dishes like butter chicken and makki di roti, is known globally. Gujarati culture, in contrast, is renowned for its traditional dance forms like Garba and Dandiya, and its vegetarian cuisine featuring dishes like dhokla and thepla.
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Nov 16, 2023
Punjabi music has a significant presence in Indian and Pakistani pop culture, with many Punjabi artists gaining international fame. Gujarati music, though less globally recognized, plays a crucial role in the local and religious festivities of Gujarat.
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Nov 16, 2023
In terms of attire, Punjabi traditional dress includes the salwar kameez and turban, especially noted for its significance in Sikh culture. Gujarati traditional attire is distinct, with the women often wearing colorful ghagra-cholis and men wearing kediyu or kurta.
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Nov 16, 2023
The Punjabi diaspora, significant in countries like the UK, Canada, and the USA, actively promotes Punjabi language and culture overseas. The Gujarati diaspora, also extensive, particularly in the USA and UK, is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and contribution to business and trade.
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Nov 16, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Popular Cuisine
Rich, often non-vegetarian dishes
Primarily vegetarian dishes
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Nov 16, 2023
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Literary Tradition
Rich, includes folklore and poetry
Distinct, with historical scriptures
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Global Diaspora
Large, spread across many countries
Known for entrepreneurship
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Nov 16, 2023
Punjabi and Gujarati Definitions
Punjabi
A style of music or dance originating from Punjab.
They danced all night to the Punjabi beats.
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Nov 16, 2023
Gujarati
A language spoken in the Gujarat state of India.
She writes beautiful poetry in Gujarati.
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Nov 16, 2023
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Punjabi
A person from the Punjab region.
The Punjabi community celebrated Vaisakhi with great enthusiasm.
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Nov 16, 2023
Gujarati
A person from Gujarat.
The Gujarati businessman started a new venture in the city.
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Nov 16, 2023
Punjabi
A language spoken in the Punjab region.
She is learning to write in Punjabi.
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Nov 16, 2023
Gujarati
A style of music or dance from Gujarat.
They learned traditional Gujarati Garba for the festival.
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Nov 16, 2023
Punjabi
Cuisine typical to the Punjab region.
Punjabi dishes are often rich and flavorful.
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Nov 16, 2023
Gujarati
Relating to Gujarat or its culture.
The Gujarati wedding was a grand, colorful affair.
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Nov 16, 2023
Punjabi
Relating to the Punjab region or its culture.
The Punjabi festival was filled with vibrant music and dance.
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Nov 16, 2023
Gujarati
Cuisine typical to Gujarat.
Gujarati thali offers a variety of vegetarian dishes.
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Nov 16, 2023
Gujarati
The Indic language spoken by the people of India who live in Gujarat in western India
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Oct 19, 2023
Punjabi
The Indic language spoken by most people in Punjab in northwestern India
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the Punjabi language?
Punjabi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Punjab region.
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Nov 16, 2023
What script is used for Punjabi in India?
Punjabi in India is written in the Gurmukhi script.
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Nov 16, 2023
What script is Gujarati written in?
Gujarati is written in the Gujarati script.
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Nov 16, 2023
What are typical Gujarati dishes?
Typical Gujarati dishes include dhokla, khandvi, and thepla.
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Nov 16, 2023
What is Gujarati?
Gujarati is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the state of Gujarat, India.
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Nov 16, 2023
Where is Punjabi primarily spoken?
Punjabi is spoken in Punjab, India, and Punjab, Pakistan.
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Nov 16, 2023
What are Punjabi cultural celebrations?
Punjabi culture celebrates festivals like Vaisakhi and Lohri.
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Nov 16, 2023
What is unique about Gujarati music?
Gujarati music is known for its folk and devotional songs.
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Nov 16, 2023
What is a traditional Punjabi dance?
A traditional Punjabi dance is Bhangra.
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Nov 16, 2023
What is a famous Gujarati dance form?
A famous Gujarati dance form is Garba.
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Nov 16, 2023
What is a popular Punjabi cuisine?
Popular Punjabi cuisine includes dishes like butter chicken and chole.
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Nov 16, 2023
Can you name a Punjabi attire?
Traditional Punjabi attire includes salwar kameez for women and kurta-pajama for men.
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Nov 16, 2023
What is traditional Gujarati attire?
Traditional Gujarati attire includes ghagra-choli for women and kediyu for men.
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Nov 16, 2023
What are significant Gujarati cultural events?
Significant Gujarati events include Navratri and Diwali.
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Is Punjabi a language of instruction in schools?
Punjabi is a language of instruction in schools in the Punjab region.
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Nov 16, 2023
Does Punjabi have a rich literary history?
Yes, Punjabi has a rich literary tradition including poetry and folklore.
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Nov 16, 2023
What about Gujarati literature?
Gujarati literature is diverse, including classical and contemporary works.
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Nov 16, 2023
Are there famous Punjabi musical styles?
Punjabi music is known for Bhangra and Punjabi pop.
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Nov 16, 2023
Is Gujarati taught in schools in Gujarat?
Yes, Gujarati is a primary language of instruction in schools in Gujarat.
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Nov 16, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
