Art & Culture of Patiala

The city is a consumer goods emporium. Punjabi Jutti (shoes), golden and silver shoes embroidered in several patterns and colours to match dresses. It is also famous for its silver and gold embroidered "naala" (pyjama strings), parandhas (women weave them at the end of their plaits or braids) of varied shapes and designs but uniformly beautiful hand-woven head coverings, Phulkaris which can only be described as embroidered epics. Colorful Parandas, Nalas, Chunnies and Patiala Juttis embroidered in Gold Thread and Phulkari motifs are unique handicrafts of Patiala.

Patiala has a culture of its own, evolving into a distinct "patialavi" culture. Patiala has also seen evolution of a distinct style of architecture. Borrowing from the Rajput style, its beauty and elegance are, however, moulded according to the local traditions.

The fourth Maharaja Narinder Singh was a great patron of art, architecture and music. It was during his time that Moti Bagh Palace, Sheesh Mahal, Banasur Bagh were designed followed by Baradari Palace. Maharaja also encouraged classical music. Keeping the tradition alive his successors continued to patronise the music resulting the rich creation of Patiala Gharana; on which still thrives the whole of Pakistani Classical Music.

Hindu festivals and celebrations such as Dasara and Diwali are as enthusiastically observed as are the birth and death anniversaries of the gurus and saints. To Sikh community the festival of Baisakhi, celebrated in month of April, is of special significance because on this day in 1689 Guru Govind Singh organised the Sikhs into khalsa or `pure one'. In the countryside farmers start harvesting with great jubilation. The bhangra dance is common sight in the villages. Punjabi is the main language, while Hindi and English are also commonly used.

The Patiala Heritage Festival started in the year 2003 under the aegis of the Patiala Heritage Society is an annual feature ornamenting the fair face of the city of Patiala. Held in the gentle climes of the month of February, every year. The Patiala Heritage Festival is an offering sublime not just for the music and art lovers of Patiala but also for those of the entire state of Punjab and region put together. Conceived and planned as a cultural event showcasing the various aspects of art, music and sporting culture of the erstwhile Royal state of Patiala with a view to injecting a fresh lease of life into them, the Festival is literally an art and cultural extravaganza.