Charkha

Charkha

wheel Unknown  

“CHARKHA” which is commonly known as spinning wheel. The word ‘charkha’ has links from Persian ‘charkh’ known as circle. Spinning wheel (Charkha) is a very beautiful part of Punjabi culture. It is an item mostly used by women. It is small, easy to use and carry portable hand cranked wheel used to make thin fine fiber using cotton. Basically it has two parts.

1. Wheel
2. Spindle
 
The first thing is to set up the wheel. Now draw out the yarn (fiber) to arm’s length with your left hand while rotate the wheel clockwise with the right hand. This is done in a continuous motion, at a slight angle to the spindle. The trick is to coordinate the speed so that the yarn holds together but make sure not to make too much twist. Lift the hand and unwind the yarn from spindle, while rotating the wheel clockwise.
Young women keep themselves busy doing this work alone and in gatherings as well. Even in early times girls were given spinning wheels in their dowry. This is something to be appreciated because it is a great art work having different eye pleasing colors also.

Shalwar Kameez, Cultural Costume of Punjab

Shalwar Kameez, Cultural Costume of Punjab

village Unknown  

 

Shalwar Kameez is a cultural costume of Punjab. It is worn by men and women both but their styles differ by gender. Shalwar and Kameez both are separate garments. Shalwar is basically the trouser which is wide from top and narrow from the ankle. Shalwar is also called Suthan. The Shalwar is of different styles like Patiala, peshawari etc.  Kameez is a shirt of varying lengths can be long and short as well. Kameez is also called Kamees, Kurta and Jhga. It can be cap-sleeved or sleeveless.  This cultural Shalwar Kameez is popular in rural and as well as urban areas and can be worn by people of every age. It is a dress which can be worn in summers and winters both.