India ranks a higher position than any other country with a higher number of people with High Blood Pressure. If we throw light within Indian states, it is Punjab that tops the list. The cultural and traditional food of Punjab is enriched with trans-fatty acids and these acids increase the possibility of death due to a heart attack by 28%. Could you imagine, all our lives we have been degenerating our health unknowingly? Punjab, being the largest producer and consumer of ‘Vanaspati oil’ (a vegetable oil excessively rich in trans-fat), must take severe steps to limit its consumption.

Moreover, people in Punjab used to be fit because of the physical assertion they received in the agricultural field. But with the advancement in the technology and everything being mechanized, physical labour of people has lowered while eating habit has increased. Definitely, the tremendous change in our lifestyles has affected the health of all generations throughout the country, which has reached an alarming state now.

Dr. Anjali Borhade, President of Disha Foundation has claimed in a report that,

“High blood pressure often has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not realize they have it. Left untreated, hypertension can cause disability or death.”

Time to say good bye to Trans-Fats. For God’s sake, do it !

Our health experts call upon the people of India especially of Punjab to maintain a healthy lifestyle while diet being the key. Replacement of trans-fats by healthier fats is the need of the hour. In addition, just keeping the diet healthy doesn’t solve all the problems, physical workout too holds equal importance here. Ghee and oil are not our enemies, but trans-fats are.

In a conference held at Chandigarh, the Joint  Commissioner of Food and Drug Safety, Dr. Anoop Kumar, stated,

“The cardinal solution for preventing needless deaths and safeguarding health of present and future generation is the removal of industrially produced trans-fatty acids from the food supply”.

Health experts suggest that the first step to eliminate trans-fats should be spreading more awareness among the people about its ill effects. Secondly, the manufacturer of these acids should be targeted and production of trans-fats should be reduced.

Consume Healthy Food

Eliminating trans-fats from our diet does not mean zero consumption of ‘Ghee.’ Instead, pure Ghee is a very healthy dairy product which should be consumed but in a limited percentage. Dr. Eram Rao, Associate Professor, Delhi University, while emphasizing the benefits of pure ghee also states that,

“But fat should only be 20 percent in your diet. Which can be translated to 3 spoons a day of different types – one spoon makhan, one spoon desi oil (sesame, coconut etc) and one spoon vegetable oil (sunflower, peanut etc).”

Be an avid food lover but also stay fitter and healthier ever than before. Let us make our present and future generation more aware, healthier and diseases free.

Even excess of honey is bad. Yes, despite the savoury taste that food of Punjab offers, we must not neglect our health. A health expert’s report states that people in Punjab are heavily inflicted by cardiovascular diseases due to over-consumption of trans-fatty acids. Punjab accounts for the highest number of deaths due to hypertension. Hypertension is the world’s leading killer, rapidly spreading like cancer but no one cares to pay attention to it. The increasing number of people with these diseases in Punjab signals that the greasy food that we love eating is actually deteriorating our health.

Did you know, these trans-fatty acids reduces the good Cholesterol level in our body and increases bad cholesterol instead? Keeping the issue in mind, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) did a commendable job by regulating the amount of trans-fats in all oil and fats by not more than 2% by January 2022.

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Here are some Must try dishes of Patiala:

1. Makki Di Roti Sarson Ka Saag:

Well, everything about Patiala is as same as that of rest of Punjab. But when we talk about this very particular dish, Patiala people hold a special place for it. The dish has gained popularity over the last few years. Therefore, it has become the first dish that comes to mind when we hear Punjabi Food. Punjabi people love it even more when served with an added dash of butter in the Saag. Sheetal Vaishno Dhaba near Patiala – 147001, Red Cross Mkt, Nr Frontain, is known for this dish.  

2. Tandoori Chicken:

Punjabi people’s love for chicken is not a hidden affair today. Tandoori chicken is first coated with lemon juice and butter and then it is cooked in a tandoor which itself adds a unique flavour to it. Chawla’s Chicken Treat is famous for its variety offered in chicken. Reach them at: Urban Estate, Patiala – 147002, Opposite Punjabi University.

3. Choley Bhature:

One of the most loved dishes that we prefer eating in a Punjabi dhaba or restaurant. Although very greasy food, nobody would miss this mouth-watering dish to stay fit. The perfectly spiced Choley with deep fried bread, when accompanied with onion slices and chutney, is a sheer path to salvation. Try the best Choley Bhature at Gopal’s near Leela Bhawan, Bank Colony, Phowara Chowk, Patiala, Punjab 147001.

4. Lassi:

Lassi or coolant when served in a clay pot, tastes the best. This thick and creamy Lassi can be consumed with every dish. Served with different flavours, Lassi is the best beverage to have in summers because it is good for the gut. If you happen to be in Patiala, do not forget to taste different flavours of lassi at Patiala Shahi Lassi near Sheran Wala Gate, Patiala, Punjab 147001.

5. Jalebi:

Loved by all the people who have a sweet tooth. Especially consumed after a delicious Punjabi meal. To taste perfect Jalebis, Jaggi Sweets and Restaurants is the best place to suggest. It is located near Adalat Bazar, Patiala, Punjab 147001.

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Here are the best dishes that you MUST try in Ludhiana:

1. Choley Bhature:

This famous dish of Ludhiana has never disappointed any food lover when it comes to taste. Perfectly spicy choley paired with deep fried floured bread. Onion slice and chutney makes it a complete flavourful meal. Treat yourself with this mouth-watering dish at Oberoi Choley Bhature near Clock Tower, Ludhiana Junction, Ludhiana.

2. Sarson Da Saag Makki Di Roti:

Punjabi people love this palatable dish especially in winters. In Ludhiana, you can find a number of restaurants serving this dish during the winters. Made with fresh mustard leaves and drenched in ghee is paired with bread made of corn, this dish can make you fall for it too. Grab a plate of Sarson Da Saad, Makki Di Roti at: Dogra Dhaba near Cinema Road, Ludhiana Junction, Ludhiana.

Sarson Ka Saag Makki Di Roti

3. Rajma Chawal:

Well, Rajma is undoubtedly one of the favourite dishes of every Indian. It is a spicy gravy dish made of red kidney beans which can be consumed with rice and chapati as well. Ludhiana accounts for some good places to have finger licking Rajma, so, do not forget to have them when in Ludhiana. Try a plate of Rajma Chawal at Colnel’s Cabin near Pakhowal Pully Traffic Lights, Model Town, Ludhiana.

4. Lassi:

A meal would be incomplete without Lassi in Ludhiana. With various flavours that are available for the lassi lovers, it is also considered good for the gut. Try different flavours of lassi at Bittu Lassi Wala located at Shop No 1, Chowk, Karimpura, Ludhiana.

5. Dhodha:

It is perfectly said that “Desserts are the fairy tales of the kitchen, a happily ever after to supper,” so if you happen to be in Ludhiana, Dhodha can be your happily ever after supper. This sweet dish is a specialty of Ludhiana-Kot Kapura region. This sweet is referred to as Indian chocolate fudge since it’s brownish appearance. Johar Sweet Corner is a famous sweet shop and the best place to try this Dhodha sweet. Reach Johar Sweet Corner at 907/5, Gaushala Rpad, Kashmir Nagar, Harbans Pura, Ludhiana Junction, Ludhiana.

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1. Paranthe:

Well, it might be difficult to express in words, a Punjabi’s love for Parantha. Through the annals of Punjabi food, we found that Parantha is a discovery of Punjabi cuisine. Thank god, this discovery happened. This ghee-laden bread when served with cold curd or a pickle is the way most people in Punjab like it. It is highly recommended to have Paranthas in an exotic dhaba of Jalandhar at ARK Vaishno Dhaba at Malind Nagar, Avtar Nagar, Jalandhar, Punjab.

2. Halwa Chana Poori:

Well a complete meal that would make your mood so refreshing for the day. This meal comprises, spicy Chana paired with deep fried bread and toothsome Halwa. People in Jalandhar never miss a chance to grab a bite of this delicious dish and so shouldn’t you. Grab this tasty dish at Food Bazar near Madan Flour Mills Compound, Ladowali Road, Jalandhar, Punjab.

3. Lassi:

Food without Lassi in Punjab would be like a Harry Potter without the scar. Yes, Lassi is all time favourite dish not only of Punjabis but it is widely loved by many people in India. In summers, Lassi is the best beverage to have to beat the heat. Do taste various flavours of Lassi at Chatter Box near Model Town Rd, Dera Satkartar Market, New Jawahar Nagar, Model Town, Jalandhar, Punjab.

4. Jalebi:

Jalandhar does have some of the oldest shops which are specifically famous for Jalebis. Jalebi is a sweet that can be found in many parts of India but what is so special about Jalandhar’s Jalebis? Few shops in Jalandhar like Sodhi Jalebi Corner, have mastered the art of making mouth-watering Jalebi. From the perfect amount of sugar to accurate crispiness, they make it all right. I am sure, you wouldn’t want to miss them right?

5. Multi Cuisine:

Jalandhar accounts to a very high number of NRI base. Due to this reason, the food culture of Jalandhar has also been greatly influenced by multi cuisines such as Chinese, Italian, Mughlai, Continental, etc. The Sheer variety of food will keep you engrossed in the city. So, when you visit Jalandhar, make sure you try most of the cuisines that the city has to offer.

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Vaisakhi is a religious festival of Sikhs. It carries various other names such as Vasakhi, Baisakhi, Baisakh, Vaisakh, and Vaishakhi. The festival is celebrated mostly on 13^th or 14^th April every year. Vaisakhi will be celebrated on 14^th April in 2019. Despite it marks the celebration of Punjabi’s New Year, it also takes us back to 1699; when Sikhism was born and became a collective faith.

Origin of the Festival:
This festival has been celebrated to appreciate harvesting in Punjabi culture from time immemorial but an added dimension makes it even more important for Sikhs. In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh (one of the 10 Gurus), established ‘Khalsa’ on the occasion of Vaisakhi.

Historical Storyline:
During the festival of Vaisakhi back in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh came out of a tent with a sword in his hand and challenged his fellow Sikhs to come into the tent if prepared to sacrifice their lives for the religious faith. Five Sikhs volunteered and followed Guru Gobind Singh into the tent. When he returned from the tent alone with a bloodied sword, the restless crowd started panicking until they saw the 5 Sikhs coming out of the tent wearing Turban and saffron-coloured clothes. Those five baptized Sikhs were known as ‘Panj Piare’ or the ‘beloved five.’ Amrit (elixir) was sprinkled on the Panj Piare while reciting the prayers. This ritual officially became the Sikh Baptism ceremony.

Celebrations:
This day is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm and joy, especially in Punjab. Gurudwaras are decorated, people dress up in vibrant traditional clothes, attend the parades, and men perform Bhangra while women collectively dance on Giddha.

Also, on this occasion, many Sikhs choose to get Baptised to join their brothers in Khalsa sect. Nagar Kirtan procession is carried out. Nagar Kirtan means recitation of hymns and prayers in the streets from Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of Sikhs).

Nagar Kirtan on Vaisakhi

Farmers display their regards for being grateful for the plentiful of harvest and pray for good agricultural production for the next year.
Punjabis worldwide too celebrate this occasion with great pomp and show as they feel connected to their roots and cherish their culture.

Vaisakhi celebrations in Canada

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