Mithi jawani (sweet youth)

Many of us are privileged to grow up in a family with elders who have told us stories of their parents connecting us to their family roots, who have shared the traditions of Punjabi culture connecting us to their cultural roots, who have helped us envision our blissful future by connecting us to the history we will carry on with us. But for those who have yet to experience their family roots, who have yet to experience their cultural roots, and experience the history which they carry, we are here. We serve as a platform where you are able to discover and define what it means to you to be Punjabi, what it means to you to have roots, and what is the history that you carry on. We serve as an outlet of some of the unheard and the forgotten rivaz (traditions) and geet (songs). We are grateful to be a part of such vibrant, colorful culture and even more grateful to spread the touch of tradition.

How It Began:

As I completed my first college essay in my Asian American Studies English course at UC Berkeley, I sat and thought to myself, “What history do I carry?”

I wrote my essay on Anil’s Ghost by Michael Ondaatje and I focused on Lakma, a minor character in the novel. She is a young girl who is a victim to the cycle of fear and power of the government. She is traumatized and left physically voiceless after witnessing horrific events. She is only able to escape this fear and regain power over her life through her transformation with her uncle. He teaches her how to leave her fear and powerlessness behind to hold on to a new history that has been created with her uncle to redefine her.

I questioned myself, what do I hold in my hands that defines the person I am today. What is my history? What is my culture? What is it to be Punjabi?

The answers to these questions did not come easy and some are still to be found. But what comforts me is knowing the strength, stability, and wisdom our Punjabi community and culture has to offer.

I created this website with the purpose of creating an environment that turns the clock back to times of our great ancestors. I want us all to have the privilege to be immersed in our rich culture and history. Personally, this meant listening and deciphering the notes, the rhythms, and the lyrics of geet, and gaining knowledge about the how and whys of many of our traditions.

I humbly request that you share any songs, videos, or stories that have shaped your meaning of Punjabi culture. I would love to share and add your knowledge on our website. You can email us at mithijawani@gmail.com or go below to ‘Contact’.