22 july 2026 : Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : In Punjab’s Ghulal village, tradition, faith and martial heritage come together in a unique cultural legacy that has endured across generations.
The village is known for its deep connection with Gatka, the traditional Sikh martial art that combines spiritual discipline, physical strength and mastery of weapons.
A Village Rooted in Martial Tradition
For generations, Ghulal has preserved a culture in which the practice of martial arts is closely linked to Sikh history and tradition. The village’s legacy reflects the enduring importance of shastra, or weapons, and shaastar, the knowledge and discipline associated with their use.
This connection has helped keep the traditional art form alive in a changing world.
Gatka: More Than a Martial Art
Gatka is not simply a display of combat skills. It is also associated with discipline, courage, focus and a deep sense of cultural identity.
Practitioners train with traditional weapons while learning techniques that have been passed down through generations.
For many in Punjab, Gatka remains an important link to the region’s history and the Sikh martial tradition.
Passing the Legacy to New Generations
Young people in Ghulal continue to take an interest in the traditional art, helping ensure that the village’s cultural heritage does not disappear.
Training in Gatka has become a way for the younger generation to connect with their roots while developing physical fitness and discipline.
An Enduring Cultural Identity
The story of Ghulal is a reminder of how communities can preserve their heritage through practice and participation. The village’s continuing connection with Gatka reflects a living tradition rather than one confined to history books.
Here, the meeting of ‘shastra’ and ‘shaastar’ represents more than words—it symbolises a cultural legacy built on knowledge, courage, discipline and tradition.