Incredible Rooftops of Punjab: Photographer Rajesh Vora Captures an Interesting Tradition (25 photos)

The Indian state of Punjab is renowned for its landmarks. These include the state capital, Chandigarh, designed by Le Corbusier, the Sikh holy site of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and the Kali Mandir, a temple complex dedicated to the goddess Kali. But even off the beaten track, in ordinary villages, you can discover something unique. The homes of many Punjabis are true works of art. Their roofs are adorned with sculptures depicting people, technology, and various objects.





Rooftop Sculptures: Symbols and Functionality

The roofs of Punjabi houses are adorned with figures of athletes, airplanes, cars, and even tanks. Despite their simple execution, these sculptures are particularly attractive and make the houses stand out from the traditional architecture. But their purpose is not merely decorative: inside the figures are water tanks, providing functionality.



The Origins of an Unusual Tradition

The tradition of decorating roofs with sculptures began in the 1970s, when many Punjabis emigrated abroad. Having traveled and explored the world, they returned home wanting to leave behind something unique. Thus began a trend of building houses with unique decorations that symbolized their experiences of life outside of India.





Popular Motifs and Their Meanings

Model airplanes are especially common on roofs. This symbol likely became a symbol of travel and connection to their homeland for migrants. Many of these houses are empty for most of the year, as the owners only visit them on holidays. Despite this, they meticulously care for the sculptures, repainting them and maintaining their condition.



Why do Punjabis decorate the roofs of their houses?

These sculptures are more than just design elements. They symbolize a connection to their homeland, reflect the personal experiences of emigrants, and serve as an original way to store water. Combined with the simplicity of village architecture, they create a unique look for Punjab that attracts tourists and explorers from around the world.



Rajesh Vora's Unique Photo Project

Photographer Rajesh Vora decided to capture this unique part of Punjabi culture. During his 6,000-kilometer journey, he photographed over 100 houses with their unique roofs. His work has drawn attention to an architectural phenomenon previously unknown outside the state.