FAQ
Questions, answered.
What is Saaj?
Saaj — The Festival of PANJABIYAT is a luxury cultural festival celebrating Panjab’s heritage, arts and culture. Over three days it presents six curated worlds: literary arts, stage and screen, craft and design, culinary arts, visual arts and the old games.
When and where is Saaj?
Saaj takes place from 2 to 4 April 2027 at Qila Mubarak and Ran Baas The Palace in Patiala, Panjab, India.
Who organises Saaj?
Saaj is conceptualised, co-curated and co-produced by the Punjab Cultural Project and The Asian Heritage Foundation. Padma Bhushan Rajeev Sethi is Festival Mentor, Padma Shri Priya Paul is Festival Patron, and Chitra Sidhu and Reman Sandhu are Festival Directors.
How can I attend?
Saaj welcomes 3,000 guests across three days, never more. Passes will be released in limited numbers. Join the Saaj List for first access.
What is the Saaj Curtain Raiser?
The Curtain Raiser is an invitation-only evening at Ran Baas The Palace where Saaj is unveiled to diplomats, cultural leaders and the press, and founding partners are named. You can request an invitation on this website.
How can my brand sponsor Saaj?
Saaj offers Title, Presenting, Associate, Experience and Supporting partnerships, plus Official (in-kind) partnerships and co-created Saaj Editions. Register your interest and the partnerships team will arrange a conversation.
Can governments, embassies and tourism boards partner?
Yes. Country Partners celebrate their culture at Saaj in Patiala and can host a Saaj edition in their own country. Missions and ministries can register interest through the Country & Mission Partners form.
I am an artist, artisan or chef. How do I take part?
Apply through Get Involved: Perform at Saaj, Exhibit at the Saaj Bazaar, or Cook with Saaj. Curators review every application against the six worlds.
Can I nominate someone?
Yes. Nominate a master, famous or unsung, who keeps a tradition of Panjab alive. Every nomination is read by the curatorial team.
How do I volunteer?
Volunteers aged 18 and over can apply with their skills and availability for the Curtain Raiser, the build-up and the festival days.
Is Saaj for families?
Yes. Saaj is designed for every generation, from grandparents to grandchildren, with stories, music, games and food for all ages.
Will Saaj travel outside India?
Yes. Saaj is built to travel, with Global Saaj editions hosted with Country Partners and Saaj Journeys connecting the world to Panjab.
What does Panjabiyat mean?
Panjabiyat is the shared spirit of Panjab: its language, music, poetry, crafts, food, generosity and way of life.
How do I reach Patiala?
Chandigarh International Airport is about 70 km from Patiala and New Delhi is about 250 km by road. Patiala is also connected by rail.
Let’s meet.
On a call or over chai. Send us a WhatsApp message to express your interest, and our team will do the rest. We respond within 48 hours.