Heer & Ranjha
The Romeo and Juliet of Punjab
The flute-playing Ranjha and the beautiful Heer, parted by family and she married off by force; their defiant love is the great romantic tragedy of Punjab, sung by Sufi poets.
01Why it matters
It is one of Punjab's four great love tragedies and a symbol of Sufi love in South Asia.
02The conflict
Family opposition and Heer's forced marriage.
03The iconic moment
Heer's poisoning on the very day of her reunion with Ranjha.
04What survived
Waris Shah's poem "Heer" (1766); Punjabi cinema.
05Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Heer & Ranjha famous?
It is one of Punjab's four great love tragedies and a symbol of Sufi love in South Asia.
How does the story of Heer & Ranjha end?
Heer's poisoning on the very day of her reunion with Ranjha. Waris Shah's poem "Heer" (1766); Punjabi cinema.
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