In the Punjab region, a hug is a central part of social fabric. Whether it is two friends meeting after years or a mother welcoming her child, the Galwakdi represents:

At its most fundamental level, the word derives from the imagery of walking arm-in-arm. In rural Punjab, seeing friends or relatives walking with their arms linked around each other’s shoulders or holding hands is a common sight. It signifies a lack of formality and an absence of emotional distance. Unlike the Western handshake, which implies a respectful agreement or greeting, Galwakdi implies a shared journey. It suggests that the individuals involved are not just acquaintances walking side by side, but partners moving forward together, sharing the burden of the road and the joy of the destination.

Galwakdi isn’t just a word. It’s a reminder to cherish the people with whom you can truly talk—without masks, without stress, without running out of breath.