Punkah

usgb/ˈpʌŋkə/
noun

A type of fan used especially in India, usually big and hung from the ceiling.

It's so hot in here, can you turn on the punkah?
Visual representation of "punkah" - A type of fan used especially in India, usually big and hung from the ceiling.

Often appears as...

  • turn on the punkah
  • swing the punkah
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "punkah"
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Origin Insight

Understand 'punkah' originates from colonial India, evoking traditional and historical imagery.

Illustration for Origin Insight
The grand hall was cooled by an antique punkah, reminiscent of the British Raj.
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Manual Operation

'Punkah' often refers to fans that were manually operated, different from modern electric fans.

Illustration for Manual Operation
Servants pulled the ropes of the punkah to keep guests cool during the feast.
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Cultural Relic

A punkah is a cultural relic; it's less common now but still a part of historic or traditional Indian settings.

Illustration for Cultural Relic
We visited a palace where an ornate punkah was displayed as a piece of art.
Visual representation of the word "Punkah"

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