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Celebrating the Punjabi language

By awarding excellence in novel and short story writing

CLICK for 2023 DHAHAN PRIZE SUBMISSION

The world's signature prize for Punjabi literature

The Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature celebrates the rich culture and transnational heritage of Punjabi literature and language. The prize aims to promote the growth of Punjabi language globally, as well as encourage new, emerging, and established writers working in the two Punjabi scripts, Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi.

$45,000 CAD

One winner prize of $25,000 CAD

Two finalist prizes of $10,000 CAD each

Winner and finalists from out of town receive airfare and accomodation to attend award ceremonies in Vancouver, B.C.

Latest News

Students in audience for Dhahan Youth Award activity with award-winning Punjabi author

Dhahan Youth Award to include Indigenous stories for 2023 submissions

February 3, 2023 By Dhahan Prize

B.C.’s Punjabi youth writing award, now in its 6th year, will be open to submissions from Indigenous students for 2023. Traditionally, the Dhahan Youth Award grants students in Punjabi language classes the opportunity to be selected for a $500

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Tarannum Thind on stage at Dhahan Prize Ceremonies in 2016

Meet Tarannum Thind: Dhahan Prize master of ceremonies

January 11, 2023 By Dhahan Prize

Tarannum Thind has been the beloved master of ceremonies for the Dhahan Prize awards since 2014. Originally from Chandigarh in Punjab, Tarannum built a career for herself in Canada as a media personality. South Asians may recognize her from ethnic

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Dhahan Prize announces 2022 winner and finalists of $45K in literary awards

November 18, 2022 By Dhahan Prize

Surrey, B.C. (November 18, 2022) - The world’s signature prize for Punjabi fiction recently announced its 2022 winner, Balwinder Singh Grewal, of a $ 25,000 CDN award plus trophy. Alongside him, Javed Boota and Arvinder Kaur were awarded $10,000 CDN

Keep Reading about Dhahan Prize announces 2022 winner and finalists of $45K in literary awards