Punjab's water tanks

Today most homes keep water in a tank. These tanks hold hundreds or even thousands of litres of water. They are usually kept or built on the roof, so they are called overhead water tanks.

Your book, Santoor, tells us about the overhead tanks of Punjab, a state in the northwest of India. Punjab is rich in culture and heritage, and in its villages the water tanks are famous for their unique shapes. You may see a tank shaped like a giant flower, a large football, a brown rooster, a statue, or even an aeroplane!

People plan the shape of their tank carefully, because it tells us something about the family. If the owner is a farmer, the tank may be shaped like a tractor, a bullock cart or a rooster. If the owner loves football, the tank may be a football.

How are these tanks made? They are made of cement. First a frame is made with steel rods. Then concrete is used to give the tank its final shape. Last, it is set on the roof of the house. These unique tanks are the heart of the villages of Punjab.