Here's a breakdown:
* In Hinduism: It refers to a manifestation of a deity in human form, often to restore Dharma (righteousness) or to perform specific tasks. The most well-known avatar is Vishnu, who is said to have taken many forms throughout history.
* General Usage: The word is also used more generally to refer to a rebirth or transformation, similar to the English word "avatar" in online gaming, which represents a player's virtual identity.
So, "avtar" in Punjabi can carry both religious and general meanings depending on the context.