Pakistan is the land of diverse people and ethnicity. The cultural and religious values are deep-rooted in its society. God has blessed this country with many cultural values and festivals. In addition to religious, cultural festivals, the country also takes pride in several cultural festivals and customs as well.
Being the land of festivals, Pakistanis observe these festivals throughout the year. These festivals are being observed from time immemorial.
The major Pakistani festivals are:
- Eid al Fitr
- Eid al Adha
- Eid Milad-u-Nabi
- Muharram
- Shab-e-Barat
- Christmas
- Basant
- Independence Day
- Defense Day
- Pakistan Day / Resolution Day
- Alama Iqbal Day
- Quaid-e-Azam Day
- Mela Chirghan
- Lok Mela
- National Horse & Cattle show
Here we are giving the details of some festivals and cultures in Pakistan:
Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr is a religious festival for Muslims, and it is celebrated at the end of Ramadan after fasting and on 1st of Shawwal of every Islamic month. People celebrate this festival with a lot of keenness and joy. Girls wear henna on their hand on Chand Raat which is the last night of Ramadan.
Eid-ul-Azha
Eid-ul-Azha is another Eid is about observing the great sacrifice that was offered by Prophet Abraham (A.S.) celebrated on 10 Zilhaj on 12thmonth of Islamic Calendar. People get together for collective prayers in Masajids and make the sacrifice of goats, sheep, cows or camels. Their meat is distributed among the family relatives, friends and poor.
Eid Milad-u-Nabi
Eid Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated to observe the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) on 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal which is the 3rd month of Islamic Calendar. On this holy day, streets and mosques are decorated, and Milads are conducted.
Shab-e-Barat
This is another religious Cultural Festivals in Pakistan which is celebrated on 14th of Shaban of Islamic Calendar. On this night, people offer prayers and send sweets and dishes to their relatives and children play with fireworks.
The above-mentioned festivals are religious festivals. Some other cultural festivals are also celebrated on the arrival of seasons. Like:
Independence Day (14 August)
Another important social festival which has great importance in the history of Pakistan is Independence Day (14th of August). On this day whole country pay homage and tribute to the people who gave many sacrifices for the built up this country. Also, pay tribute to those who work hard to make Pakistan and after that those persons whose contribution to make Pakistan in progress and save from enemies.
Basant
Basant is celebrated on the arrival of the spring season in the mid of February. Form last few years government has banned this Cultural Festivals in Pakistan due to security and its dangerous and life risk purpose but in few cities of Pakistan people still, celebrate this festival. On this day people fly kites, get together for parties, and arrange festive dinners.
Sibi Festival
(Last week of February)
At Sibi (Balochistan). Traditional sports, handicrafts exhibition, folk music and dances.
Sindh Horse & Cattle Show
(Last week of February)
At Jacobabad (Sindh). Similar activities as in Sibi Festival.
Jashan-e-Larkana
(Last week of February) At Larkana (Sindh). Traditional sports, an exhibition of handicrafts, folk music and dances.
Nauroze
(21-23 March)
Celebrated only in Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu and Chitral. Polo, football, volleyball and hockey matches, folk dances and music.
Pakistan Day
(23 March)
Commemorating the anniversary of Pakistan Resolution passed on March 23, 1940. Military parade in provincial capitals and Islamabad.
Mela Chiraghan (Festival of lamps)
(Last week of March)
Held for 01 weeks outside Shalimar Gardens, Lahore.
Horse & Cattle Show
(End of March till 1st week of April).
At Dera Ismail Khan. Local games, folk dances, music, cattle races and exhibition of local handicrafts.
Jashan-e-Shikarpur
In April for 01 week)
At Shikarpur, Sindh. Cultural activities, local sports and handicrafts exhibition.
