Festivals of Pakistan

The customs, culture and traditions of the people of a country are representative of the history, faith, language and environment of that country. Likewise, the cultural patterns of Pakistan speak of our rich cultural heritage and traditions. The culture of Pakistan seeks its influence from the cultures of India, Central Asia and the Middle East. Islam has played a pivotal role in shaping cultural life and has provided a pattern for molding lives according to the prescribed ways. Though, the majority of people of Pakistan are followers of Islam and Islamic traditions yet at the same time some local and foreign customs and traditions found a way in our daily lives and have now become a part of Pakistani culture. Following are some of the main festivals celebrated in Pakistan and the customs that are embedded with these festivals.

Religious Festivals and Customs:

Muslim religious festivals are celebrated according to Islamic Calendar (Lunar Calendar) and may occur some 10 days earlier each successive solar year. Following are some of the main religious festivals celebrated in Pakistan: Shab-e-Barat Shab-e-Qadar Shab-e-Miraj Eid-ul-Fitr Eid-ul-Adha Milad-un-Nabi Youm-e-Ashura Ramadan

National Festivals of Pakistan:

Some national events are also observed and celebrated around the country on various days of national importance such as: Independence Day Pakistan Day Defence Day Iqbal Day Quaid-e-Azam Day

Cultural Ceremonies& Festivals of Pakistan:

Lok Virsa Mela Horse & Cattle Show Kalash Festivals Polo Festival at Shandur Norouz Festival Silk Route Festival Sibi Mela Sindh Festival Urs Basant or Jashn-e-Baharaan

Pakistani culture varies widely from Punjab and Sindh to Baluchistan and Khyber.

Shab-e-Barat

Shab-e-Barat or the night of salvation is celebrated on the 15th of Shaaban (the 8th Islamic month) by many Muslims. It is a night of seeking forgiveness and repenting to Almighty Allah. The night is spent in remembrance of Allah and keeping fast the next day. Sweet dishes like halwa, kheer and zarda are cooked and distributed among people. The children celebrate this night in a joyous manner and are seen in the streets with sparklers, skyrockets and small crackers. Houses, shops and other buildings are decorated with colorful lights and diyas (terracotta oil lamps). Shab-e-Qadar

Shab-e-Qadar or Lailatul Qadar means the night of honour and dignity as this night holds the honour of the occasion when Holy Quran was transferred from Lauh-e-Mahfooz to Bait-ul-Izzat, from where it was revealed to Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) over a span of 23 years. It is one of the sacred and blessed nights likely to occur on one of the odd nights on the last ten days of Ramadan and usually thought to be the night of 27th Ramadan. The night is spent in remembering Allah in prayers, seeking forgiveness and reciting astaghfar.

Eid-ul-Fitr

The month of Ramadan (the Muslim holy month of fasting) is followed by Eid-ul-Fitr; one of the two Eids (the other being Eid-ul-Adha, celebrated on the 10th of Zil Hajj) celebrated by the Muslims all over the world. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated after sighting Shawal (10th month of Islamic Calendar) moon, which officially announces the end of the

holy month of Ramadan. It is intended as a day of rejoicing and thanks giving to Allah. Eid-ul-Fitr is locally called Choti Eid or Meethi Eid (sweet eid), as a special form of vermicellis called sawwayian are cooked. Eid prayers also attract large number of people; men, women and children to the masjids or Eidgah. People give fitrana or charity to poor and Eidi (money) to children.

Eid-ul-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha is the second Muslim festive day, which is celebrated on the 10th of Zil Haj (the 12th month of Islamic Calendar). This eid commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) to sacrifice his son Ismail for Allah. People offer collective Namaz-i-Eid in masjids in the morning and sacrifice goats, sheep, cows or camels and distribute meat among relatives, friends and poor. Over the years special cuisines like Pulao, tikkay or Barbecue and a wide variety of meat-based dishes have developed to be cooked especially for this occasion. During these two eids, people enjoy extended holidays. Eid days are spent visiting relatives and friends or going to parks, lakes and picnic spots and sharing gifts and sweets with loved ones.

Milad-un-Nabi

Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated by some Muslims to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Messenger of Allah, Mohammad (P.B.U.H) on 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal (the 3rd month of Islamic Calendar). People celebrate this occasion by holding Milads or gatherings where naats in praise of Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) are recited to remember, observe, discuss and celebrate the birthday and teachings of the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (P.B.U.H).

Youm-e-Ashura
Muharram is the first month of Muslims lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sacred months of Islamic Calendar (the other three being Dhul-Qadh, Dhul-Hajj and Rajab). The 9th and 10th of Moharram is mourned in the memory of the death anniversary of Hussain (R.A), the grandson of Messenger of Allah, Mohammad (P.B.U.H), who sacrified his life along with his family members and friends in the Battle of Karbalah, fought against the Caliph of that

time. The day is named Ashura (10 Days), and during this day mourning processions and rallies are taken out. Mourners cry and beat their chest in commemoration of this tragic event. Traditional dishes like Haleem and Pulao are cooked and distributed.

Ramadan

Ramadan (the 9th Islamic month) is the Holy month of fasting for Muslims. During this month, between the hours of early dawn and sunset Muslims observe fast and refrain from taking food, drink, tobacco or worldly pleasures, anger, arrogance of thought and action, dishonesty in any form and all evil which beset both mind and body. It is sunnat to breakfast with water and date. People cook extra food to be given to less fortunate. The last Friday of Ramadan is called Jumatul Widda or Farewell Friday and on this day like all other Fridays people make it a point to offer prayers in Masjids. Apart from religious fervor, Ramadan is a month long food festival as well. At Aftari table Pakoray, Samosay, chaat, Dhai Bhalay are the common food dishes.

Independence Day

The 14th of August is celebrated every year to mark the Independence of Pakistan. This is the day for which the Muslims of the sub-continent struggled so hard in order to achieve independence from British Raj and create a Muslim country of their own. Independence Day of Pakistan is celebrated throughout the country with patriotic zeal. People put up national flag and buntings on houses, buildings and even cars. At night, fireworks and illumination are displayed. Milli nagmay or national songs are played on television and radio. Other celebrations follow throughout the day.

Pakistan Day

Pakistan Day is celebrated on 23rd March each year. It marks the anniversary of the historic Lahore Resolution (later named Pakistan Resolution) when the idea of Pakistan was proposed at the site where now stands the Minar-ePakistan in Lahore. The object of this resolution was to launch the struggle for the attainment of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent, governed then by the British.

Defence Day

Defence Day of Pakistan is celebrated on 6th September each year. This day commemorates the 17-day war with India in 1965. On this day military equipment are put on display for the general public. Medals and recognitions are awarded to personnel for their work and soldiers are remembered for their bravery during the war.

Iqbal Day

This day is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal on 9th November. Allama Muhammad Iqbal was the renowned national poet of Pakistan whose poetry in Urdu and Persian is considered to be among the greatest of the modern era and whose vision of an independent state for the Muslims of British India was to inspire the creation of Pakistan. On this day, works of Iqbal, his philosophy and teachings and his active participation in the creation of Pakistan is remembered.

Quaid-e-Azam Day

This day is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on 25th December. On this day, various programs are held to shed light on the personality of Jinnah, his vision and participation in the creation of Pakistan. Functions are held both at private and government level to commemorate this event.

Lok Virsa Mela

Lok Virsa Mela is a week-long festival celebrated at Lok Virsa, Islamabad usually in the IST week of October. This festival presents a unique opportunity for people to have a first-hand experience in watching provincial artisans at work, making khussa, weaving or block printing. Over the years, this festival has got due international fame and more than 20 different countries send their artisans and performers to participate in the festival. Each province of Pakistan gets a separate area to display their provincial items. Pavilions are decorated according to each provinces landmarks.

Horse & Cattle Show

This is a week-long show held at Lahore Fortress Stadium (between the end of February till the beginning of March). It describes Pakistans agricultural and industrial achievements. Both local and foreign people attend the festival with great enthusiasm. On this occasion, all the four provinces of Pakistan participate and display the best breeds of their livestock, agricultural progress and industrial advancement. The show includes parades by the military band, folk dances, horse riding tricks, motor bike tricks and free fall para trooping, parade of animals, dances by horses and camels, polo matches, dog shows and their races, stunts, rhythmically physical exercise by the children and industrial floats etc. Mashal or Shama parade at night with fascinating fireworks is a popular part of the event. The show was introduced by the army to project the cattle wealth of the country in the early fifties and eventually it became an international event, attracting dignitaries from abroad and foreign tourists.

Kalash Festivals

Kalash valleys are located in the northern most district of Pakistan i.e. Chitral. The people inhabiting the valleys are Kalash and Kam, a primitive pagan tribe living in three valleys of Bumburaite, Birir and Ramboor, and commonly referred to as Kafirs of Kalash-a name given by the Muslims because the inhabitants are non-believers or pagan. The people of Kalash are thought to be the descendents of Alexanders army, which makes them an ancient tribe as old as 2000 BC. Presently Kalash have about 3000 inhabitants. They speak a dialect, which is a mixture of Dardic and Sanskrit. Kalash people love music and dancing particularly on festive occasions. Following are some of the festivals celebrated by Kalash people during the year. These events have become a regular attraction for people here and abroad. Chowmas or Chitirmass is celebrated between 18th to 21st December and marks the first winter snow fall and coming of the New Year. It is a weeklong festival. Men congregate in the hills, women in plains and sacrifice goats. People remain indoor, feasting, drinking and merry making until the elders, (who sit on hill tops watching the sun reach the horizon), declare the advent of the New Year. Thereafter, the people light torches and perform their commemorative dance and sacrifice goats. Joshi or Chilimjusht is celebrated on 14th & 15th May and marks the coming of spring when women and girls pick the first flowers of the year, a yellow species called bechu. For a week before the festival, milk is collected and butter and cheese is made. On the day itself, people visit each other and exchange milk, milk products and flowers. Utchal is a 2-day of celebration, which marks the harvest of wheat and barley. There is much singing, dancing and feasting on the occasion. Phool is celebrated in September or October and marks the reaping of the grapes and walnut harvests. All these festivals are celebrated with traditional dances, music, singing of traditional songs and exchange of dishes. Weddings in Kalash are accompanied by big feasts with sacrificial offerings. Similarly there are funeral dances as well in Kalash

Polo Festival at Shandur

Shandur Polo festival is a traditional polo tournament between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit and is held on the Shandur Pass of Chitral district from 7th to 9th July each year. People from the entire region, flock in numbers to support their respective teams in a thrilling game of polo. Besides the match, the festival also includes fishing at the nearby streams and lakes, mountaineering, trekking, hiking and horseback riding and a festival of folk dances and music of the Northern Pakistan. Souvenir shops and craft shops are set up to promote the local culture. The game of polo was introduced in South Asia, by the Muslim conquerors in the 13th Century. The game has its origin in Central Asia where it was a sort of training game for cavalry units for the Kings guards. Eventually, it became the national game of Persians in the 6th Century AD. The word Polo is an English counterpart of a Baltic word meaning ball. The first polo tournament at the Shandur Pass was held in 1936. A British political agent, Major Cobb, who was fond of playing polo under a full moon, had the polo ground near Shandur, named 'Moony Polo Ground'. In ancient times, there was no limit to the number of players and no time limit. Whichever team scored nine goals first, became the winner. Today, there are six players in each side. The game lasts for one hour with a ten-minute break. This game is very much popular in Northern Pakistan.

Norouz Festival
In Northern Pakistan (Chitral, Gilgit, Hunza and Baltistan) Norouz is celebrated as a socio-religious festival. It is also celebrated with much fervor in Balochistan and in the urban centres of Karachi and Lahore. The day coincides with the coming of spring season on March 21, but the celebration continues for weeks. In Baltistan, the main feature of Norouz is gifting of coloured eggs to friends and playing polo, volley ball, hockey and football, wrestling, tug of war alongside folk dances, songs and music and exhibition of handicraft. While in Balochistan, the festival is marked with outdoor feasts, and the traditional jumping over a fire to wash away sins and usher in a fresh start. The origins of this festival are pre-Islamic and date back to when Pakistan was part of the Persian Empire for several thousand years.

Sibi Mela

Sibi lies to the south-east of Quetta. Since as long as the 15th century, this town has been a meeting place for all the tribal chiefs of the area. The British carried on this tradition in the shape of an annual Durbar or meeting, combining it with a Mela (fair) where thousands of Baluchi tribesmen gathered along with their animals in mid-February. This tradition still carries on and every year during February, Sibi celebrates its famous Sibi Mela, where tribesmen flock from all over Baluchistan, parts of Sind and Punjab with their animals. The salient features of this mela are horse and cattle and cultural shows, camel races, animal markets and exhibitions of handicrafts, tribal dresses and folk dances.

Urs

The term Urs is an Arabic word meaning marriage or wedding. Urs are annual commemoration of the death anniversary of Sufi saints. The anniversary of their death is observed in a spirit of dedication, coupled with an element of entertainment. In mystic terminology this phenomenon represents merger of sufi saints with the Divine. Urs in Pakistan offer an entertainment opportunity to the public as well. Children swinging in jhoolas, others whirling

Sindh Festival

Sindh Festival is one of the recent additions of festivals od Sindh attracting mainstream attention. The festival was initiated in 2001 and this year the 5th Sindh Festival will be celebrated at the sea. This year horse has been chosen as official mascot for the festival. One of the key objectives of the festival is promotion of sea and coastline environment issues. Some of the main highlights of the festival are Karachi music festival, grand parade, car rally, mashal parade, parachute jumps, fireworks, exhibitions of arts and artisans, food streets, magic shows and art competitions for the children, food and folk music.

Basant or Jashn-e-Baharaan

happily in merry-go-rounds, snake charmers and jugglers attracting large crowds, stalls of toys and food and pottery are a common scene in all Ursmela. During the Urs festivals, decorative coverings are placed over the graves of the Sufi saints, flowers like motias and offered as tribute at the tomb of the saint. Food is distributed as langar (food for poor/charity). Those who believe in mysticism dance devoutly at the beat of drum. This dance is called Dhamaal. Some people use narcotics to reach high state of mind. People make resolve with spirits of the sufi saint for realization of their dream.

Basant is a Punjabi festival celebrated between mid-Januarys to mid-February and marks the onset of spring. This event is also called Jashn-e-Baharaan. In Pakistan, this event is particularly celebrated in Lahore and attracts people from all corners of the country belonging to all walks of life. During the festival, different colors and sizes of kites can be seen dancing through the skies all through the city in the backdrop of traditional music-the vibrant beats of dhol. Kite flying competitions takes place on rooftops and along with these competitions; cultural festivals of traditional food, dresses, dances and music also blend in. Yellow is the main color of this event as yellow of mustard flowers and the Amaltas trees is the first to be sighted after the severe winters. People make it a point to blend in with the

Basant palette of light green, yellow and orange colors in a form of dress, scarves, pagri (turban) and dupattas. Even yellow meals like Kesar Chawal (Saffron rice) are cooked. It is a 3-day continuous event. At night the sky is lit with floodlights and white colored kites are flown in night sky. The cries of Bo kata (kite down) mixed with the beat of dhol, bugles, dances, music and food converts it into a unique carnival in the world.

Effects of festivals on Pakistan:

These festivals have great effect on the society. Happiness and joyis spread all over the country.Gathering of peopleis viewed in a huge number. These festivals unite the scattered Pakistanis as a nation. Festivals celebrated in Pakistan does not only have an effect on the local citizens it also has a great impact on the people around the globe. Many tourist and foreigners come and experience the joy and fun of festivals of Pakistan. This not only creates harmony among the people but also is a source of income for the country. As these festivals have good effects they also have some drawbacks too. In some of the festivals people get injured and sometimes die. Due to the negligence of government and carelessness of people many of them have to suffer from accidents. These festivals are a source of enjoyment and relaxation for every person; we must celebrate them with high spirits and good participation in order to have peace in the country.

References: http://www.culture.gov.pk/ (Ministry of Culture of Pakistan) http://www.travel-culture.com/festivals.shtml http://www.dollareast.com/pakistan/festivals.php http://www.pakistanguides.com/festivals/index.htm http://www.tourism.gov.pk/fairs_festivals.html http://heritage.pk/cultural-ceremonies-festivals-of-pakistan http://www.gowealthy.com/gowealthy/wcms/en/home/articles/entertainment/events-and-festivals/EventsFestivals-in-Pakistan-vMGp3fxLmi.html http://www.google.com (for pictures) http://www.YouTube.com (video)

Index:
Topic: Festivals of Pakistan
Introduction Types of festivals in Pakistan Religious festivals: Shab-e-Barat Shab-e-Qadar Shab-e-Miraj Eid-ul-Fitr Eid-ul-Adha Milad-un-Nabi Youm-e-Ashura Ramadan

National festivals: Independence Day Pakistan Day Defence Day Iqbal Day Quaid-e-Azam Day

Cultural Ceremonies & Festivals of Pakistan: Lok Virsa Mela Horse & Cattle Show Kalash Festivals Polo Festival at Shandur Norouz Festival Silk Route Festival Sibi Mela Sindh Festival Urs Basant or Jashn-e-Baharaan

Effects of festivals on Pakistan References

Final Presentation Report Communication Skills FESTIVALS OF PAKISTAN

Made by: Maira Tariq Nudrat Fatima Farhan Malik Anwaar Abid