Introduction to the Diverse Festivals of Pakistan

Sindh Culture Day

Sindh Culture Day is a popular cultural festival in the Sindh province of Pakistan. This festival is celebrated with traditional fervor to highlight the rich, centuries-old culture of the region. The people of Sindh celebrate this day to showcase the peaceful identity of Sindhi culture and draw global attention to their rich heritage. It is celebrated on the first Sunday of December every year. On this occasion, various cultural, governmental, and non-governmental organizations hold events such as seminars, gatherings, and conferences to highlight the centuries-old culture of the Sindh valley. People wear traditional clothes, the Sindhi cap, and the traditional Ajrak shawl to emphasize their rich culture. Many people also purchase traditional caps and Ajraks for the day. Renowned Sindhi singers perform Sindhi songs that depict peace and the message of love in Sindh. The musical performances encourage participants to dance and celebrate to the rhythms of Sindhi songs.

Shandur Polo Festival

One of the well-known festivals among the five major summer festivals in Pakistan is the Shandur Polo Festival, which people eagerly look forward to every year. This festival takes place from July 7th to 9th each year on the Shandur Pass, situated at an altitude of about 3,700 meters above sea level. A notable feature of this festival is the polo competition between the teams of Gilgit and Chitral, attracting thousands of spectators. Additionally, due to the festival's location, attendees can enjoy breathtaking views of unique landscapes such as the snow-capped Ladan Mountain, alpine flowers, and crystal-clear lakes.

Christmas Festival

Alongside Christmas celebrations worldwide on Wednesday, Christians in Pakistan also celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with various ceremonies. Special lighting services are held in churches across the country, and followers of the faith pray for the prosperity and flourishing of Pakistan. Security measures are taken nationwide to ensure the safety of the Christian community, with forces deployed outside churches to neutralize any illegal activities. The Prime Minister of Pakistan extends Christmas greetings to Christian citizens, while the President also wishes a Merry Christmas to Christians around the world and in Pakistan, incorporating a quote from Jesus about peace in his message.

Nowruz in Pakistan

In Pakistan, Nowruz is also called "Aalam Afroz," meaning the "new day" that illuminates and brightens the world upon its arrival. The Nowruz calendar holds special significance among the people of this land. Various religious and social groups dedicate the first pages of their calendars to explaining and discussing Nowruz, its value, and importance. This calendar is known as the "Jantari" in Pakistan. Some of the customs and traditions of Nowruz in Pakistan include house cleaning or tidying, wearing new clothes, preparing various sweets such as Ladoo, Gulab Jamun, Ras Malai, cakes, Burfi, Shakarpare, cream rolls, Sohan Halwa, and also cooking famous foods of the season. Exchanging gifts and visiting relatives are also customary. During Nowruz, the people of Pakistan refrain from inappropriate speech and treat each other with respect and sincerity. Reciting Nowruz poetry in Urdu, Dari, and Arabic is common, often in the form of odes and ghazals. Pakistanis believe that the purpose of Nowruz is to bring hope, peace, and reconciliation to the world of Islam and humanity, fostering freedom, happiness, success, love, friendship, brotherhood, and equality, much like the fragrance of spring flowers in the hearts and minds of people.

Ramadan

Pakistan, with its committed Muslim population and adherence to religious traditions, hosts one of the most enthusiastic Ramadan celebrations each year. The sighting of the Ramadan crescent and the start of this blessed month are considered some of the happiest and most significant moments in Pakistan. A national body known as the "Ruyat-e-Hilal" Committee in Pakistan confirms the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Ramadan and the date of Eid al-Fitr. Upon sighting the moon, the people of Pakistan wish the best for their loved ones, creating a sense of spiritual joy and prosperity. In Pakistan, Ramadan is especially marked by performing voluntary prayers, daily recitation of the Quran, and various traditions. Muslim men in particular are inclined to attend congregational prayers at the mosque every day and gather for Iftar afterward, while women perform their prayers at home. Since Pakistan is a Muslim-majority country, official working hours change during Ramadan. Offices, such as banks and government departments, usually open earlier, around 8:00 AM or 8:30 AM, and close in the afternoon around 2:30 PM or 3:00 PM. Similarly, markets close later and are usually closed during Iftar and Maghrib prayers, reopening afterward until around 10 PM or even midnight. Women prepare special dishes unique to this holy month and Iftar tables, including drinks with lemon, rosewater, and various fried foods that provide energy for the long fasting hours. Paratha, chai (tea), green tea, Halwa Poori, Poori Chani (Cholay), and yogurt are some of the popular Sehri foods in Pakistan.

Eid al-Fitr

The people of Pakistan refer to Eid al-Fitr as "Choti Eid" or "Sweet Eid," as it is a time when both young and old prepare to celebrate. Several days before Eid, people go shopping to buy new clothes for children and other family members. As a result, in the final days of Ramadan, the markets in Pakistan are filled with crowds shopping until dawn. In many homes, traditional dishes are prepared for Eid al-Fitr, and special prayers for the prosperity and stability of the country are offered. Eid prayers are also held on this joyous day.

International Food Festival

The International Food Festival, showcasing the traditions and handicrafts of countries around the world, is held annually by the National Defence University (NDU) of Pakistan in collaboration with the embassies of various countries. Many countries participate in this festival, including: "Islamic Republic of Iran, China, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Zimbabwe, USA, UK, and UAE." Additionally, the provinces of Pakistan and countries like "Turkmenistan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Palestine, Oman, Nepal, Nigeria, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Libya" also participate in this international festival.

Kumrat Festival

The Kumrat Festival will be held from August 24 to 26, 2019, by the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). The festival showcases the local heritage and culture of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Fireworks, food stalls, and evening music festivals are also organized. Local and international tourists from around the world are invited to join and be part of this grand celebration. The Kumrat Festival is held in the Upper Dir region to promote this lesser-known area and highlight Pakistan's positive aspects to the world. Kumrat is a new tourist destination, and many visitors are already exploring the area. In addition to the festivals, cricket, football, volleyball, kabaddi, and the traditional game "Sakhay" are also played in the Kumrat Valley. Through these festivals, Pakistan promotes tourism both nationally and internationally.

Chaumos Festival

This winter event, known as the Chaumos Festival, is the final cultural and religious occasion of the year, celebrated by the tribal people. The Chaumos Festival marks the end of the current year and welcomes the start of a new one. This 15-day cultural and religious festival is filled with singing, dancing, games, and various other ceremonies. Part of the two-week celebrations includes weddings of numerous couples. On Sunday morning, the religious ceremony "Lwak Bayak" takes place after the hunting of a fox in the Batric Valley. If a fox is discovered after a long search, it is greeted by everyone, and it is considered a sign of good luck for the coming year. The final ceremony of the festival takes place in the rain, where people form a circle in the gathering hall, hold each other's arms, and dance and sing along to the region's traditional folk music. Song competitions between male and female groups also keep the atmosphere lively and entertaining. Meanwhile, elders narrate stories of the tribes' bravery to the younger generation.

Pakistan's Independence Day

The ceremony to commemorate Pakistan's National Day begins with a symbolic 31-gun salute in Islamabad (the federal capital) and a 21-gun salute in the country's four provinces, honoring the martyrs of the Pakistan Liberation Movement and those who lost their lives during the fight against terrorism. As in previous years, the people of Pakistan take to the streets to celebrate their independence. Participants in the celebrations also condemn India's crimes in Kashmir and call on international organizations to take serious action in support of the oppressed people of Kashmir. They raise slogans declaring the Kashmir issue as the most important global issue.

Final Word

Pakistan has a unique and rich culture that has preserved its traditions throughout history. Despite various events over time, no force has managed to disrupt this culture. Before the arrival of Islam, many Punjabis and Sindhis were Hindus and Buddhists. However, this changed during the Islamic expansion under Umayyad rulers, Muhammad bin Qasim, Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, and others.