Pakistan is a nation of festivals. Individuals from Pakistan prefer to gather with their loved ones to celebrate their holidays. People celebrate many holidays in a variety of ways, from Punjabi to Sindhi, but the spirit behind them never changes. There are many festivals in the nation that should be investigated and observed at least once.
In Pakistan, there are numerous celebrations. There is a holiday for everyone in the nation, whether they are Muslim, Hindu, or even Christian. So, if you’re thinking of visiting Pakistan soon, be sure to look into these festivals that you must experience while there!
Pakistan is a nation that understands how to have fun. Some of the most vivacious and varied festivals in the entire globe are held there. There are many different kinds of festivals in the country because it is home to numerous ethnic groups, each with its own distinctive traditions.
However, the focus of this page isn’t on the religious significance or importance. Instead, we’ll discuss the several types of festivals that occur throughout this occasion and when they do. So, with that said, let’s get going!
List of Most Celebrated Religious and Cultural Festivals in Pakistan
1. Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Religious)
When talking about festivals, it’s impossible not to mention Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday). Every year people from all walks of life come together to celebrate one of the most important days in the Muslim calendar.
On the twelfth day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month in the Muslim calendar, the Prophet Muhammad was born. As the Prophet’s anniversary of death coincides with the same date as Milad-un-Nabi, the festivities are modest. A public holiday has also been proclaimed for this day.
On this day, in addition to the Holy Quran being recited, Qasida Burda Sharif and Naats are also recited in special gatherings by religious scholars and poets.
2. Eid-ul-Azha (Religious)
On the tenth day of Zil Hajj, the 12th Islamic month, Eid ul Azha (also known as Bakra Eid) is observed. A religious holiday is Eid-ul-Azha. In remembrance of the sacrifice made by the prophet Ibrahim, who gave his son Prophet Ismail’s life to carry out Allah’s will, on this holy day known as the second Eid, people around the world celebrate festivities.
Muslims worldwide perform the same form of animal sacrifice performed by the prophet on this day: a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The flesh of the sacrificed animal is then divided into three portions and given to close relatives and friends as well as, most significantly, the less fortunate.
3. Eid-ul-Fitr (Religious)
The most joyous festival in the Islamic calendar is Eid-ul-Fitr known as Meethi Eid, where people make sweet dishes for the guests and the whole atmosphere of the nation is filled with sweetness and joy. ‘Eidi’ is a tradition on this Eid, where the elder people give money to the young ones as Eidi. People go shopping on Chand raat and girls apply mehndi (henna) on their hands on this occasion.
It takes place at the end of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and the holiest month. It signifies the conclusion of a month-long period of fasting during which every adult Muslim abstains from consuming food or liquids from just before sunrise until after sunset, as prescribed by the Shariat or Divine Law.
Eid-ul-Fitr is observed on the first day of the month of Shawwal, which begins after the New Moon appears at the conclusion of Ramadan.
4. Nowruz (Religious & Cultural)
From March 21 to 23, Nowruz is observed as a socio-religious festival in Chitral, Gilgit, and Baltistan. In practically all of Pakistan’s main urban areas, including Balochistan, it is fervently observed. This celebration is comparable to Nowruz in Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. This event has its roots in a time before Islam when Pakistan had been a component of the Achaemenid and Sassanid Persian empires.
The main aspects of Nowruz in Baltistan include giving colored eggs to loved ones and attending polo tournaments. However, the occasion is celebrated in Balochistan with alfresco feasts, classical musical performances, polo matches, and the customary jumping over a fire to purge sins to welcome a new beginning.
In the past, mothers and children would dress up in brand-new attire to welcome one another. Different localities hosted special gatherings where prayers were said specifically for the country’s prosperity. Agriculture-related activities, such as individuals starting to plough their fields, kick off the Nowruz holiday in the Hunza district. The festivities continue for weeks.
5. Silk Route Festival (Cultural)
The Silk Route Festival is an outstanding and incredible fusion of excitement, tradition, and unadulterated beauty from nature, culture, and crafts that shouldn’t be overlooked.
a combination of the scenery, the natural surroundings, and a special location in the highest mountains on the planet. An event that represents majestic snow-capped mountains, glistening glaciers, luscious fruit-filled valleys, and an undiscovered past.
A global celebration known as Silk Route is held throughout several nations throughout various times of the year. It is frequently noticed in September or October in Gilgit-Baltistan. This festival is regarded as one of the most inspirational festivals in the world due to the following features: artisans from far-flung northern areas collaborate in exquisitely crafted and cataloged pavilions; folk music and dance ensembles; an exotic craft bazaar; polo matches and other sporting events; a camping village and open-air restaurants; an ethnic fashion show; and district-level community festivals.
6. Lok Virsa Folk Festival (Cultural)
The biggest cultural event in Pakistan is the annual Lok Virsa festival, which takes place in October. Over the past 20 years, this event has drawn musicians and artists from more than 20 different nations to perform and take part. Craftspeople and performers now take joy in it. For visitors to explore the historically rich culture of Pakistan in the nation’s capital, the provinces of Azad Jammu & Kashmir erected exquisitely designed pavilions.
The festival, which showcases the multi-ethnic creations of artists working under the auspices of the Heritage Museum, lasts ten days in Lok Virsa. The diplomatic community and the cultural departments of all the provinces are encouraged to build up pavilions showcasing their esteemed folk cultures.
Conclusion
If you are visiting Pakistan, you should definitely visit as many festivals as you can. You can decide what festivals you want to visit based on your preferences, but there are some that are worth visiting regardless of your ethnicity.
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