PAKISTAN FESTIVALS
Pakistan’s
calendar features a great many Muslim religious festivals. Others
are in memory of National Heroes or commemorate political events
in the nation’s recent history. Muslim festivals are celebrated
according to Muslim (Lunar) Calendar and may occur some 10 days
earlier each successive Christian Year. There are several folk
festivals held regularly in every part of the country. Exact
dates of such festivals are fixed annually by the District Administration
of the respective area, at least 01 month in advance. Pakistan’s
main festivals are listed below:
NAME AND HIGHLIGHTS
OF THE FESTIVAL
Shab-e-Barat
Religious
festival celebrated on 14th of Shaaban, the 8th Islamic month.
Prayers, fire-works, exchange of sweet dishes and visits to
relatives and friends.
Eid-ul-Fitr
Religious festival celebrating end of fasting month on 1st of
Shawwal, the 10th month of Islamic Calendar Special prayer after
sun-rise, exchange of sweet dishes, visits.
Pakistan Day
Commemorating the anniversary of Pakistan Resolution passed
by the Muslims of South Asia on March 23, 1940. Military parade
are held at Lahore Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi. Main feature
is the grand parade at Islamabad.
Mela Chiraghan
(Festival of lamps) Held for 01 week outside Shalimar Garden,
Lahore.
Horse & Cattle Show
At Dera Ismail Khan. Local games, folk dances, music, cattle's
races and exhibition of local handicrafts.
Eid-ul-Azha
Religious festival commemorating the great sacrifice offered
by Prophet Ibrahim. Celebrated on 10 Zilhaj, 12th month
of Islamic Calendar. Collective prayers after sun-set, sacrifice
of goats, sheep, cows or camels and distribution of meat among
relatives, friends and poor.
May Day
Rallies, processions and meetings held throughout the country.
Ashura
Two days mourning on the death anniversary Imam Hussain, the
grandson of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H.) 09-10 April 2001 on
9th and 10th of Moharram, the first month of Islamic Calendar
Processions, rallies and meeting (music prohibited).
Eid-e-Miland-un-Nabi
Birthday of Prophet Hazrat Mohammad, (P.B.U.H.) on 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal
- the 3rd of month of Islamic Calendar.
Independence day
Meeting, processions, rallies, decorations and 14 August illustrations
all over the country.
Pakistan
Festivals ::
