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FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS |
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Based on lunar calendar
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Exact date unknown
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Celebrated nationally
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Celebrated locally |
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NOTE:
The followings are the famous fairs, festivals and holidays observed all over
Pakistan.
There are so many other
colorful festivals celebrated locally in all the districts & regions of
Pakistan. |
JANUARY
CHIEF OF AIR STAFF GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP (04 Days)
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L
Held at
Golf Course Peshawar. Players from all over Pakistan and many foreign countries
participate in this glorious event. The participation fee (as compared to
western countries) is most economical, whereas, the cash awarded to the winners
of trophies is quite substantial. An golden oportunity for the foreign players
to win the trophy. |
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SHAB-E-BARAT (01 night) .............................................
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N
A religious festival featuring fireworks and light displays which is celebrated
throughout Pakistan. Almost every home, small or big, rich or poor, in city or
village is decorated with candles, lamps and lights. Kids and adults equally
participate in firing crackers and intricate fire works.
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FEBRUARY |
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SIBI MELA(03 Days)
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L
Traditional sports, exhibitions of handicrafts, dresses, jewelry; horse show, cattle show, camel & horse races, camel & horse dances, tent pegging, concerts
and colorful stalls in industrial Exhibition. The most colorful show of the
year. Sibi Town is about 110 miles from Quetta on Quetta Sukkhar Highway in the
province of Baluchistan.
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SINDH HORSE & CATTLE SHOW (03 Days) .........................
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At Jacobabad, about 85 kms from Sukkhar. Sukkhar & Jacobabad are both connected by
air with Karachi. Features traditional sports, exhibitions of handicrafts,
dresses & jewelry; horse & cattle show, camel & horse races, camel & horse
dances, tent pegging, bull racing, concerts and colorful stalls in a elaborate industrial Exhibition.
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FRONTIER AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP (04 Days).......
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Golf Course Peshawar. Players from all over Pakistan and many foreign countries
participate.
OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP (04 Days) ................................
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Golf Course Peshawar. Players from all over Pakistan and many foreign countries
participate.
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JASHAN-E-LARKANA (03 Days) ..............................................
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At Larkana, which is connected by air with Karachi. Features competitions of
Malakhra (wrestling) & other traditional sports, exhibitions of handicrafts,
dresses & jewelry; horse & cattle show, camel & horse races, camel & horse
dances, tent pegging, concerts and colorful stalls.
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NATIONAL HORSE AND CATTLE SHOW (03 Days) ..............
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The biggest national show of Pakistan at Fortress Stadium, Lahore. Features
traditional sports, exhibitions of handicrafts, dresses & jewelry; horse &
cattle show, camel & horse races, camel & horse dances, tent pegging, concerts &
colorful stalls in an exhibition. Extraordinary fireworks, aerobatics,
acrobatics, operas, pipers & brass drums shows and children shows.
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KASHMIR DAY (01 Day)
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An important day
celebrated by all Pakistanis all over Pakistan to express and exhibit their
political, cultural, moral and religious support to their brothers in occupies
Kashmir. Rallies, processiona, debates an public seminars are held all
over Pakistan.
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BASANT KITE FLYING FESTIVAL (End Feb) (2 Days).........
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The
Basant festival heralds the end of winter and arrival of spring. It is
celebrated in the entire country, with flying kites. Lahore, Kasoor, Gujranwala,
Rawalpindi, Gujrat, Faisalabad and other major cities of Punjab become the hub
of activities with sky full of kites of different styles, sizes and colors. This
festival starts at mid-night when the white kites flying in the sky are lit with
millions of flood lights from every roof top. People enjoy kite matches and
freely use amplifiers, music, drums, fire works and dance. The festival
continues for the full night and full day.
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MARCH
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FOLK FESTIVAL OF PAKISTAN (04 Days)...............................
L
Folk Dances, artisans at work, folk products on display and for sale, folk music,
folk & classical dance, open air theater, magic shows, puppet shows,
photographic exhibitions, food stalls, regional cuisines
and many other colorful cultural activities. Organized by the Institute of Folk Heritage, Islamabad at
Folk Heritage Complex Shakar Parian, Islamabad.
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JASHAN-E-SHIKARPUR (03 Days) .....................................
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At Shikarpur, about 42
kms from Sukkhar. Cultural activities, exhibitions and traditional sports,
exhibitions of handicrafts, dresses & jewelry; horse & cattle show, bull, camel
& horse races, camel & horse dances, tent pegging, music concerts and colorful marts,
puppet shows, tug of war, wrestling, tent pegging, bull racing and many other
colorful cultural activities.
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PAKISTAN DAY (01 Day / 23 March) ........................................
N
Commemorates 1940's decision to press for a Muslim nation independent of India.
military Parades, processions, and other activities are held in Quetta, Karachi,
Lahore, Peshawar and Rawalpindi. The largest parade is held at Islamabad and
includes displays of the latest war planes and weapons. The president of
Pakistan also awards military and civil awards to the people who exhibit
excellence in their professions. All offices, banks & business observe a
national holiday.
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JASHAN-E-NAUROZE (03 Day / Gilgit) .....................................
L
Held in Gilgit with Divisional Polo Tournament as the main highlight added with
folk dances, music, dance, local games, wrestling, tug of war, acrobatics etc.
Coupled by exhibitions and traditional sports, exhibitions of handicrafts,
dresses & jewelry.
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MELA BARI IMAM (06 Days) ............................................
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L
March-April. The Urs (birthday) celebrations of Shah Abdul Latif also known as Bari Imam -
He was one
of the most prominent saints of the Pakistan-Indian Sub-Continent during. This
is one of the largest Urs in Pakistan featuring visits of pilgrims in millions
from all over the country. Colorful food & handicrafts stalls, folk music, folk dances, handicrafts and a
variety of faces.
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MELA CHIRAGHAN
(Festival of Million Lamps - One Week)...
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L
Held
for 01 week at the shrine of a famous saint in Lahore near Shalimar Gardens.
Pilgrims from all over Pakistan gather here to celebrate the birth ceremony of
the saint by offering one hundred thousand oil lamps at the shrine. The whole area is decorated with
lights and pilgrims dance on the beat of huge drums.
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APRIL
HORSE & CATTLE SHOW (03 Days)......................................
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Local games and competitions. At Dera Ismail Khan, 340 kilometers from Peshawar.
Linked by air. Features traditional sports, exhibitions of handicrafts, dresses
& jewelry; camel & horse races, camel & horse dances, bull racing, tent pegging, concerts, colorful stalls and fireworks.
Large display of handicrafts, regional cuisines, one of the largest display of
military bands, exhibition of floats and many other attractions.
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MAY
MAY DAY - LABOR DAY (01 May) ............................................
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Public holiday throughout Pakistan. This day is celebrated to pay tribute to the
labors of Chicago who sacrificed their lives for the rights of labors around the
world. Rallies, seminars, speeches and processions bearing banners, placards and
slogans are held all over Pakistan. The political leaders address labors in
their constituancies.
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CHILIMJUSHT OR JOSHI (01 Day) .......................................
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Celebrated in all the Kafir Kalash Valleys of Chitral which is linked by air and by road
with Peshawar. Marked with singing, dancing & feasting. Kafirs are the
decendents of Alexander's army who came into this region in 327 B.C. Ever since,
these people have never stepped out of these valleys & still leading primitive
life based on matriarchal society. Their odd rituals, strange habits & queer
customs attract & bewitch tourists from all over the world. |
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JUNE
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JULY
BANK HOLIDAY (01 DAY / 01 July) .........................................
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Other offices and businesses remain open.
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SHANDUR POLO FESTIVAL (07-09 July / 03 Day) ........
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L
Played at the highest Polo Field of the World at Shandur Pass (3750 Meters /
12300 feet), this festive & colorful tournament is played between the top
divisional teams of Gilgit, Chitral, Hunza & Skardu. It is always hosted by the
President or Prime Minister of Pakistan. Unusually, the polo played here is
quite primitive, & rough with very few rules. The festival is added with folk
dances, music, dance, local games, wrestling, tug of war etc
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UTCHAL (01 Day)
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Kalash harvest festival with singing, dancing & feasting.
Celebrated in all the three Kafir Kalash Valleys of Chitral. Kafirs are the
decendents of Alexander's army who came into this region in 327 B.C. Ever since,
these people have never stepped out of these valleys & still leading primitive
life based on matriarchal society. Their odd rituals, strange habits & queer
customs attract and bewitch tourists from all over the world. |
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AUGUST
EID-E-MELAD-UN-NABI (01 day) ..........................................
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N
The Holy Prophet Mohammed's birthday. Celebrated throughout Pakistan with never
ending processions featuring beautifully decorated carts, animals & vehicles &
colorfully dressed singers' groups reciting religious songs. Free food and lots
of charity is given to the poors all over the country.
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INDEPENDENCE DAY (01 day / 14 August)
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14 August. The largest celebration in Pakistan commemorating the founding of
Pakistan in 1947. Celebrated throughout Pakistan with fireworks, lightings,
processions & public meetings. Folk Festivals and circus display in various
cities of Pakistan. Youth carrying Pakistani flags take our noisy bike
processions on the roads. National holiday. All banks offices, buisnesses and
educational institutes are closed.
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SEPTEMBER
DEFENSE OF PAKISTAN DAY (01 Day / 06 September) ........
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Commemorates the India-Pakistan War of 1965 over Kashmir with processions,
parades and air force displays at Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Sargodha,
Karachi and Quetta. This day is quite popular in kids as they enjoy riding tanks
& watching military weapons on diplay.
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DEATH
ANNIVERSARY OF JINNAH
(01 day / 11 Sep).........
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Observes the death of Pakistan's Founding Father with meetings and seminars which
are held throughout Pakistan.Jinnah rose to prominance in the Indian national
Congress expounding ideas of Hindu-Muslim unity & helping shape the 1916 Lucknow
Pact with the Muslim League. He also became a key leader in the All India Home
Rule League. Later Jinnah quit the Congress & took charge of the Muslim League.
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PHOOL (01 Day)............................................................
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Another colorful Kafir Kalash Festival celebrating reaping of grapes and walnuts
in all the three Kalash Valleys of Chitral. . Kafirs are the decendents of
Alexander's army who came into this region in 327 B.C. Ever since, these people
have never stepped out of these valleys & still leading primitive life based on
matriarchal society. Their odd rituals, strange habits & queer customs attract
and bewitch tourists from all over the world.
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SHAH ABDUL LATIF BHITTAI'S FESTIVAL (06 Days)......
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This festival is held every year to mark the Urs (birth) celebration of the popular Sindhi
mystic Shah Abdul Sehwan Sharif. The district authorities hold this
festival during August-September each year. Pilgrims from all over Pakistan
participate in hundreds of thousands. Marked with group dancing (called
dhammal), qawwali (religeuos songs) and colorful stalls of regional cuisines.
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OCTOBER
JASHAN-E-GILGIT (03 Day / Gilgit)...........................................
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Held in Gilgit with Divisional Polo Tournament as the main highlight added with
folk dances, music, dance, local games, wrestling, tug of war, acrobatics etc.
Display of regional handicrafts, embroideries, regional cuisines & dresses.
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EID - UL - FITAR (03 Days / 25-27 Oct) ...............................
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Muslim religious festival at the end of Ramzan, with cultural and social
activities and exchange of sweet dishes. Marked with wearing of new clothes & is
celebrated throughout Pakistan. This festival is very special for ladies of all
ages who proudly wear bright clothes and decorate their hands & feet with hina
and bangels. The celebration goes on for three days in a row.
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NOVEMBER
IQBAL DAY (01 Day / 09 November) ..........................................N
Commemoration of the birthday of the philosopher, poet and the creator of
Pakistan Allama Iqbal. Celebrated throughout Pakistan. The day is marked with
seminars, conventions, debates and speech competitions all over Pakistan.
Iqbal's poetry in Urdu & Persian is considered to be among the greatest of the
modern era, and whose vision ofan independent state for the Muslims of British
India was to inspire the creation of Pakistan.
DECEMBER
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CHOWAS (01 Day)
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Another Kafir Kalash Winter Festival to welcome the first snow fall in Chitral
Valley. All dance & music parties are held indoors due to heavy snowfall.
Celebrated in all the three Kalash Valleys . Kafirs are the decendents of
Alexander's army who came into this region in 327 B.C. Ever since, these people
have never stepped out of these valleys & still leading primitive life based on
matriarchal society. Their odd rituals, strange habits & queer customs attract
and bewitch tourists from all over the world. |
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BIRTHDAY OF QUAID-E-AZAM (01 Day / 25 Dec)....................
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25 December. National Holiday - featuring lighting, public seminars and rallies
coupled with celebrations of Christmas. Jinnah rose to prominance in the Indian
national Congress expounding ideas of Hindu-Muslim unity & helping shape the
1916 Lucknow Pact with the Muslim League. He also became a key leader in the All
India Home Rule League. Later Jinnah quit the Congress & took charge of the
Muslim League.
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CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
(01 Day / 25 Dec) ..........................
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25 December. National Holiday - featuring lighting, public seminars and rallies
coupled with celebrations of Christmas. Pakistan is inhabited by millions of
native Christians who freely practice and preach Christianity and celebrate
Christmas throughout Pakistan. Charity from Christian missionaries is
distributed to the poor and sick all over Pakistan. Santa Claus gives presents
to the rich and poor children all over Pakistan. The orphans and the sick
children are accorded special gifts.
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EID-UL-AZHA (03 days ) .......................................................
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The sacrifice of Holy Prophet Ismail is commemorated with sacrifices of millions
of bulls, cows,
goats, lambs and camels. Exchange of dishes, new clothes and household visits.
This is the biggest Islamic charity event in terms of distributing millions of
tons of meat of slauhgtered animals to the poor people of the country. Celebrated
throughout Pakistan. Also coincides with beginning of annual pilgrimage to
Mecca.
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ASHURA (02 days)
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Commemorating the death of Hazrat Imam Hussain, Grandson of Holy Prophet
Mohammed. Two highly emotional days of mourning with processions and public
display featuring "self-flagellation"
Observed throughout Pakistan. The most unusual & colorful blend haunting blood
sights, decorated horses, flags & life size models of shrines. This festival
is celebrated by the Shiats Muslims only.
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BANK HOLIDAY (01 Day / 31 Dec) ...........................................
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All other offices and businesses remain open on 31 December.
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