Culture of Pakistan

Pakistan has a Multi-Cultural Society

Living lifestyle of people of Pakistan called culture, in which included numerous ethnic groups the Punjabis, Kashmiris, Sindhis in East, Muhajirs, Makrani in the South Baloch and Pashtun in the west; and the ancient Dardic, Wakhi, Baltistani and Burusho communities in the north. The culture of these Pakistani ethnic groups have been greatly influenced by many of its neighbors, such as the other South Asians, Turkic peoples, as well as the peoples of Central Asia and the Middle East. Pakistan is under a rich cultural and ethnic background going back to Indus Valley Civilization, 2800 BC to 1800 BC. The region of Pakistan has been invaded in the past, occupied and settled by many different people, including Aryans, Greeks, White Huns, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and various Eurasian groups. The diverse ethnic groups have differences in dress, food, and religion. The cultural origins come from the civilizations of India and eastern Afghanistan, with significant influences from Persia, Turkestan and Hellenistic Greece. It was the first time part of the subcontinent to receive the full impact of Islam. Hence it has developed an identity of its own. Pakistani society is to a great extent multilingual, multiethnic and multicultural. Though cultures within the country differ to some extent, more similarities than differences can be discovered, as most Pakistanis are mainly of Aryan heritage or have coexisted side by side along the Indus River for several thousand years, or both. However, over 60 years of integration, a distinctive.  Pakistani culture has sprung up, especially in the urban areas where many of the diverse ethnic groups have coexisted and in many cases, intermarried. Education is highly considered by members of every social economic stratum, with the country now having a literacy rate of 55%, up from 3% at the time of independence. Traditional family values are highly respected and considered sacred, although urban families increasingly form nuclear families, owing to social economic constraints imposed by the traditional culture of the extended family. The region has formed a distinct unit within the main geographical complex of South Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia from the earliest times, and is similar to the position of Afghanistan. There are differences among ethnic groups in cultural aspects such as dress, food, and religion, especially where pre-Islamic customs differ from Islamic practices. Their cultural origins also reveal influences from far afield, including China, India and Afghanistan. Pakistan was the first region of South Asia to be fully impacted by Islam and has thus developed a distinct Islamic identity, historically different from areas further east.

Dresses and Food of Pakistan

Regardless of the fact that Pakistan's population is almost entirely Muslim, 96.4% as of 2010, women's status differs significantly by community. Women's dress varies according to region, class and occasion, but shalwar kameez is the principal garment worn by Pakistani women. Ghararas, a loose divided skirt worn with a blouse,  and lehengas were common earlier, but are now worn mostly at weddings. Few Pakistani women wear the hijab or burqa in public, and the degree to which they decide to cover varies; with the use of the burqa being primarily predominant in Pashtun territories. Some traditionally Afghan clothing styles have become prevalent in recent decades in some areas of Pakistan. Pakistan does not have laws banning or enforcing the hijab. Surveys conducted in Pakistan show that most women wearing the hijab do so of their own choice. The veil does not constitute an absolute requirement, and women may even wear jeans and T-shirts in urban areas of Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and other big cities. In last five years, western dressing has become much universal among women in cities. Many women wear pants, plazzo and tight jeans with long shirts as well as short shirts. Most women in small cities and rural areas wear the Shalwar Kameez, which consists of a tunic top and baggy trouser set which covers their arms, legs and body. A loose dupatta scarf is also worn around the shoulders, upper chest and head. Men also have a similar dress code, but only women are supposed to wear a dupatta in public. 

Some Pakistani women who do not wear hijab may wear the dupatta or chadar instead. A sari is a formal dress worn on special occasions by some, mainly urban, women. Men wear shalwar kameez, kurta, Pakistani Waistcoat, achkan and sherwani, churidar or pajama. Other items of clothing include the jama and the angarkha. Headgear includes the Jinnah Cap also called Karakul, Fez also called Rumi Topi and Taqiyah. Khussa is popular foot wear. Other items include traditional shawls made of Pashmina or other warm materials especially in the Northern regions of the country. Men wear diffrent dress according to their area and tradition in Pakistan ,like Balochi wears a long jama like a smock-frock down to the heels, loose shalwar, a long chadar or scarf, a pagri of cotton cloth, and mostly shoes that nanow at the toe. The material is thick cloth with very wide shalwar to protect against the hot wind of the dry Sulaiman Range and Kharan Desert. Sindhi people wear a version of the shalwar called a suthan with a kameez called cholo. Other traditional clothing includes the Sindhi cap and Ajrak of beautiful designs which are made locally. Men also traditionally wear the dhoti and the long angerkho. Punjabi men wear the straight cut Punjabi shalwar kameez, kurta and shalwar, dhoti, lungi or tehmat and kurta. Other Punjabi shalwar styles include the Pothohari shalwar, Multani shalwar and the Bahawalpuri shalwar which is very wide and baggy with many folds. Turban of a thin cloth is also worn especially in rural areas of Punjab where it is called pagri. Footwear include the khussa. In Pashtun dress, people wear traditional Peshawari chappal as footwear. The traditional male Pashtun dress includes the Khet partug, Peshawari shalwar and the Perahan wa tunban. Males usually wear kufi, Peshawari cap, turban, sindhi cap or pakul as traditional headgear. In Pakistan the traditional wedding ceremony is celebrated by wearing different clothes in each wedding event. 

In the Mehndi function, men wear an embroided kurta in glittering colours with simple shalwar, patiala shalwar and a colorful shawl which they put on their shoulders and sometimes round the neck. In some weddings, dress code is decided before the ceremony and all men carry the same color. Up to the wedding day, the bride may wear a yellow or orange kameez, with a simple shalwar, patiala shalwar, yellow dupatta and yellow paranda. During baraat and walima functions, the groom usually wears kurta shalwar or kurta churidar with special sherwani and khussa. During the event of baraat, grooms also wear traditional sehra on their head. In new trend in Pakistan, mostly groom wear sherwani with tight jeans which is look like a churidaar pajama. Brides normally wear an expensive lehenga or gharara preferably in red, maroon and pink colors with heavy jewellery. Because at least 95 percent of the Pakistani population is Muslim, there are two food customs that are followed almost universally. One is that Muslims do not eat pork, therefore beef, chicken, lamb, and fish are the basic foods, and the other is that during the month of Ramadan, fasting is a daily activity. Spices and curry are an essential part of any Pakistani recipe. The most prevalent spices include chili powder, tumeric, garlic, paprika, black and red pepper, cumin seed, bay leaf, coriander, cardamom, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, and poppy seeds, among others. Using yogurt to marinate meats is another typical recipe. Because of the use of spices and curry for the main dish, the usual side dish is plain rice. Lentils are another common specialty. The food in the south is more exotic and highly spiced. While that in the north often features plain barbecued meat as the main dish. Usually any meat, fowl, or seafood is curried, and frying is the typical method of cooking. Ghee, which is clarified butter, is another commonly used recipe item and is typically used for frying. Wheat and flour products are considered mainstays of the everyday diet, and the use of pickles, chutneys, preserves, and sauces along with curried meats, seafood, vegetables, and lentils and are why Pakistani cuisine has such a unique flavor. Green tea is the typical drink served at all meals.

Music and Folk Dance of Pakistan

Music of Pakistan includes diverse elements ranging from music from various parts of South Asia as well as Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and modern-day Western popular music influences. With these multiple influences, a Pakistani distinctive sound has been formed. Music of Pakistan dates back to over hundred of years. Pakistan is the modern name of a country once was named as Sindu Supta and India, Land of Indus. This is where the great Indus civilization flourished which was rich in art, music and dance. The dancing girl and the musical pots found from Moen Jo Daro are some of the proofs of the early music of this land. Pakistani music has evolved with many historic phases under which this land went thru. Invaders from all corners of the world brought their bits of spices to the music, culture and art of Pakistan. 

After the arrival of Islam and than the revolution of Sufism music became ever more mature and developed a new identity of itself. The ghazal spread into South Asia in the 12th century under the influence of the new Islamic Sultanate courts and Sufi mystics. Exotic to the region, as is indicated by the very sounds of the name itself when properly pronounced as ġazal. Although the ghazal is most prominently a form of Urdu poetry, today, it has influenced the poetry of many languages. 

Most Ghazal singers are trained in classical music and sing in either Khyal or Thumri. Qawwali music received international exposure through the work of the late Bakhshi Salamat, Aziz Mian, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and sabri brothers, largely due to several releases on the Real World label, followed by live appearances at WOMAD festivals. Listeners, and often artists themselves are transported to a state of wajad, a trance-like state where they feel at one with God, generally considered to be the height of spiritual ecstasy in Sufism. The roots of Qawwali can be traced back to the 8th century from Persia, however, Qawwali in the form we know it today was essentially created by Amir Khusrau in the late 13th century. Classical music of Pakistan is based on the traditional music of South Asia which was patronized by various empires that ruled the region and gave birth to several genres of classic music including the Klasik and Hindustani classical music. The classical music of Pakistan has two main principles. The systematic organization of musical notes into a scale is known as a raag. The arrangement of rhythm in a cycle is known as taal. Improvisation plays a major role during a performance. Pakistani folk music deals, with subjects surrounding daily life in less grandiose terms than the love and emotion usually contained in its traditional and classical counterpart. In Pakistan, each province has its own variation of popular folk music. Pakistan has created many famous singers in this discipline such as the late Alam Lohar, who was very influential in the period of 1940 until 1979: he created the concept of jugni and this has been a folk song ever since, and he sang heer, sufiana kalaams, mirza, sassi and many more famous folk stories. Other famous folk singers include Sain Zahoor and Alam Lohar from Punjab and Allan Fakir and Mai Bhaghi from Sindh, Akhtar Chanal Zahri from Baluchistan and Zarsanga from North-West Frontier Province who is considered the queen of Pashto folk music. Folk music of the Punjab is the traditional music of Punjab produced using traditional musical instruments like Tumbi, Algoze, Dhadd, Sarangi, Chimta and more. There is a wide range of folk songs for every occasion from birth to death including marriage, festivals, fairs and religious ceremonies. 

Different arts and crafts flourished in the urban areas of Multan and Bahawalpur among which music and dance are important cultural elements and are part of most of the celebrations and ceremonies. Jhoomar is the traditional Saraiki folk dance that originated from Multan and Balochistan. It is a lively form of music and dance and it is slow and rhythmic. The word ,Jhoomar, comes from jhoom, which means swaying. Folk music is often perceived as the traditional music of Punjab and typically has communal authorship. This aspect of folk music has shifted with time but the older categories of folk begin with the dhadi genre, which does follow ideas of communal authorship. The folk dhadi genre emphasizes stories of heroism and love stories, as exemplified by the numerous ballads of the legendary romantic tales of Hir-Ranjha and Sahiba-Mirza. Folk music is also commonly used in various life-cycle events in the Punjab region. In almost every wedding ceremony family members, friends, and professional folk musicians perform different sets of folk songs which use themes from a nostalgic past, but communicate themes of separation, joy, fear, and hope in the present. The lyrical content of many of these wedding songs have the paternal home depicted as a source of love and nurture, while the in-laws home is a source of tyranny and torture. Folk music continues to be used as a modern tool and a way of locating identification. Music from Sindh province is sung in Sindhi, and is generally performed in either the, Baits or Waee, styles. The Baits style is vocal music in Sanhoon low voice or Graham, high voice. Waee instrumental music is performed in a variety of ways using a string instrument. Waee, also known as Kafi, is found in the surrounding areas of Balochistan, Punjab, and Kutch. Pashto music is commonly performed in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, northern Balochistan province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas as well as parts of eastern Afghanistan and among the Pashtun Diaspora. The major center for Pashto music and the arts is found in Peshawar, Pakistan. Potohari has a rich tradition of poetry recital accompanied by sitar, ghara, tabla, harmonium and dholak. These poems, potohari sher, are often highly lyrical and somewhat humorous and secular in nature, though religious sher are also recited. Kashmiri music reflects the rich musical heritage and cultural legacy of Kashmir. 

Traditionally music composed by ethnic Kashmiris has a wide range of musical influences in composition. Due to Kashmir's close proximity to Central Asia. Eastern Asia and Southern Asia, a unique blend of music has evolved encompassing the music of the three regions. But, overall, Kashmiri Valley music is closer to Central Asian music, using traditional Central Asian instruments and musical scales, while music from Jammu is similar to that of North India and Ladakhi music is similar to the music of Tibet. Pakistan features a wealthy history in addition to various individual dances. Shortly we are going to tell you about the famous folk dances of Pakistan. Folk grooving is surely an expression of delight. Some sort of party of lifetimes; it is magnificence in addition to colour. They will deliver an awareness of freedom, having regional affinities in addition to dissimilarities plus an appeal of these individual. Many times they will inform experiences in addition to will be able to talk very much depth of this means without the requirement terms. Bhangra: just the most well-known in addition to common dances. It is one of the most famous folk dances of Pakistan and performed in the Punjab region. Luddi a trendy attribute of the wedding festivities throughout Pakistan. It truly is typically done by women of all age’s family users with the woman. Sammi a conventional Punjabi party. Commonly, it offers some sort of slow flow and is particularly accompanied by a sad music for the connection having awful adored legend of Romantic Sammi in addition to King Dhola. Giddha, this kind of party type originates from the actual historic model of ring grooving and is particularly really dynamic, usually did on specific occasions and also other fun activities.

Your flow commonly comes from hand-clapping yet from time to time while modest drum is employed. Leva your Leva is usually a common attribute on wedding and also other pleasant occasions inside the contemporary tribal society with the Baluchis. Chap the palm clapping party typically done by adult men on marriages. Jhumar or maybe Jhoomar originated in Balochistan in addition to Multan, Punjab. It truly is slower plus much more rhythmic type. Your message, Jhumar, comes from Jhum/Jhoom, so this means swaying. Attan folk party of Pakhtoon tribes of Pakistan like the distinctive methods of Quetta in addition to Waziristan. Khattak dance the speedy blade party. That celebrates the actual valour of the Pakhtoons exactly who efficiently ignored attempts for you to subjugate these in addition to their particular colonies within the last eras. It has it won important in the folk dances of Pakistan. Chitrali dance it’s also done throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along the Gilgit Baltistan. Few users with the crew conduct that in concert. Each of them placed their particular arms for the shoulder blades of each different in addition to fit their particular ft operates with each other. That party is performed around conquer of major drums. Dhammal conducted on Sufi Shrines and Darghas throughout Punjab in addition to Sindh. Ho Jamalo, just about the most popular Sindhi dances in addition to songs, that celebrates the actual gallantry with the eighteenth centuries enthusiast, Jamal Khan Rind, exactly that protected his homeland coming from foreign intruders. It truly is danced on occasions of the party in addition to festivity. This dance of Sindh region is also very famous one in folk dances of Pakistan and performed in this province. Jhumro. The actual party is performed by small town ladies for you to commemorate a superb crop. 

Cultural and Religious Festivals of Pakistan

Pakistan has a very vibrant and rich culture and is very much popular all over the world for its many different festivals and joyous events, Pakistani people specially youngster knows how these cultural events are celebrated. There is an array of different events some of them are related to the history. Some with religion and some are related to the rich culture of the country. There are different festivities from Eid day to Independence Day all the events are celebrated with great zeal and zest. Pakistan Day is a momentous milestone in the history of Pakistan movement. This event is held to mark the anniversary of Pakistan Resolution passed by the Muslims of South Asia on March 23, 1940 at Minto Park, now Iqbal Park, Lahore. The resolution was presented by A. K. Fazlul Huq. The nation commemorates this day with great zeal and enthusiasm, to honor the most outstanding achievement of the Muslims of South Asia who passed the historic Pakistan Resolution resulting in the creation of Pakistan under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah; a homeland where they could live in peace, harmony and in accordance with the tenets of Islam. Independence Day glorious day is a landmark in our history to commemorate the independence of Pakistan. Independence Day is celebrated with zeal and fervor in all parts of the country on August 14 with special programmes arranged in all big and small towns and rural areas. On this day, meetings, processions and rallies are held all over the country and the whole country is decorated on this day. People from various walks of life decorate their houses with national flags and the buildings, city shopping centres, bazaars and all the main roads are also being adorned with flags and fancy lights. The 6th of September is a golden chapter in the history of Pakistan, when Pakistan, its military and people stood united in 1965 in defense day of Pakistan and resolve to halt and beat back Indian multi-dimensional attacks against Pakistan. This historic day is commemorated through parades and exhibitions of military equipment at Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi. Air Force day is celebrated on 7th of September marking the official beginning of the Indo-Pak war of 1965. That day air shows and other programs mark the PAF's role in defending the nation. This day is celebrated by a display of the latest aircrafts of Pakistan Airforce and air shows at Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta.

9th November is celebrated as the birthday of the National Poet of Pakistan, Allama Iqbal. The event is celebrated with a lot of debating and poetry contests held at different institutes all over Pakistan. Birth Anniversary  of Quaid-e-Azam is celebrated on 25th December as the birthday of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam and Christmas. This day is celebrated by the Christian minority and the whole nation. Sibi festival falls in the last week of February at Sibi. Traditional sports, handicrafts exhibition, folk music and dances. Mela Chiraghan, festival of lamps, a mega event for the people of Punjab and especially for Lahorites is celebrated with traditional fervor and activities at the shrine of the renowned Sufi Shah Hussain. This festival is held for 1 week outside the Shalimar Gardens, Lahore. The festival attracts a large number of performing artists who mostly sing Shah Hussain's kafees and dance to the drums. Shandur Polo Festival and Traditional polo tournament between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit is being held on the highest polo ground in the world - the Shandur Pass (Chitral district). Allied activities include folk music, folk dances and other competitions. A tent village along Shandur Lake will be set up in cooperation with the local administration. Utchal This event is celebrated by Kalash people in Kalash Valleys. Chitral.It is celebrated to mark the harvest of wheat and barley. The celebration lasts for two days with dancing, singing, and feasting being its main features. Lok Mela The festival presents a unique opportunity to watch the culture and craft of the whole country in one place. This Folk Festival is held for one week at Islamabad. It includes folk music, songs, music contests, folk dances, craftsmen at work, exhibition and sale of handicrafts. National Horse & Cattle Show Held at Fortress Stadium, Lahore. Cattle races, cattle dances, tent-pegging, tattoo show, folk music, dances, bands, cultural floats and folk games. The show has been described as an eloquent expression of Pakistan's heritage and an authentic account of its agricultural and industrial achievement's. It is held in Lahore Fortress stadium at the end of February or at first week of March. The fortress stadium, the venue of the show is thronged by active participants, foreign visitors and peoples who watch the festival with great enthusiasm, verve and aplomb.  A large number of them are interested in watching and appreciating the best breeds of livestock. Many derive pleasure by watching other activities such as display parade of animals, dances by horses and camels, polo matches, tent pegging, dog shows and their races, vaudeville acts of stuntmen, mass display of military band, rhythmically physical exercise by the children. Tastefully decorated industrial floats and torch light tattoo shows. Additional attractions include a subtle interplay of lights to weave enticing patterns at night and breath taking acts by foreign groups. The show began as a modest exhibition organized by the army to protect the cattle wealth of the country in the early fifties. Today it is an international event to which come dignitaries from abroad and visitors and foreign tourists. The organizing committee comprises representatives of a number of agencies including army, rangers, LMC schools, the police, industrialists and the art councils. With the advent of spring Basant festival is celebrated with pomp and show in mid February every year in Lahore. In other words, this is the spring festival. Arguing that kite-flying is a Hindu event is also sheer ignorance. The sport originated in China about 5000 years ago, when Hinduism was in non existent. Why single out kite flying then, especially when it is a cause for joy for the old and the young men and women? The simple reason is that Hindu in Basant festival fly kites for enjoying Basant. With times of Muslims who were living together with Hindus in the sub-continent also join them in kite-flying. Since then Muslims are taking participation in just kite-flying at the time of Basant connotation it as Pala Urant. Now days people of Lahore enjoy it for kite flying competition. Lahore is the main focal point for the celebration of this festival in Pakistan. People traditionally fly kites on the roofs of their buildings. It is generally observed that rest houses, hotels and house of relatives of the participants are fully packed with guests from all over the country. Moreover some five star hotels also arrange this function on their roof top for foreigners and other high class gentry. They also arrange a variety of dishes with a musical concert. Sometimes Lahoris on this occasion become emotional. Eid-ul-Fitr is a religious festival celebrated at the end of fasting month, Ramadan on 1st of Shawwal. It is a three days celebration during which time family and friends gather together for long meals, the sharing of gifts, and religious devotion. Eid-ul-Azha is three days celebration when Muslims from all over the world offer a sacrifice by slaughtering a sheep, cow, or goat following the traditional Islamic customs. It is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed among friends, neighbors, relatives, and also distributed to the poor and needy. Shab-e-Barat is a religious festival celebrated on 14th of Shaaban. The festival of Shab-e-Barat is celebrated with pomp and enthusiasm by Muslims all over the world. Muslims think that on the night of Shab-e-Barat Allah writes the destinies of all people for the coming year by taking into account the deeds committed by them in the past. On this festival, prayers, fireworks, exchange of sweet dishes and visits to friends and families are held. Eid Milad-un Nabi is the birthday of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is celebrated by all the Muslims with religious enthusiasm and solemnity across the world. It falls on the 12th of Rabi'-ul-Awwal every year. This is a day of remembrance for Muslims, marked by prayers and reading of the Holy Quran.

Pakistani nation is very close to its culture and celebrates cultural festivals with great zeal. There are some festivals, which are celebrated nationwide with full unity but if we focus on provinces of Pakistan. Every province has its different culture and they celebrate different festivals also.