Religious Festivals In Pakistan: All the information about festivals you ever need to know

29 Jul 2022
Muhammad Nofel
Domestic Tourism
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Pakistanis are very particular when it comes to religious festivals. They revere festivals though they belong to the majority of Muslims or minorities such as Sikhs, Hindus, and Christians. These religious festivals allow them to nurture a relationship with God. So they celebrate them with great fervour. Some of the religious festivals are Eid ul Fitr, Eid ul Adha, Eid Milad un Nabi, Shab e baraat, Shab e Miraj, Christmas, Holi, Deewali, and birthday or Gurunanak.

Muslims fast a whole month and celebrate the fasting month with Eid ul Fitr. This eid is also called in colloquial language a sweet eid. People visit their relatives and eat out of the blessings of Allah. Children mostly wait for eid because elders fill their pockets with cash as rewards. Besides, people and specifically women prepare new dresses to appear glittery and golden for festivities.

It is Muslims' second Eid, which falls on the 10th of Zul Hijjah, following the yearly journey known as Hajj. It literally means "Sacrifice Feast." It honours Ibrahim A.S., who did not hesitate to sacrifice his son Ismael in order to satisfy Allah. Muslims sacrifice animals in honour of this tremendous sacrifice to demonstrate the spirit of sacrifice in Allah's cause. The meat is distributed among families and the impoverished, ensuring that no one is left out of this wonderful celebration.

Eid Milad un Nabi is celebrated as the day of the Prophet's (PBUH) birth. Processions are held in every town and city in Pakistan, and a great number of people take part in them. Special gatherings are conducted in mosques and other places, in which scholars shed light on the life and teachings of our beloved prophet. The buildings are illuminated with lights at night, creating a spectacular display. The good news is that you can enjoy this festival no matter where you are because it is held all throughout the country.

Shab e Barat is held on the 15th of Sha'ban, the 8th month of the Islamic calendar, on the night of the 15th. It is said that Allah decides the fate of the world's creatures on this day. As a result, special prayers are offered to seek Allah's forgiveness and blessings. Fireworks and lighting are also popular among some young people. On this occasion, sweet foods are also cooked and shared with neighbours.

Shab e Miraj is the night when Holy Prophet (PBUH) went to meet Allah in the skies. Muslims celebrate this occasion to remember the mercies of Allah on the Muslim Ummah. They spend nightly prayers and distribute sweets among each other to commemorate the sanctity of the event.

On the 25th of December, the Christian community celebrates its most important event, known as Christmas. The celebration is cheerfully celebrated throughout the county. At churches, special prayers are held, and families gather to congratulate one another. It's a chance to wear new clothing and eat special dishes.

Our Hindu compatriots, likewise, celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, with zeal and joy. It is a very important Hindu holiday that commemorates Radha and Krishna's heavenly love. Partying, meeting up with friends and family, and inviting them to your home are all part of the fun.

Pakistanis also receive Sikh guests from India to celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak. Pakistan has also established the Kartarpur corridor to foster religious harmony between Muslims and Sikhs.