Culture
of Pakistan
A. Identification
As part of India's independence from Great Britain in 1947, a
partition took part of their land and created Pakistan as a separate Islamic
nation. It is estimated that approximately 95 percent of the population are
Muslim, but members of several minority religions live there, including some
Hindus, Christians, Parsis, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Although the modern nation of
Pakistan was but fifty-three years old in 2000, it has territorial areas and
tribal populations whose histories date back many centuries; thus Pakistan has
both an ancient and a relatively new identity.
The
society and culture of Pakistan comprises numerous diverse
cultures and ethnic groups: the Punjabis, Kashmiris, Sindhis in east, Muhajirs, Makrani in the south Baloch and Pashtun in the west; and the
ancient Dardic, Wakhi, and Burusho communities in the north.
These Pakistani cultures have been greatly influenced by many of the
surrounding countries' cultures, such as the Turkic peoples, Persian, Arab, and otherSouth Asian ethnic
groups of
the Subcontinent, Central Asia and the Middle East.
Iqbal in deep thought: He is
Ideological Father of Pakistan
Pakistani
literature originates from when Pakistan gained its nationhood as a sovereign
state in 1947. The common and shared tradition of Urdu literatureand English literature of South Asia was inherited by
the new state. Over a period of time, a body of literature unique to Pakistan
has emerged in nearly all major Pakistani languages, including Urdu, English, Punjabi, Pashto, Seraiki, Balochi, and Sindhi.
B.
Literature
Poetry
Poetry
is a highly respected art and profession in Pakistan. The pre-eminent form of
poetry in Pakistan almost always originates in Persian, due in part to the long
standing affiliation the region had with the Persian Empire. The enthusiasm for poetry exists
at a regional level as well, with nearly all of Pakistan's provincial languages
continuing the legacy. Since the independence of the country in 1947 and
establishment of Urdu as the national language, poetry
is written in that language as well. The Urdu language has a rich tradition of
poetry and includes the famous poets Dr. Allama Iqbal (national poet), Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ahmad Faraz, Jazib Qureshi, and Ahmad Nadeem Qasimi. Apart from Urdu poetry, Pakistani poetry also has blends
of other regional languages. Balochi, Sindhi, Punjabi, Seraiki, and Pashto poetry have all incorporated and influenced
Pakistani poetry. Poetry in the form of marsia salam and naath is
also very popular among many Pakistanis.
C.
Performing arts
Music
The
variety of Pakistani music ranges from diverse provincial
folk music and traditional styles such as Qawwali and Ghazal Gayaki to modern forms fusing
traditional and western music, such as the synchronisation of Qawwali and
western music by the world renowned Nusrat Fateh Ali
Khan.
In addition Pakistan is home to many famous folk singers such as the late Alam Lohar, who is also well known in Indian Punjab. The arrival of Afghan refugees in the western provinces has
rekindled Pasto and Persian music and established Peshawar as a hub for Afghan musicians
and a distribution center for Afghan music abroad.
Dances
Kathak - classical dance developed in
the Royal courts of the Mughals.
Folk dances are still popular in
Pakistan and vary according to region such as:
Punjab
§
Luddi - Punjab
§
Sammi - Punjab
Baluchistan
§
Lewa - Baluch folk dance
§
Chap - Baluch folk dance performed at weddings
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
§
Attan - Folk dance of Pashtuns tribes of Pakistan including
the unique styles of Quetta and Waziristan
§
Chitrali Dance - Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
Sindh
§
Jhumro
Drama and theatre
These
are very similar to stage plays in theatres. They are performed by well-known
actors and actresses in the Lollywood industry. The dramas and plays
deal with many themes from life events, often with a humorous touch. Bollywood movies are also popular.
D.
Visual arts
Painting
Abdul Rehman
Chughtai, Sughra Rababi, Ustad Allah Baksh, Ajaz Anwar, Ismail Gulgee, Jamil Naqsh, and Sadequain are prominent painters of
Pakistan. Pakistani vehicle
art is
a popular folk art.
Architecture
The
architecture of the areas now constituting Pakistan can be traced to four
distinct periods: pre-Islamic, Hindu heritage, Buddhist
culture, Islamic,colonial, and post-colonial. With the beginning of the Indus civilization around the middle of the 3rd millennium[2] B.C., an advanced urban culturedeveloped for the first time in the
region, with large structural facilities, some of which survive to this day.[3] Mohenjo Daro, Harappa and Kot Diji belong to the pre-Islamic era
settlements. The rise of Buddhism, Guptas, Mouryas, and the Persian and Greek influence led to the
development of the Greco-Buddhist style, starting from the 1st
century CE. The high point of this era was reached with the culmination of
the Gandhara style. An example of Buddhist
architecture is the ruins of the Buddhist monastery Takht-i-Bahi in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
The
arrival of Islam in today's Pakistan introduced
the classical Islamic construction techniques into Pakistan's architectural
landscape.[4] However, a smooth transition
to predominantly picture-less Islamic architecture occurred. The town of Uch Sharif contains the tombs of Bibi
Jawindi, Baha'al-Halim, and Jalaluddin Bukhari, which are considered some of
the earliest examples of Islamic architecture in Pakistan and are on the UNESCO
Tentative World Heritage Site list since 2004.[5] One of the most important of
the few examples of the Persian style of architecture is the tomb of the Shah Rukn-i-Alamin Multan. During the Mughal era, design elements of Islamic-Persian
architecture were fused with, and often produced playful forms of, Hindustani
art.Lahore, occasional residence of Mughal
rulers, exhibits a multiplicity of important buildings from the empire, among
them the Badshahi mosque, thefortress of Lahore with the famous Alamgiri Gate, the colourful, still strongly
Persian seeming Wazir Khan Mosque as well as numerous other
mosques and mausoleums. The Shahjahan Mosque of Thatta in Sindh also originates from
the epoch of the Mughals, as does the Mohabbat Khan Mosque inPeshawar.
In
the British colonial age, the buildings developed were predominantly of the
Indo-European style, with a mixture of European and Indian-Islamic components.
Post-colonial national identity is expressed in modern structures like
the Faisal Mosque, the Minar-e-Pakistan and the Mazar-e-Quaid.
E.
Recreation and sports
Field hockey match between Pakistan and
India
The
official national sport of Pakistan is field hockey, but cricket and squash are the most popular sports.
The Pakistan
national field hockey team has won the Hockey World Cup a record four times. The Pakistan
national cricket team has won the Cricket World Cup once (in 1992), were runners-up once (in1999), and co-hosted the games twice
(in 1987 and 1996). Additionally, they have also won
the ICC World Twenty20 once (in 2009), and were runners-up (in2007). The team has also won the Austral-Asia Cup in 1986, 1990, and 1994.
At
the international level, Pakistan has competed many times at the Summer Olympics in field hockey, boxing, athletics, swimming, and shooting. Hockey is the sport in which Pakistan
has been most successful at the Olympics, winning three gold medals (1960, 1968, and 1984). Pakistan has also won theHockey World Cup four times (1971, 1978, 1982,
and 1994).[6] Pakistan has hosted several
international competitions, including the South Asian
Federation Games in 1989 and 2004.
A1 Grand Prix racing is also becoming
popular with the entry of a Pakistani team in the 2005 season. The Tour de Pakistan, modelled on the Tour de France, is an annual cycling competition
that covers the length and breadth of Pakistan. Recently, football has grown in popularity across
the country, where traditionally it had been played almost exclusively in the
western province of Balochistan. FIFA has recently teamed up with
the government to bring football closer to the northern areas too.
F.
Cuisine
Seekh kebab - one of the famous Pakistani
food specialities
Culinary
art in Pakistan comprises a mix of Middle Eastern; Punjabi cuisine, Iranian, Afghan, Indian, and Turkish influences that reflect the
country'shistory as well as the variation of
cooking practices from across the surrounding regions. Urban centres of the country offer an
amalgamation of recipes from all parts of the country, while food with specific
local ingredients and tastes is available in rural areas and villages. Besides
the main dishes ofsalan, with or without meat and cooked with vegetables or lentils, there are a number of provincial
specialties such as karahi, biryani, and tikka, in various forms and flavours,
eaten alongside a variety of breads such as naan, chapati, and roti.
There
are also local forms of grilled meat or kebabs, desserts, and a variety of hot and cold
drinks.
G.
Festivals
Ramadan
The
holiest month of the Islamic Calendar, which is a month of fasting from
sunrise to sunset and self discipline, it is widely observed in Pakistan.
Muslim Pakistanis (about 97% of the population)[citation
needed] fast, attend mosques with increased frequency, and
recite Qur'an. Special foods are cooked in greater quantities, parties are
held, and special accommodation is made by workplaces and educational
institutes.
Chand Raat
Occurs
after the Islamic month of Ramadan. Chand Raat occurs the night before Eid
day celebrations commence, marking the end of the month of Ramadan. In the
night known as Chand Raat, people celebrate by various means, such as girls
putting henna on their hands. People buy
gifts and sweets that will be given to friends and families who come over to
celebrate the end of Ramadan. The streets, major buildings and landmarks, even
outside of malls and plazas, put on displays of elaborate decorations and
colourful light shows. There are large crowds in the city center to celebrate
the beginning of Eid, and it is usually a boom time for business.
Eid celebrations
The
two Eids, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha, commemorate the passing of the
month of fasting, Ramadan, and the willingness of Ibrahim A.S to sacrifice his son Ishmael for God. On these days, there are national
holidays and many festival events that take place to celebrate Eid. As Pakistan
is a Muslim state, there are three days off for all businesses and government
offices.
On
the night before Eid, people search for the new moon to mark the end of Ramadan and
arrival of Eid ul-Fitr. The day starts with morning prayers, then returning
home for a large breakfast with family members. The day is spent visiting
relatives and friends and sharing gifts and sweets with everyone. During the
evening people hit the town for some partying, going to restaurants or relaxing
in city parks.
On
Eid ul-Adha, people may also distribute meat to relatives and neighbors and
donate food for charity.
Milaad un Nabi
Milaad un Nabi is a known religious festival
which is celebrated in many parts of Pakistan. The Milaad is the celebration
for the birthday of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad.
Muharram (Ashura)
In
Pakistan, the first ten days of Muharram are observed officially. The
10th day of Muharram is marked in the memory of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Muhammad, who was
a martyr, along with 72 family members, friends and followers during the Battle of Karbala.
Jashn-e-Baharan
Jashn-e-Baharan
aometimes referred to as Basant, is a pre-Islamic Punjabi festival that marks the coming
of spring. Celebrations in Pakistan are centered in Lahore, and people from all over the
country and abroad come to the city for the annual festivities. Kite flying competitions take place all
over the city's rooftops during Basant (now prohibited).[7] The fertile province of Punjab
was intimately tied via its agriculture to the different seasons of the year.
The arrival of spring was an important event for all farmers and was welcomed
with a celebration, hence the name Jashn(celebration) Baharan (spring).
Christmas
Christmas is usually celebrated by Pakistani Christians who account more than 3
percent of Pakistan and mostly reside in Punjab of Pakistan. Other Pakistanis
also commemorate this event to promote inter-communal harmony.
Holi
Holi is celebrated by Pakistani Hindus. Other Pakistanis celebrate with
them as well to promote communal harmony.
Nowruz
This
festival is like Nowruz of Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. In
Northern Pakistan (Chitral, Gilgit, Baltistan), and Northern Punjab, Nowruz is celebrated as a socio-religious
festival. It is also celebrated with much fervour in Balochistan, and in almost all of Pakistan's
major urban centres. The day coincides with the Spring Equinox on March 21, but
the celebration continues for weeks. In Baltistan, the main features of Nowruz
are the giving of coloured eggs to friends and polo matches. In Balochistan,
the festival is marked with outdoor feasts, and the traditional jumping over a
fire to wash away sins and usher in a fresh start. The origins of this festival
are pre-Islamic and date back to when Pakistan was part of the Achaemenid and Sassanid Persian empires.
Pakistani young girls in colorful
dresses on the occasion of Pakistan Day
Independence Day
On
August 14, the people of Pakistan celebrate the day when Pakistan gained its
independence from British India, and formed an independent state
for Muslims. There are many celebrations all over the country, with people
singing and dancing in the streets. Concerts are held with many pop and
classical singers. Parades are held in the capital city (Islamabad). Many people decorate their houses
and fly the flag of Pakistan. At night, fireworks are used in
many cities. Many people pray for the country and reflect on their pride in the
country of Pakistan.
Defense Day Parade
September
6 is another patriotic day, when the Army of Pakistan is put on display for the
general public to show Pakistan arms. All Government officials attend the
ceremony and recognitions are awarded to special people for their work. In
March 2007, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) put on display the new
joint manufactured Chinese-Pakistani aircraft called the JF-17 Thunder.
National Dress
Muslim girl wearing Shalwar Qameez,
c. 1870
The national dress is Shalwar Qameez for both men and women. It
consists of a long, loose fitting tunic with very baggy trousers. The dress is
believed to be an amalgamation of the dresses worn by the ancient Persians, and Mughal Empire who have left their impression
on the people and culture of Pakistan.[10]
The
men's version consists of solid, masculine colours, and is almost always
accompanied by a collar and buttons (similar to a polo shirt). Men often wear
an outer waistcoat over the shalwar kameez. The
women's version almost never contains collar and buttons but is often
embroidered and consists of feminine colors and may feature lace or flower
patterns.
In
the summer, a light, cotton version is often worn, while during the winter, a
heavier, wool version is worn.
The sherwani or achkan, with karakul hat is the recommended dress
for male government employees and officials, as it is not specifically
associated with any of the provinces. Most male government officials wear the formal
black sherwani on state occasions.
A
large Pakistani diaspora exists in the Western world and the Middle East. Whereas
Pakistanis in the United States, Canada and Australia tend to be professionals,
the majority of them in the United Kingdom, Germany and Scandinavia originally
came from a rural background belonging to the working class. These emigrants and their children
influence Pakistan culturally and economically, keeping close ties with their
roots by travelling to Pakistan and especially by returning or investing there.
Mercantile culture
Pakistani girl in Mehndi Function
wearing traditional Pakistani dress
Pakistan's
service sector accounts for 53% of the country's gross domestic
product. Wholesale and retail trade is 30% of this sector.
Shopping is a popular pastime for many Pakistanis, especially among the
well-to-do and the thirty-million strong middle class. The cities of Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Islamabad, Faisalabad, andQuetta are especially known for the
great contrast in shopping experiences from burgeoning bazaars to modern
multi-story shopping malls. In particular, Lahore and Karachi are peppered with
colourful shopping plazas. Over 1,081 patent applications were filed by
non-resident Pakistanis in 2004.[11]
Cultural traditions
Pakistanis have evolved an often distinct
and unique set of culture, traditions and customs in the region. Shalwar Qameez is the dress commonly worn,
both by men and women, and Kashmiru, etc. put and dances are distinctly unique
with their own melodies, instruments, patterns and styles. Pakistani arts in
metal work, tiles, furniture, rugs, designs/paintings, literature, calligraphy,
and much more are diverse and renowned internationally. Pakistani architecture
is unique with its infusion of Islamic, Persian, Turkish and Indigenous styles.
The manners and lifestyles are guided by a blend of traditions as well as the
culture. Food dishes are also attracting quite a lot of attention with its wide
blend of flavours and spices.
Ethnic groups
The
vast majority of Pakistanis are Caucasoid by race but many other distinct
minority are also present. The majority of Pakistanis are of average to above
average height. Pakistan is notable for having several individuals in the Guinness
Book of World Records, such as Alam Channa for the tallest man in the
world. Pakistanis are diverse, many possessing dark hair and eyes but light coloured eyes and light coloured hair do occur in significant
portions of the population as well, notably in the North amongst the Dardic, Kalash, Burusho, Wakhi, and north western Pashtun tribes. The typical Pakistani
can range from light to dark brown skin tones with a few exceptions in
mountainous regions of the north. Many of the people inhabiting Pakistan's western
regions share genetic affinities with ethnic groups in Iran,Afghanistan and Tajikistan. While the racial features of each
ethnic group in Pakistan are not uniform, Chitralis and some of the Dardic tribes in the north are the
most Caucasoid phenotypically, followed by the Pashtuns (also known as Pakhtuns), Kashmiris, Paharis/Potoharis, Balochis, Punjabis, and Sindhis, Muhajirs and Seraikis. The Negroid people live along the Makran coast and are a small minority
known as the Sheedi who came from East Africa in
the 15th century. Panjabis, Seraiki and The Sindhis have considerable admixture
and show a diverse phenotypic features representative of their multicultural
history.
The Mongoloid people also inhabit Pakistan
are of Central Asian origin where oftentimes their racial elements are infused
within the dominant Caucasoid genes of the vast majority of Pakistanis, however
there are many instances in which some have retained their distinct racial
characteristics. Pakistan's genetic diversity is due to various factors
including the numerous waves of migration from other regions and include Aryans mainly, in smaller
amounts Greeks, Iranians, Arabs, Turks, Scythians, Afghans to name a few and also because
of its geopolitical location straddling the Iranian Plateau, Central Asian,
Tibetan, and South Asian genetic spheres and as a result, the phenotypic
expression of its people is reflective of this diversity. Large influxes of
refugees from the surrounding nations have further exacerbated this change (Muhajirs from India in 1947, Kashmiris refugees in 1948, Iranians in
1978, Afghans in th 1980s, Tajiks and Iraqis in 2001 etc..)
Holidays
There
are many festivals celebrated annually in Pakistan, some of which, including
Pakistan Day (23 March), Independence Day (14 August), Defence of Pakistan Day
(6 September), Pakistan Air Force Day (7 September), the anniversaries of the
birth (25 December, a national holiday), and death (11 September) of Quaid-e-Azam, birth of Allama Iqbal (9 November), and the birth
(30 July) and death (8 July) of Madar-e-Millat, are observed as national
public holidays. Several important religious
festivals are celebrated by Pakistani Muslims during the year; the celebration
days depend on the lunar Islamic calendar. Ramadan, the ninth month of the calendar,
is characterised by daytime fasting for 29 to 30 days and is followed by
the festival of Eid ul-Fitr. In a second festival, Eid ul-Adha, an animal is sacrificed in
remembrance of the actions of Prophet Abraham (Arabic: Ibrahim) and the meat
is shared with friends, family, and the less fortunate. Both Eid festivals are
public holidays, serving as opportunities for people to visit family and
friends, and for children to receive new clothes, presents, and sweets. Muslims
also celebrate Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi - the birthday of the
prophet Muhammad - in the third month of the
calendar (Rabi' al-Awwal) and mark the Day of Ashurah on the 9th and 10th days of
the first month (Muharram) to commemorate the martyrdom
of Husayn bin Ali.
Zorastrians, Parsis, Bahais, Nestorians, Hindus,
Buddhists, Sikhs, and Christians in Pakistan also celebrate their own festivals
and holidays. Sikhs come from across the world to visit
several holy sites in Punjab, including the shrine of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, at Hasan Abdal in Attock District, and his birthplace, at Nankana Sahib. There are also several regional and local
festivals, such as the Punjabi festival of Basant, which marks the start of spring and is
celebrated by kite flying
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