Discover the Vibrant and Diverse Culture of Pakistan

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions, art, music, and cuisine of Pakistan. Explore the colorful festivals and learn about the cultural heritage that makes Pakistan unique.

Common Religions & Important Holidays
in Islamic Calendar

emphasize other cultures as prominent as muslims. Pakistan is a diverse country with several religious and ethnic minorities. Here are some of the major minority communities in Pakistan and their associated holidays:

Christians

Christmas is the most prominent holiday for Christians in Pakistan. It is celebrated on December 25th and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians attend church services, exchange gifts, and participate in festive meals. Quaid-e-Azam Day in Pakistan is celebrated every year on December 25. It is a celebration of Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday across Pakistan.

saint-patricks church https://architecturalanatomyblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/21/saint-patricks-cathedral-karachi/
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Karachi, is situated on Shahrah-e-Iraq, formerly known as Clarke Street, located near the Empress Market in Karachi, Pakistan.

Hindus

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a significant festival for Hindus in Pakistan. It is known as the "Festival of Lights" and celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Hindus light oil lamps, decorate their homes, exchange sweets, and perform prayers during this festival.

Swaminarayan Temple in Karachi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shri_Swaminarayan_Mandir,_Karachi
According to the Pakistan Hindu Council, Swaminarayan Jayanti, Ram Navami, Janmastami, Dussehra, Diwali and almost all of the main religious festivals are celebrated by Hindus in this temple. Holi is celebrated with the holi bonfire lit at the centre of the temple grounds, followed by the play with colours.

Sikhs

Sikhs in Pakistan celebrate various festivals, including Gurpurab, which marks the birth anniversaries of their ten gurus. The most significant Gurpurab is Guru Nanak Jayanti, which commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. Sikhs visit gurdwaras (Sikh temples), participate in processions, and engage in communal meals known as langar.

sikhs in pakistan
Sikh pilgrims shout slogans on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Nankana Sahib, a district in the Punjab province of Pakistan on November 23, 2018.

Buddhists

Although the number of Buddhists in Pakistan is relatively small, some communities celebrate Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautam Buddha. Buddhists engage in meditation, visit temples, and offer prayers and offerings during this festival.

monks in pakistan
Sri Lankan Buddhist monks visit the Buddhist monastic complex of Takhi-i-Bahi (Throne of Origins) in Mardan district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on April 23, 2021.

Parsis

The Parsi community in Pakistan celebrates Nowruz, which is the Persian New Year. It is observed on the vernal equinox and signifies the arrival of spring. Parsis engage in various rituals, including cleaning their homes, setting up a traditional table known as Haft Seen, and visiting fire temples.

mama parsi
The great Jamshed persuaded his father K B Nusserwanji R Mehta, the sole trustee of ‘N N Pochaji Trust’ and obtained a munificent donation of Rs 1,35,000/- for the construction of The Mama Parsi Girls’ High School. The Parsi community owes a debt of gratitude to Seth N N Pochaji.
eid ul fitr
For those who practice the Islamic faith, this much-anticipated celebration comes after the last day of Ramadan — a holy month of fasting, worship, and prayer for Muslims. This year ( Eid al-Fitr comes evening of Tue, Apr 9, 2024 – Wed, Apr 10, 2024 )

Eid al-Fitr

A significant Islamic festival celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It marks the breaking of the fast and is a time for family gatherings, feasting, giving of gifts, and charitable acts.

boy with goat
Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice is the second and the largest of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam. It honours the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son, either Isaac or Ismail, as an act of obedience to God's command. This year ( Evening of Sun, Jun 16, 2024 – Mon, Jun 17, 2024 )

Eid al-Adha

Also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," this holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It involves the sacrifice of an animal, usually a sheep or goat, and the distribution of the meat to the needy.

ashura in karbala
Muharram commemorates the death of Prophet Muhammed's grandson, Hussein Ibn Ali, who was brutally martyred during the Battle of Karbala on the tenth day of Muharram, known as the Day of Ashura.

Muharram

The first month of the Islamic calendar, and it holds special religious significance for Shia Muslims. The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is observed as a day of mourning and commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

Pakistan lights up for Eid e Milad-un-Nabi
Pakistan lights up for Eid e Milad-un-Nabi

Milad un-Nabi

Celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims gather to recite prayers, listen to sermons, and engage in acts of charity and remembrance of the Prophet's teachings.

Laylat al-Qadr
With the setting of the sun, the faithful started gathering at mosques to offer special prayers for peace, progress, and prosperity of the country, besides seeking forgiveness for their sins.

Laylat al-Qadr

Known as the "Night of Power," it is considered the holiest night of the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe that on this night, the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It is a night of prayer, devotion, and seeking blessings.

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