Festivals

Pakistan’s calendar features a great many Muslim religious festivals. Others are in memory of National Heroes or commemorate political events in the nation’s recent history. Muslim festivals are celebrated according to Muslim (Lunar) Calendar and may occur some 10 days earlier each successive Christian Year. There are several folk festivals held regularly in every part of the country. Exact dates of such festivals are fixed annually by the District Administration of the respective area, at least 01 month in advance. Pakistan’s main festivals are listed below;
1. Shab-e-Barat:*
Religious festival celebrated on 14th of Shaaban, the 8th Islamic month. Prayers, fire works, exchange of sweet dishes and visits.

2. Eid-ul-Fitr*:
Religious festival celebrating end of fasting month on 1st of Shawwal, the 10th month of Islamic Calendar. Special prayer after sun-rise, exchange of sweet dishes, visits.

3. Sibi Festival:
(Last week of February)
At Sibi (Balochistan). Traditional sports, handicrafts exhibition, folk music and dances.

4. Sindh Horse & Cattle Show:
(Last week of February)
At Jacobabad (Sindh). Similar activities as in Sibi Festival.

5. Jashan-e-Larkana:
(Last week of February)
At Larkana (Sindh). Traditional sports, exhibition of handicrafts, folk music and dances.

6. Nauroze:
(21-23 March)
Celebrated only in Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu and Chitral. Polo, foot-ball, volley-ball and hockey matches, folk dances and music.

7. Pakistan Day*:
(23 March)
Commemorating the anniversary of Pakistan Resolution passed on March 23, 1940. Military parade at provincial capitals and Islamabad.

8. Mela Chiraghan (Festival of lamps):
(Last week of March)
Held for 01 week outside Shalimar Gardens, Lahore.

9. Horse & Cattle Show: (Last week of February)
At Lahore. Local games, folk dances, music, cattle races and exhibition of local handicrafts.

10. Jashan-e-Shikarpur: (In April for 01 week)
At Shikarpur, Sindh. Cultural activities, local sports and handicrafts exhibition.

11. Eid-ul-Azha*:
Religious festival commemorating the great sacrifice offered by Prophet Abraham. Celebrated on 10 Zilhaj, 12th month of Islamic Calendar. Collective prayers after sun set, sacrifice of goats, sheep, cows or camels and distribution of meat among relatives, friends and poor.

12. Joshi or Chilimjusht:
(14-15 May)
Kalash festival of welcoming spring, held in Kalash Valleys near Chitral. Folk dances, music and exchange of dishes.

13. Shandur Polo Tournament:
(07-09 July)
At Shandur Pass near Chitral, on the highest polo ground in the world. Polo matches, folk music and dances.

14. Utchal:
(15-16 July)
A harvest festival, celebrated by Kalash people in Kalash Valleys, Chitral.

15. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi*:
(Ist week of July, 99)
(Birthday of Prophet Hazrat Mohammad,p.b.u.h. on 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal - the 3rd month of Islamic Calendar.

16. Independence Day*:
(14 August)
Meeting, processions, rallies, decorations and illustrations all over the country.

17. Defense of Pakistan Day:
(06 September)
Parades and exhibitions of military equipment at Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi. Visits to the war memorials. (No national holiday except Armed Forces)


18. Phool:
(20-25 September)
Held in Kalash Valleys near Chitral. Reaping grapes and walnuts, dancing and singing.

19. Lok Mela:
(1st week of October, for one week)
Folk Festival held at Islamabad. Folk Music, songs, music contests, folk dances, craftsmen at work, exhibition and sale of handicrafts. The festival presents a unique opportunity to watch the culture and craft of the whole country at one place.

21. Chowmas:
(18-21 October)
Held in Kalash Valleys near Chitral. Welcoming of winter with first snow-fall. Activities restrict to indoor.

22. Birthday of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, national Poet*.
(09 November)

23. National Industrial Exhibition Islamabad:
(Middle of November till Middle of December) Exhibition and sale of Pakistan’s industrial products and handicraft items.

24. National Industrial Exhibition Lahore:
(3rd week of November for 15 days)
Held at Fortress Stadium, Lahore. Exhibition and sale of industrial products and handicrafts of Pakistan.

25. National Horse & Cattle Show Lahore:
(3rd week of February for 05 days )
Held at Fortress Stadium, Lahore. Cattle races, cattle dances, tent-pegging, tattoo show, folk music, dances, bands, cultural floats and folk games.

26. Christmas and Birthday of Quaid-e-Azam*:
(25 December)
*National Holidays