Name: Zahra Batool
Class: 4
Section: J K.Rowling
Subject: English
Submitted to: Mam Khadija Jabeen
CULTURES OF PAKISTAN
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Cultures of Pakistan:
If there is a country whose culture is starkly contrasted by its international image,
it has to be Pakistan. Pakistanis all over the world often face the dilemma of
explaining what their culture really entails, thanks to years of news-media
exaggeration and agenda setting. Beyond democratic and economic
disappointment dwells a world of Pakistani civil society that works resiliently
against all odds to keep what matters most intact: the country’s vibrant culture.
Let’s try to get to know Pakistan a little better.
Pakistani Culture is very Diverse:
Thanks to its historical, geographical and
ethnic diversity, Pakistan’s culture is a melting
pot of Indian, Persian, Afghan, Central Asian,
South Asian and Western Asian influences.
There are over 15 major ethnic groups in
Pakistan, which differ in physical features,
historical bloodlines, customs, dress, food and
music. Some of these include Punjabis,
Sindhis, Baloch, Pashtuns, Kashmiris,
Hazaras, Makranis and Baltis, coming from
regions as close to home as the Indus Valley
or as far as Africa or Tibet. Other than ancient
ethnic elements, the religious influence of Islam has also strongly shaped
Pakistani culture since it first came to the region in AD 700.
Punjabi Culture:
Punjab is also the province of Pakistan and also renowned in the world. Its
name is itself shows its meaning that is Punj (means five) and Aab (means
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water/river), Punjab is the province in which five rivers flow namely River
Sindh, River Ravi, River Sutlej, River Jhelum, and River Chenab. Its land
is considered to be the land of five rivers.
Punjabi culture is the culture of punjabi people that has been known as the
richest and the oldest culture in the world history. The people live in Punjab
have different cast like some of which are Rajput, Gujjar, Syed, Sheikh, Arai
etc. The main site of Indus valley civilization in Punjab was the city of
Harrapa.
The language that people of Punjab speak, is called Punjabi. It is the regional
language. Punjabi is referred to people who come from the areas of Punjab.
Punjabi language has its originating source in Sanskrit Punjab has always
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been land of great Saints and Fighters. Music of Punjab is becoming famous
all over the world specially the Bhangra – the most eminent feature of culture.
Punjabi are very hardworking, love to hear music and dance which you can
see in their Bhangra beats that is becoming famous day by day. Weather of
Punjab is very moderate, which shows a mild nature of their behaviour. The
people are also very religious and fashionable the same. Hence Punjab is
famous for its food also that people from all over the world are crazy for
Punjabi food and like come to Pakistan gain and again. Punjab is also famous
for its crockery and also for its numerous ancient buildings.
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Sindhi Culture:
Like the people of Punjab speaks Punjabi mostly, Sindhi speaks Sindhi language
that is an ancient, traditional language and is spoken in most parts of the Pakistan.
The people of Sindh wear Sindhi dresses i.e loose Kameez and the Shalwar and
love to eat Sindhi food-low spices.
EKTA – One of the Cultural days of Sindh
In typical Sindhi weddings, the food Is mostly
Sindhi Mutton, curry, Palak, Channa daal,
Dilpasand Curry. Sindhi people are very keen
and fond of work, their handicrafts have a unique
and a different style.
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Sindhi culture can be seen in Sindhi tablos and shows. Have a glance below
Sports that are famous in Sindhi culture includes Malakhiro, Kodi, Wanjh
Wati etc. Similarly Sindhi music is unique i.e Sufi music is usually performed at
shrines. Folk lores of sindh also had a great importance. Sindhi poetry like the
poetry of Shah abdul latif bhattai,Sheikh ayaz,Ustaad bhikhari,Sachal
Sarmost is very famous in Pakistan.
People of Sindh love to wear Sindhi toppi(cap), that is the most eminent feature
of sindh culture. Its city Karachi, its food also had a great demand worldwide.
The Sindh’s people are quite hardworking, hospitable, open minded and peaceful
in their nature, even though in Sindhi temples, images of Sri rama and Sri
krishna (Hindu’s God) is placed.
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Balochi Culture:
Baluchistan is the largest province of Pakistan with respect to geographical
boundaries, approximately 48% of Pakistan area is covered by this province.
Baluchistan’s people and things are called as Balochi. Balochi culture is
primarily tribal and conservative.
Balochi dry fruits are very famous all over the world.
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Their special food item Sajji is liked and loved by a lot. They also eat roasted
lamb sand mutton.
Their dress code is very special i.e Shalwar Qameez and Turbun. Women like to
wear Frocks and Shalwar.Their jewellery is made of metal which has a great
attraction for them.
Balochi leather work has gained much popularity
in the world. Now shoes, sandles, prayers mats,
matting for stone shelter are getting popular. Most
of the women do embroidery on clothes. Balochi
culture is also rich in poetry and literature.
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Khayber-Pakhtoon-Khuwah Culture:
North Western Frontire of Pakistan (NWFP) was the former name of Khayber-
Pakhtoon-Khuwah. It was named as NWFP by the British
administration during the colonial period as this was the last frontier of the
British Empire. The mighty river Indus that starts from Himalayas and flows
down through Pakistan up to the Ariban Sea is natural boarder of KPK with the
Punjab province.
It is divided in to seven divisions and tribal areas know as FATA (Federal
Administered Tribal Areas). If you have not been to KPK and wonder what it
is going to be like, close your eyes and think about a haven on earth; a piece of
land surrounded by high gorgeous mountains with snow clad peaks decorated by
mother nature with wonderful pine forest and orchards of apples, apricots,
peaches, plums and oranges at the foothills.
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You will find the most beautiful lakes of the world situated in these mountains
like the Saif-ul-Malook a legendry lack in the Hazara division, the Maho Dand in
Swat and the Dude Patsar lake to name a few. There are glaciers and unique
variety of Trout fish in the Swat area. Running down from these mountains are
rivers and streams to the plains to make the land rich and fertile for all types of
agriculture.
It is also known as the Switzerland of Pakistan because of its beauty.
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The people of KPK are very hospitable, loving, caring and brave. They are known
for their love and respect to their guests. The main language is Pushto other
languages like Hindko, Kohistani etc are also spoken in KPK.
More over the Pukhtoon society has always given great protection and respect
to their females. In return the female has given all the respect to their males. The
mother, sisters and wife take care of the house hold and children. And no one
expects any financial support from the female. The head of a family who is always
a male takes care of the family’s needs of cloths, food and education etc.
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This is ultimate culture of Pakistan that depicts the norms, values and culture of
its different areas. It is the blessed country of the world that enjoy all four
weathers, land, water, moderate atmosphere and everything, and Pakistani utilize
these things very wisely and enjoy it. It is the best country to live in.
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Kashmiri Culture:
The culture of Kashmir is a blend of multiple customs and came from Northern
India, Northern Pakistan and the Chinese territory of Aksai Chin. The state
enjoys the presence of mix religions and that’s why Kashmir is famous for its
cultural heritage. It amalgamates Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Buddhist people
who make Kashmir more beautiful by adopting their own culture that has
brought many changes in their living style.
Origin, Background & People
The Kashmiri population in an ethno-linguistic group that can be compared
with an Indo-Greek with their racial structure of the Kashmiris. The native of
Kashmiri people lives in Pakistan, Upper Punjab and Potohar where they
organize a group and live together. Although, Kashmiri people live in different
parts of India they are mainly gathered in the Valley of Kashmir, Doda,
Kishtwar and Ramban thasils of Jammu Division. Their language is highly
influenced by the Sanskrit language and mostly spoken by Kashmiri Muslims
and Kashmiri Hindus. However, you can find variation in language when you
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will travel to different parts of Kashmir. Their writing script consists of Arabic
style.
According to the sources, Wazwan and their culture is highly influenced by
Central Asian and Persian culture. Their dance, music, cuisine, carpet weaving
and Koshur Sufiana forms a significant part of Kashmiri identity. Kashmiri
culture is mainly followed by people living in Kashmir valley and Dodab of
the Chenab region. The valley is known for the fine arts including traditional
boats and houseboats, handicrafts and poetry.
Cuisines:
Kashmir has some mouth-watering cuisine in both vegetarian and non-
vegetarian dishes. The popular dishes of meat are Kashmiri Kebag, Rogan
Josh, Yakhni, Pasanda, Syun Alu and Methi Keema. All the non-vegetarian
lovers will have a lot to choose from. Some of the famous vegetarian dishes
include Hak, Rajmah, Zarda, Tursh, Shree Pulao, Nadeir Yakhaen, and Ladyar
Tsaman. These dishes are prepared with fresh vegetables with paneer to give
an interesting taste to the cuisine.
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If you are dessert lover then you must try sevaiyaan, phirni and barfi among
others which would make you fall in love with these sweets. Guest in Kashmir
is welcomed with hot sheer tea and Kahwah which you have never tasted
before. Kashmiri Pulao is also a famous dish worldwide which is prepared in
almost every home at regular intervals. A large number of Kashmiri people
also love hak or karam sag which is mostly made during winter to keep
themselves protected from chilled weather.
Costumes:
The costume of Kashmiri people is very colourful and attractive. The majority
of people wear traditional costume and women attire themselves with
gorgeous jewellery like nose ring, bangles, earrings, necklaces and lose salwar
kamiz which make them comfortable during the hot season. Whereas, men
dress themselves in kurta pajama, shalwars, gurabi and skullcaps. Pheran is
kind of overcoat wore by Kashmiri people during winter which is decorated
with colourful patches and embroidery work.
Most of the costumes of Kashmiri people are loose gown and it just varies in
quality of fabric according to the weather. Most of the men wear headgear and
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women wear a skullcap. Most of the women cover their head and shoulders
from strangers and elders as a matter of respect. The Kashmiri costume truly
indicates their culture and lifestyle. It also shows that India is still following
their cultural values.
Festivals and Observances:
A large number of festivals are celebrated by Kashmiri people with full joy
and enthusiasm. Besides a panoramic view of the landscape, J & K is a home
to rich cultural heritage and it is easily reflected by the festival celebration by
the Kashmiri people. Some of the popular festivals are Baishakhi, Lohri, Eid-
ul-Fitr, Hemis festival, Tulip Festival, Shikara Festival, Gurez Festival, Sindu
Darshan and Domoche. A large number of people gather during the festive
season and enjoy these auspicious days with lots of enthusiasm.
Traditional dance, participation in painting, multi-cuisine and shops of
handicrafts are an integral part of these festivals. Numerous fairs like Bahu
Mela, Jhiri Mela and Craft Mela are also organized on some auspicious days
where Kashmiri Culture is highlighted by those people. Kashmir is one of the
best places where you can see rich heritage and culture along with its beauty.
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Handicrafts:
Kashmir is a popular place for their beautiful and unique Handicraft. The
Pashmina Shawl is famous worldwide for its quality and fabric. Almost every
woman love and desire Pashmina Shawl as it symbolizes royalty. The design
and embroidery work on the shawl is breathtaking also, the warmth and
softness that it offers is completely matchless. Kashmir is also famous for their
hand-knotted carpets and woolen rugs having floral design.
On the other hand, basketry, paper mache, wooden carving furniture made of
walnut wood and silverware are one of the best handicrafts offered by
Kashmiri people. As Kashmir is one of the best attractions for tourist, the
handicraft industry is getting expanded by the government.
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Dance and Music:
Kashmir has its own style of dance performance and music that is simple and
fabulous. Almost every festival and fair consists of dance and music that is a
big attraction for tourist also. There is a wide variety of dance and music that
is performed according to the occasion. One of the popular dance forms is
Mask dance that is performed during the Hemis Festival. The dancers wear
colorful costume, wear face mask and brocade robes and do ceremonial
dances. Other major dance forms are Chakri, Ladishah, Ruf dance and
Dandaras dance. Roul, Dogri and Wuegi-Nachun are some of the forms of folk
dance.
Kashmiri people love folk music and tap their feet on the most famous Rabab
music. The common instruments played in this music are Sitar, Dukra and
Nagara. Wanawun, Ghazals, Sufi and Choral are some major music forms in
Kashmir that are sung during wedding ceremonies and festivals.
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Occupation:
Kashmir occupation is majorly involved in agriculture and popular cultivated
items include Rice, Maize, Mustard, Cottom seed, Radish, Onions, Gourd,
Lotus-stalk, Linseed, Carrots, etc. The climatic condition of Kashmir also
helps in cultivation of fruits like mulberry, grapes, plums, apples, cherries,
apricots, walnuts, almond, etc. Agricultural exports and exports of handicrafts,
shawls, and rugs bring the state a handsome amount of foreign exchange.
Jammu and Kashmir have a mix culture that has majorly come from Northern
India. Go ahead and explore the rich culture of Kashmir with your next trip to
this destination. Plan your tour to Kashmir with EaseMyTrip Flights and
experience a new phase of life at Paradise on Earth.
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