Cultural festivals in Pakistan aren’t just a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage, they are a complete experience in itself. Being home to many extraordinary cultures, each carrying its own significance and features, Pakistan provides a wholesome experience for travelers looking to experience its culture.
Another great thing about Pakistani cultural festivals is that they offer all kinds of experiences. Want to experience religion and spirituality, attend an Urs or a religious procession. Have a knack for history and civilization, Pakistani northern area festivals have got you covered.
Famous festivals in Pakistan 2024
We’re almost reaching the tail end of 2024 and that means festivals that take place in the beginning and middle of the year are behind us. That said, you can still experience these year-end cultural festivals in Pakistan.
Lok Virsa Festival (date varies)
Lok Virsa is considered one of the biggest cultural festivity in Pakistan. Lok Mela continues to attract performers and artisans from around the globe. This festival usually takes place in October-November with the federal capital Islamabad hosting a bunch of multi-cultural activities. As far as Lok Virsa Festival 2024 date is concerned, the organizers have yet to announce a schedule. Taking its previous schedule into account, it is safe to say that Lok Mela 2024 will run for 10 days in November.
Iqbal Day (Nov 9)
Not a festival per say but Iqbal Day still has its importance in Pakistan. This time of the year is dedicated to the memory of Pakistan’s national poet, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a 20th century poet and visionary whose contributions to Urdu and Persian poetry, as well as to the Pakistani cause, ultimately paved the way for the creation of Pakistan.
Christmas/Quaid-e-Azam’s birthday (Dec 25)
December 25 is a global holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In Pakistan, December 25 also happens to be the date its founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was born more than 130 years ago. The country is lit with bright lights and decorations to celebrate the dual occasions. The day is marked with seminars, conventions, debates, and speech competitions all over Pakistan. Charity from Christian missionaries is distributed to the poor and sick all over the country in celebration of Christmas.
Top cultural events in Pakistan for tourists
Pakistan is among the world’s most popular tourist destinations and for a number of reasons. The country offers diversity when it comes to different cultures. From the Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar to Silk Route Festival, check out these top cultural events in Pakistan for tourist.
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs (18th Sha’aban)
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs is a fantastic commemoration of one of the most revered Sufi saints in South Asia, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. This particular festivity attracts over a million devotees from all across Pakistan. At the center of this celebration is his shrine in Sindh’s Sehwan locality. Popular attractions include dhammal, qawwali, folk singing and traditional Sindh wrestling.
Silk Route Festival
If you love history, travel, and adventure, the Silk Route Festival is for you. This festival is not limited to Pakistan as it is observed around the globe during different seasons. In Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan is the most frequented site for the September-October Silk Route Festival, which offers a unique experience for travel and tourism aficionados.
Broghil Festival
You may have heard of Broghil Festival, which features some epic Yak Polo games. This festival takes place in one of Pakistan’s most far-flung areas, Broghil, located at the far north of the Chitral District. The fest is held in Ishkarwaz, which can only be reached by Jeep from the small transit town of Mastuj. There’s no denying that reaching Broghil is extremely difficult but the Broghil Festival is worth exploring.
Pakistan festivals to attend
We’ve talked about a variety of Pakistani festivals, each offering something unique to visitors. Apart from the cultural festivals found in northern areas, there are many festivities that are celebrated all across the country.
The best Pakistan festivals to attend include the two Eids – Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha – that mark the end of the fasting month (Ramadan) and the arrival of Hajj (Muslim annual pilgrimage). Pakistan’s majority Muslim population are extremely fond of celebrating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This celebration takes place on Eid Milad-un-Nabi where streets in every corner are decorated with garlands and devotional tracks playing in background.
Another popular festival is the Shandur Polo competition, which takes place every year at the world’s highest polo ground in Babusar (Gilgit-Baltistan). The Shandur Polo Festival is held in August every year, and is celebrated by the tribes of Gilgit and Chitral. The tribes first meet at the Shandur Pass in the glorious Hindukush mountain range. The ground is adjacent to Shandur Lake. If you’re looking for Shandur Poli Festival travel guide, there are many travel agencies offering tours of the valley.
Pakistani festivals and celebrations
Pakistan festivals and celebrations are in a league of their own. The country’s diverse culture, exceptional natural beauty, and hospitable people make it an amazing place to visit all year around. So if you haven’t, book a ticket because these cultural festivals in Pakistan are truly worth experiencing.
