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CULTURE OF PAKISTAN

The society and culture of Pakistan comprises numerous diverse cultures and ethnic groups: the Punjabis, Kashmiri and Sindhis in the east; the tribal cultures of the Baloch and Pashtun in the west; and the ancient Dardic and Tajik communities in the north

Islam is the state religion in Pakistan, which is practised by about 95-97% of the 174,578,558 people of the nation. The remaining 3-5% practice Christianity, Hinduism and other religions. Thus, Muslims have strong faith in Islam.

Muslims (those who practice the Islam religion) are forbidden to eat pork or consume alcohol; they concentrated on other areas of food such as beef, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Mughal cooking remains an important part of Pakistani cuisine. Foods such as shahi tukra , a dessert made with sliced bread, milk, cream, sugar, and saffron (a type of spice), and chicken tandoori are still enjoyed in the twenty-first century. Chicken tandoori is chicken that is cooked at a low temperature in special large clay ovens called tandoors.

Salwar kameez (shalwar qameez) is the national dress of Pakistan. Salwars are loose trousers designed in various styles. Originally, the salwars were flared towards the bottom with embellishments or fancy cutwork. Today, there are many variations of the same. At times, the bottom of the salwar is narrow and fitting. The salwar kameez is important especially during the festivals celebrated in Pakistan, for men as well as women. Salwar kameez is also popular due to the comfort factor. The salwar is tied at the waist with the help of a drawstring and more recently; elastic is also used for the same purpose. The fit is generally baggy or tapering. Narrow tight fitting salwars are known as churidars.

The kameez is large and loose fitting tunic worn with the baggy salwar. Men as well as women wear the same attire, with a difference in the colors used, fits, silhouettes and the kind of embellishments used. Interesting patterns woven with lace are used to add femininity to the kameez. Women also use a dupatta with the salwar kameez. Dupattas are long yards of cloth available along with the salwar kameez because their color and pattern is coordinated as per the entire ensemble. Women also wear scarves or shawls with the salwar kameez that is used to wrap around the head and neck area. A variety of synthetic or cotton fabrics are used in the creation of the salwar kameez.

The very first ceremony, the AZAN, is performed when the baby is barely hours old. The traditional Islamic call to prayer is said in the baby's ear by his grandfather or some other venerable relative or friend. The baby's eyes are lined with KAJAL and SURMA (colirium) and a small SURMA dot is applied on his forehead to ward off evil eye. Superstitious parents often tie lengths of black string around the infant's wrists.

The child next comes into the limelight when he is four years, four months, and four days old. He is now considered old enough to learn to read and the occasion is sanctified by the BISMILLAH ceremony. BISMILLAH is the first word in the Holy Quran. It means In the name of God. After the Bismillah ceremony come the AMIN. This solemn ceremony is performed when the child finishes his first reading of the Holy Quran.

One of the skills highly prized in the young girl is the ability to read well at MILAD. To offer thanks is a spontaneous reaction, of course, but people prefer to make it an impressive event.

By Hafiza Tooba Sayeed and Manahal Ayaz