Post by maruf on Jul 6, 2004 1:34:48 GMT -5
Pakistan: A Blend of Diverse Cultures and People
By Fatima Sajid
22/06/2003
A woman from Kafiristan
Pakistan is an ethnic melting pot, a refreshing and interesting mix of many cultures and traditions from different parts of the sub-continent. From the local inhabitants of the four provinces — Sindh, Punjab, Baluchistan and Frontier — to the immigrants from India at the time of partition and later, Pakistan is a kaleidoscope of people that represent this "Land of the Pure". Though Urdu is the national language, the many other tongues and dialects are spoken freely. From the sweet-sounding Sindhi to the strong tones of Punjabi and Pushtu, each language is unique. Furthermore, the Gujrati and Urdu spoken by immigrants from India are no less culturally endowed.
The different traditions that come with the various ethnic backgrounds give this country a colorful and exciting look. The Sindhis that come from the desert are a people of great hospitality. Be he an affluent zamindar (landowner), or a poor farmer, host allows his visitor or guest to leave without a glass of goat milk or tea. The embroidery of the area is beautiful and exquisite with mirror-work done by the women. In the drier parts, the people that live in the Thar Desert lead a semi-nomadic life in their quest for water. Their women wear a riot of vibrant colors and glass bangles up to the elbow. The tie-dyed chunri of the area is indeed a work of art. Cotton fabric is tied into small knots and dyed several times in different colors.
Punjab, the "Land of Five Rivers" is steeped in Mogul architecture and the remnants of a glorious past by rulers of the sub-continent. The Lahore Fort is a reminder of how the Mogul rulers brought their Persian influence and riches to the land centuries ago.
Lassi, sweetened buttermilk, is offered to every visitor to a Punjabi home. The area is known for its beautiful intricately patterned pottery that can adorn any home.
The different traditions give this country a colorful and exciting look
The Punjabis are a fun-loving people. Lahore's world-famous Basant or Kite Festival to herald spring is an event much loved and enjoyed by locals and visitors from abroad. Colorful kites fill the skies and the occasion offers the best of food, shopping and excitement for people of all ages. The streets are a spectacle of fun and festivities, with all kinds of local delights sold. Everyone is beautifully dressed in the colors of the season and a delightful mix of reds, oranges, yellows and mustards greets the onlooker. The kite or patang is the main theme in this week-long festival. The Balochis are a fiercely tribal lot. They guard their age-old traditions with pride and honor.
Rhythmic and song-loving are the people that live along the Makran coast. They mainly rely on fishing for their livelihood. A Makrani boatman is adept at preparing a delicious meal of fish or prawns on his vessel to the delight of any visitor.
The Pathans from the Frontier province are brave, tall and muscular people, much like the Afghans that they share their border with. They are sensitive, loyal and hard working. Their traditional Khatak dance, (sword dance) holds many spellbound with the dexterity displayed in handling the shiny deadly weapon. Participants wear loose shalwars and swirling kurtas to enhance the effect and enable their complex moves with ease.
The traditional Khatak dance
Taking to the hills in the north to view the beautiful mountains and experience the true ethnic flavor of the mountain people is an enriching experience both in mind and body. Whether one takes off from the city of Peshawar for Swat for the beautiful Kaghan Valley, or goes up to the legendary lake of Saif-ul-Muluk, the beauty of the area is simply breathtaking and the people of the north are a pleasure to be with. They echo the essence of the region with their stories of fairies and princes. Traditionally, they are excellent craftsmen of silver and metal and the jewelry of the area, encrusted with semi-precious stones, is a collector’s item. They are also famous for intricate woodcarvings on furniture and doors. Moreover, the pashmina and woolen shawls, all hand-embroidered with the finest of threads, are treasures to own.
The mountains are home to another unique tribe in an area called Kafiristan. The people are unique in their religion and way of life, which has remained unchanged for many centuries. The women wear elaborate headdresses and necklaces worked with colorful beads and wear elegant long robes. They are a friendly and happy band of individuals with their tribal dances and customs partaken of by many visitors to the region.
The best place to experience this potpourri of diverse cultures is the metropolitan city of Karachi. People from all parts of the country reside here. One can see a Makrani racing his donkey-cart right next to the latest Lexus or Mercedes on the roads.
The variety of people that live in this small but proud nation is not limited to culture alone but also religion. Though Islam is the prevalent religion, Christians, Hindus and Parsi (Zoroastrian) communities also reside here and practice their religion freely and celebrate all their important festivals with great fervor. Be it Christmas, Divali or Navroze, each festival is celebrated and respected.
The Pakistani wedding is another striking feature of this land and the many festivals and rituals of the traditional wedding, or shadi, are equaled by none other in the world. From the first occasion of the mayun — when the bride is blessed by the elders, clothed in pale saffron or simple yellow clothes a week beforehand — to the final valima (post-wedding dinner hosted by the groom), each function is rich in ethnic flavor. After the mayun, during which a yellow paste of sandalwood, turmeric and other herbs is mixed with rosewater and applied to the bride-to-be, the most enjoyable occasion of the entire ceremony takes place, which is the mehndi ceremony. The bride-to-be now changes to green, the original color of henna. The air is filled with the exotic scents of roses, henna and perfume, and with the resounding beat of the dholki, mingled with songs and laughter. Garlands, bouquets and rose petals adorn every corner. The rukhsati or wedding day dawns with preparations of the great feast and for the bride to look her very best on her last day at her parent’s house.
The Pakistani bride, no matter which cultural background she comes from, is famous for her elaborate and exquisite dress and jewelry. The long flowing dupatta or veil is heavily worked with painstaking patterns in sequins, beads, and gold or silver thread. The long skirt is made of traditional silk or brocade. The jewelry consists of the traditional nath (nose ring) and the forehead is adorned with a tika along with all the other adornments. The traditional color is red, but any other color is also acceptable. Brides may also wear a sari or shalwar kurta according to the family tradition.
Hand-embroidered textiles are treasures
The average wedding hosts anywhere from 500 to 1,000 guests due to the close family ties that are part of the culture. As fiting the mood, the food is the most delicious of meals. From the aromatic and tasty blend of the traditional barbecue kababs and parathas, to the crisp seafood and famous spicy, saffron rice called biryani, each dish is a treat for the palate.
Aside from the regular menus, each community also prepares its own special recipes and customs during the ceremonies. The Parsis excel in the unique preparation of fish in banana leaves; the Bohras, immigrants from India, boast the best crispy fried chicken; the Sindhis have their own delicious biryani; and the Punjabis prepare an interesting curry of chicken and chick peas called murgh chola, to name just a few.
One of the most important religious events is `Ashura' on the 10th of Muharram, which is observed with great solemnity to pay respects to the great sacrifice of Imam Hussayn, the grandson of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Another one, `Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Glass bangles glitter on women’s wrists and sweet meats adorn every dining table. The traditional sheer khurma, which is vermicelli prepared in milk with almonds, pistachios and saffron, is a treat worth waiting for. Additionally, ‘Eid al-Ad-ha, is also celebrated to evoke Islamic values of sacrifice and obedience to Allah.
With all their ethnic and cultural diversity, Pakistanis are significantly patriotic. No matter what their differences are, they share a common bond, which is a land they all share and love.
By Fatima Sajid
22/06/2003
A woman from Kafiristan
Pakistan is an ethnic melting pot, a refreshing and interesting mix of many cultures and traditions from different parts of the sub-continent. From the local inhabitants of the four provinces — Sindh, Punjab, Baluchistan and Frontier — to the immigrants from India at the time of partition and later, Pakistan is a kaleidoscope of people that represent this "Land of the Pure". Though Urdu is the national language, the many other tongues and dialects are spoken freely. From the sweet-sounding Sindhi to the strong tones of Punjabi and Pushtu, each language is unique. Furthermore, the Gujrati and Urdu spoken by immigrants from India are no less culturally endowed.
The different traditions that come with the various ethnic backgrounds give this country a colorful and exciting look. The Sindhis that come from the desert are a people of great hospitality. Be he an affluent zamindar (landowner), or a poor farmer, host allows his visitor or guest to leave without a glass of goat milk or tea. The embroidery of the area is beautiful and exquisite with mirror-work done by the women. In the drier parts, the people that live in the Thar Desert lead a semi-nomadic life in their quest for water. Their women wear a riot of vibrant colors and glass bangles up to the elbow. The tie-dyed chunri of the area is indeed a work of art. Cotton fabric is tied into small knots and dyed several times in different colors.
Punjab, the "Land of Five Rivers" is steeped in Mogul architecture and the remnants of a glorious past by rulers of the sub-continent. The Lahore Fort is a reminder of how the Mogul rulers brought their Persian influence and riches to the land centuries ago.
Lassi, sweetened buttermilk, is offered to every visitor to a Punjabi home. The area is known for its beautiful intricately patterned pottery that can adorn any home.
The different traditions give this country a colorful and exciting look
The Punjabis are a fun-loving people. Lahore's world-famous Basant or Kite Festival to herald spring is an event much loved and enjoyed by locals and visitors from abroad. Colorful kites fill the skies and the occasion offers the best of food, shopping and excitement for people of all ages. The streets are a spectacle of fun and festivities, with all kinds of local delights sold. Everyone is beautifully dressed in the colors of the season and a delightful mix of reds, oranges, yellows and mustards greets the onlooker. The kite or patang is the main theme in this week-long festival. The Balochis are a fiercely tribal lot. They guard their age-old traditions with pride and honor.
Rhythmic and song-loving are the people that live along the Makran coast. They mainly rely on fishing for their livelihood. A Makrani boatman is adept at preparing a delicious meal of fish or prawns on his vessel to the delight of any visitor.
The Pathans from the Frontier province are brave, tall and muscular people, much like the Afghans that they share their border with. They are sensitive, loyal and hard working. Their traditional Khatak dance, (sword dance) holds many spellbound with the dexterity displayed in handling the shiny deadly weapon. Participants wear loose shalwars and swirling kurtas to enhance the effect and enable their complex moves with ease.
The traditional Khatak dance
Taking to the hills in the north to view the beautiful mountains and experience the true ethnic flavor of the mountain people is an enriching experience both in mind and body. Whether one takes off from the city of Peshawar for Swat for the beautiful Kaghan Valley, or goes up to the legendary lake of Saif-ul-Muluk, the beauty of the area is simply breathtaking and the people of the north are a pleasure to be with. They echo the essence of the region with their stories of fairies and princes. Traditionally, they are excellent craftsmen of silver and metal and the jewelry of the area, encrusted with semi-precious stones, is a collector’s item. They are also famous for intricate woodcarvings on furniture and doors. Moreover, the pashmina and woolen shawls, all hand-embroidered with the finest of threads, are treasures to own.
The mountains are home to another unique tribe in an area called Kafiristan. The people are unique in their religion and way of life, which has remained unchanged for many centuries. The women wear elaborate headdresses and necklaces worked with colorful beads and wear elegant long robes. They are a friendly and happy band of individuals with their tribal dances and customs partaken of by many visitors to the region.
The best place to experience this potpourri of diverse cultures is the metropolitan city of Karachi. People from all parts of the country reside here. One can see a Makrani racing his donkey-cart right next to the latest Lexus or Mercedes on the roads.
The variety of people that live in this small but proud nation is not limited to culture alone but also religion. Though Islam is the prevalent religion, Christians, Hindus and Parsi (Zoroastrian) communities also reside here and practice their religion freely and celebrate all their important festivals with great fervor. Be it Christmas, Divali or Navroze, each festival is celebrated and respected.
The Pakistani wedding is another striking feature of this land and the many festivals and rituals of the traditional wedding, or shadi, are equaled by none other in the world. From the first occasion of the mayun — when the bride is blessed by the elders, clothed in pale saffron or simple yellow clothes a week beforehand — to the final valima (post-wedding dinner hosted by the groom), each function is rich in ethnic flavor. After the mayun, during which a yellow paste of sandalwood, turmeric and other herbs is mixed with rosewater and applied to the bride-to-be, the most enjoyable occasion of the entire ceremony takes place, which is the mehndi ceremony. The bride-to-be now changes to green, the original color of henna. The air is filled with the exotic scents of roses, henna and perfume, and with the resounding beat of the dholki, mingled with songs and laughter. Garlands, bouquets and rose petals adorn every corner. The rukhsati or wedding day dawns with preparations of the great feast and for the bride to look her very best on her last day at her parent’s house.
The Pakistani bride, no matter which cultural background she comes from, is famous for her elaborate and exquisite dress and jewelry. The long flowing dupatta or veil is heavily worked with painstaking patterns in sequins, beads, and gold or silver thread. The long skirt is made of traditional silk or brocade. The jewelry consists of the traditional nath (nose ring) and the forehead is adorned with a tika along with all the other adornments. The traditional color is red, but any other color is also acceptable. Brides may also wear a sari or shalwar kurta according to the family tradition.
Hand-embroidered textiles are treasures
The average wedding hosts anywhere from 500 to 1,000 guests due to the close family ties that are part of the culture. As fiting the mood, the food is the most delicious of meals. From the aromatic and tasty blend of the traditional barbecue kababs and parathas, to the crisp seafood and famous spicy, saffron rice called biryani, each dish is a treat for the palate.
Aside from the regular menus, each community also prepares its own special recipes and customs during the ceremonies. The Parsis excel in the unique preparation of fish in banana leaves; the Bohras, immigrants from India, boast the best crispy fried chicken; the Sindhis have their own delicious biryani; and the Punjabis prepare an interesting curry of chicken and chick peas called murgh chola, to name just a few.
One of the most important religious events is `Ashura' on the 10th of Muharram, which is observed with great solemnity to pay respects to the great sacrifice of Imam Hussayn, the grandson of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Another one, `Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Glass bangles glitter on women’s wrists and sweet meats adorn every dining table. The traditional sheer khurma, which is vermicelli prepared in milk with almonds, pistachios and saffron, is a treat worth waiting for. Additionally, ‘Eid al-Ad-ha, is also celebrated to evoke Islamic values of sacrifice and obedience to Allah.
With all their ethnic and cultural diversity, Pakistanis are significantly patriotic. No matter what their differences are, they share a common bond, which is a land they all share and love.