The main celebrations are religious or related to the birth of the country. Religious festivals are staggered every year according to the lunar calendar.

Religious holidays

Ramadan: It is a fast which is the fourth of the 5 pillars of Islam. It is determined by the lunar calendar, and lasts one month. During this period, from sunrise to sunset it is forbidden to break the fast, a crumb of bread or a sip of water is sufficient to do so. It is also forbidden to smoke! 2007 dates were from September 13^th to October 13^th.

In Pakistan this is reflected in the closure of all shops and restaurants during the day. Starting from 4 pm, streets fill up, stalls offering food, it is time for shopping. Around 6pm, it's time to break the fast, and then it is almost impossible to find something open. You'll often be invited to share a meal to celebrate this time of day. You are not Muslim; remember to respect those who fast. Do not show in a public place eating or drinking while all the people are waiting patiently. In larger cities you may have to submit the order (this happened to one of our friends in Lahore). Even trekking, be discreet! Especially since the coming years, Ramadan will fall in the middle of summer, the hardest season.

Eid el-Fitr : This is two or three days of festivities celebrating the end of Ramadan. It is joyful! It is a huge celebration where families gather. Holiday on Saturday 13 October 2007.

Eid el-Adha : The Feast of Sacrifice, 40 days after the end of Ramadan, in commemoration of Abraham's sacrifice. A sheep is killed, families get together to celebrate. Holiday on Thursday 20^th of December 2007.

Ashura : The 9th & 10 th day of the month of Muharram. It is a celebration of the martyrdom of Hussein, grand son of the prophet, who was killed in Karbala in Iraq. During Ashura there are unusual processions where devotees flagellate themselves. Holiday.

Eid Milad-ul-Nabi : This date celebrates the anniversary of the prophet. Holiday.

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Other

March 23^rd: This is the national day. It celebrates the 23^rd of March 1940 when the Muslim League proposed the creation of an independent Muslim state.

August 14^th: The anniversary of the creation of Pakistan in 1947. You may have the opportunity to hear “Pakistan Zindabad” (long live Pakistan).

November 9^th: The day of Iqbal. It is in honor of the poet Alama Mohammed Iqbal, who in 1930 proposed the name of Pakistan for the establishment of a State. Pakistan means in Urdu the "Land of Pure".

December 25^th: The anniversary of the founding father of Pakistan Mohammed Ali Jinnah