FESTIVALS IN PAKISTAN

Festivals are often attended almost exclusively by men. They are generally held at mosques or special constructed idgahs (open-air enclosures usually outside or on the outskirts of a city. Melas (festivals or fairs) feature singing, dancing, music and partying, drumming, circuses, pilgrimages, bagpiping. They often honor Sufi saints. Sometimes there are Sufis in trances, doing dances.

Festivals are often attended almost exclusively by men. They are generally held at mosques or special constructed idgahs (open-air enclosures usually outside or on the outskirts of a city. Melas (festivals or fairs) feature singing, dancing, music and partying, drumming, circuses, pilgrimages, bagpiping. They often honor Sufi saints. Sometimes there are Sufis in trances, doing dances. There are many melas held throughout the year. The annual mela outside Harappa, has been described as "a motorcycle rally except with camels. It is held at the tomb of Mohammed Panah, a saint who is said to have healed beasts. .

What is now Pakistan is a huge geographical area contained the cradle of some of the most ancient and greatest civilizations the world has seen, giving it a very rich and diverse cultural heritage which manifests itself in hundreds of festivals held all over the country, every year. The festivals are held not only in the cities and towns but also in remote villages at different times of the year. [Source: Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation. tourism.gov.pk ]

These festivals and fairs have animal markets, horse and camel races, camel wrestling, folk dance and music shows, handicraft stalls in addition to various other activities reflecting local culture and customs. Besides the large events mentioned below there are many festivals and fairs taking place in small and remote villages featuring colorful events and activities. Many are hosted by local ethnic groups.

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