Christmas in Pakistan is celebrated like any other festival of the minorities. The Christmas day in Pakistan is a public holiday, although it is observed in the memory of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan. Though predominantly an Islamic country, Christmas in Pakistan is the main festival of the 5 millions Christians in Pakistan. Pakistan Christmas also brings forth the various traditions and rituals of Christmas celebrations in Pakistan.
Since, Christians are less in number, the enthusiasm and excitement of this festival in Pakistan is limited within the pockets where they live. Christmas celebrations in Pakistan are quite austere. However, such imperatives cannot mar the enthusiasm. Churches in Pakistan are decorated with streamers and colorful flags. Church services are held both on the eve of Christmas and on the Christmas Day.
Christmas in Pakistan is a very special occasion for many. Those who do not visit the church during the rest of the year, do not miss to attend services. Wearing new clothes, even the poorest person will attend the services. At Christian festivals like Christmas and Easter a big procession takes place, in Lahore, from St. Anthony's Church to the Cathedral. It takes hours to reach the Cathedral for the services. These are then celebrated with lots of enthusiasm! Before and during Advent, spiritual seminars take place to help people to prepare for Christmas or 'Bara Din' (which in Urdu and Punjabi means the 'Big Day'). This expression is very popular, even among Muslims in Pakistan.
Christmas in Pakistan is celebrated with the special Christmas cakes and meals. Chicken or beef curry, rice and maybe a sweet dish is the staple menu during Christmas. Family reunions and exchange of gifts are some of the common practices. Houses are decorated with stars and Christmas trees and cribs.
Since, Christians are less in number, the enthusiasm and excitement of this festival in Pakistan is limited within the pockets where they live. Christmas celebrations in Pakistan are quite austere. However, such imperatives cannot mar the enthusiasm. Churches in Pakistan are decorated with streamers and colorful flags. Church services are held both on the eve of Christmas and on the Christmas Day.
Christmas in Pakistan is a very special occasion for many. Those who do not visit the church during the rest of the year, do not miss to attend services. Wearing new clothes, even the poorest person will attend the services. At Christian festivals like Christmas and Easter a big procession takes place, in Lahore, from St. Anthony's Church to the Cathedral. It takes hours to reach the Cathedral for the services. These are then celebrated with lots of enthusiasm! Before and during Advent, spiritual seminars take place to help people to prepare for Christmas or 'Bara Din' (which in Urdu and Punjabi means the 'Big Day'). This expression is very popular, even among Muslims in Pakistan.
Christmas in Pakistan is celebrated with the special Christmas cakes and meals. Chicken or beef curry, rice and maybe a sweet dish is the staple menu during Christmas. Family reunions and exchange of gifts are some of the common practices. Houses are decorated with stars and Christmas trees and cribs.
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