Are you looking for an excuse to take a break from your daily routine? Pakistan has a total of twenty-two national holidays in 2023 that you can take advantage of! From the second day of Eid-ul-Fitr to Quaid-e-Azam’s birthday, there are plenty of occasions to enjoy with your family and friends. So mark your calendars and don’t miss out on these National Holidays in Pakistan for 2023!
New Year’s Day – January 1st
The first day of the year marks the start of a new and exciting year, and is a time for celebration in Pakistan. New Year’s Day is traditionally celebrated with family gatherings, fireworks, and feasting. For many people, it is also a time to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the future.
In Pakistan, New Year’s Day is celebrated with a variety of activities. People often gather together to share traditional food such as samosas, biryani, and korma. Fireworks are set off and people exchange gifts to mark the beginning of the new year. The celebrations go on until the early hours of the morning, making it a night of joy and hope.
It is important to remember that while celebrating the start of a new year, it is also an opportunity to look back on the past year and set goals for the future. New Year’s Day is a reminder to appreciate all that life has to offer and take steps towards making the upcoming year even better than the last.
Eid al-Fitr – May 26th
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most celebrated holidays in Pakistan. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and is a time of celebration and joy. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with family gatherings, visits to relatives, exchanges of gifts, and special prayers. Traditional foods are prepared and shared, as well as acts of charity such as providing meals to those less fortunate.
On Eid al-Fitr, Muslims around the world join together in prayer at the local mosque or community center. The prayer service usually lasts about an hour and is followed by the traditional greeting, “Eid Mubarak!” This is a time for celebration and remembrance of the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us.
After the prayer service, many families and friends gather for lunch or dinner to share in the festivities. The celebration continues with games, sweets, music, and other activities. As the day comes to an end, families part ways with warm wishes for the future and look forward to another successful year of fasting and observance.
Independence Day – August 14th
Independence Day is a national holiday in Pakistan that celebrates the nation’s independence from the British Empire in 1947. It marks the end of the two-year period of direct rule by the British, who had taken control of the region from the declining Mughal Empire in 1858. On August 14th each year, Pakistanis gather to celebrate the birth of their nation.
This holiday is often celebrated with large parades and flag raising ceremonies throughout the country. In addition, most people wear traditional Pakistani clothing and take part in patriotic songs and speeches about the importance of their country. Many schools also organize special assemblies to mark this special day.
For many, Independence Day is an important reminder of how far Pakistan has come since gaining independence. Despite years of political unrest, war and poverty, Pakistan remains a vibrant and diverse nation, proud of its cultural and religious identity. On this day, Pakistanis celebrate their independence and look towards a brighter future.
Eid al-Adha – September 12th
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important holidays in the Muslim calendar and is celebrated every year in Pakistan. It is observed to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son to Allah.
On this day, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal, usually a sheep or goat, in remembrance of Prophet Abraham’s devotion to Allah. The meat is then divided into three parts, with one part given away to the poor and needy, another given to friends and family, and the last part kept for oneself.
The day is filled with prayer and celebration and is an occasion of great joy in Pakistan. In cities and towns, special Eid prayers are held in mosques and special bazaars are set up where people can purchase traditional clothing, gifts, and food items.
Eid al-Adha is an important reminder of the value of sacrifice and devotion to Allah. It serves as a time for family and friends to come together, show gratitude for the blessings that have been bestowed upon them, and give thanks for their many blessings.
Quaid-e-Azam Day – October 9th
Quaid-e-Azam Day, or National Day of Pakistan, is celebrated on October 9th each year. The day honors Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder and first Governor General of Pakistan. This holiday celebrates the dedication and hard work that Jinnah put in to create a new Muslim homeland in South Asia. On this day, parades and other patriotic events are held throughout the country. In addition, many people take part in special prayers to honor Jinnah’s memory.
The day is also marked with a special flag-hoisting ceremony in Islamabad and by a 21-gun salute in the capital city. On Quaid-e-Azam Day, Pakistanis reflect on the principles Jinnah set out for their nation when he declared independence in 1947. He called for freedom of religion, tolerance, and respect for the law, as well as a commitment to the welfare of all citizens regardless of gender, class or background. His words remain relevant today, and this day of celebration serves to remind citizens of the importance of his legacy.