Seven don’t-miss festivals of Pakistan

Pakistan Flower Show

 

February; DHA Sea View Park, Karachi

 

The mega horticulture event displays an astounding variety of plants and flowers, garden decorations and artistic installations. Other attractions include an exotic flowers competition and an elaborate garden accessories section. The Horticultural Society of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Defence Housing Authority and Cantonment Board Clifton, has been organising this annual show since 1948 to promote environmental awareness.

 

Hsp48.org

 

All Pakistan Music Conference

 

October; Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore

 

Offering a platform for the country’s classical and folk artists, this annual music extravaganza lasts for five to six days. An authentic feast for connoisseurs of music and art, APMC features performances by vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers from across the country. Initiated in 1959 by the late Hayat Ahmed Khan, the first APMC event was held in 1960.

 

Apmc-pakistan.org

 

Basant

 

February-March; Across the country

 

The country, especially Punjab, heralds the spring with Jashn-e-baharan — a joyous occasion filled with traditional music and dancing, sumptuous food and the customary kite-flying competitions. Previously limited to Lahore, Basant is now also celebrated in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Quetta.

 

Tdcp.gop.pk

 

World Performing Arts Festival

 

November; Lahore

 

Probably the largest festival of its kind in South Asia, this international cultural event brings in the best of performing artists locally and from across the world for shows — music, theatre, concerts, dances, solos, mime, puppet shows, etc. — over a ten-day period. Organised by Lahore’s Rafi Peer Theatre, the annual WPAF has been ongoing in various forms since 1992.

 

Rafipeer.com; Fb.com/Rafipeertheatreworkshop

 

Kalam Summer Festival

 

July-August; Kalam Valley, Swat

 

An annual gala held at scenic spots such as Ushu Forest and Mahodand Lake, its major attractions include adventure sports, acrobatics, water sports, a jeep rally, live concerts and folk dances, fireworks, a trade exhibition and food stalls. Organised jointly by Pakistan Army and the provincial government, the four-day gala aims to encourage tourism and trade in the valley.

 

Mela Chiraghan

 

March; Shah Hussain Shrine, Baghbanpura, Lahore

 

Marking the death anniversary of Punjabi Sufi poet and saint Shah Hussain, this annual three-day event — also known as the Festival of Lights — is held after the last Friday of March, with the final day being women-only. The festivities reflect Punjab’s traditional rituals and devotees recite Shah’s poetry and dance. Famous for its alao — a huge fire into which devotees toss candles, ghee and other offerings — the mela features include performances, qawwali and ethnic food.

 

Ttdcp.gop.pk

 

Islamabad Literature Festival

 

April 15-17;  Islamabad

 

A meeting place for leading authors writing in diverse languages and genres, academics and artists from around the world, Islamabad Jashn-e-Adab features debates, lectures, mushairas, book fair, book launches, art exhibitions by Art Now, theatre, film screenings, music, dance and more. Launched in 2013 by Ameena Saiyid and Asif Farrukhi, ILF is directed by Saiyid and produced by Oxford University Press. 

 

Karachiliteraturefestival.org