3/13/11

BEAUTIFUL CULTURE OF PAKISTAN

BEAUTIFUL CULTURE OF PAKISTAN
All about Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Pakistan’s culture is very diverse. This stems from the fact that what is now Pakistan has in the past been invaded and occupied by many different peoples, including White Huns, Persians, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and various Eurasian groups. There are differences in culture among the different ethnic groups in matters such as dress, food, and religion, especially where indigenous pre-Islamic customs differ from Islamic practices.

The national dress of Pakistan is Shalwar Kameez for both men and women. It consists of a long, loose fitting tunic with very baggy trousers. The men’s version consists of solid, masculine colors, and is almost always accompanied by a collar and buttons (similar to a polo shirt). The women’s version almost never contains collar and buttons but is often embroidered and consists of feminine colors and may feature lace or flower patterns.

Spices and curry are an essential part of any Pakistani recipe. The most prevalent spices include chili powder, turmeric, garlic, paprika, black and red pepper, cumin seed, bay leaf, coriander, cardamom, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, and poppy seeds, among others. Using yogurt to marinate meats is another typical recipe. Because of the use of spices and curry for the main dish, the usual side dish is plain rice. Lentils are another common specialty. Usually any meat, fowl, or seafood is curried, and frying is the typical method of cooking. Ghee, which is clarified butter, is another commonly used recipe item and is often used for frying.

Pakistani literature, that is, the literature of Pakistan, originates from when Pakistan gained its nationhood as a sovereign state in 1947. The common and shared tradition of Urdu literature and English literature of South Asia was inherited by the new state. Over a period of time, a body of literature unique to Pakistan has emerged in nearly all major Pakistani languages, including Urdu, English, Punjabi, Pashto, Seraike, Blochi, and Sindhi.
Perhaps the most popular sport in Pakistan is cricket, and large amounts of Pakistanis gather around TV sets to watch the Pakistani team play in World competitions, especially against Pakistan’s rival India. Pakistan has one of the top teams in international cricket, one that won the World Cup in 1992. Field Hockey is also an important sport in Pakistan, Pakistan having won the gold medal at the Olympics a number of times in the sport.

The enthusiasm for poetry exists at a regional level as well, with nearly all of Pakistan’s provincial languages continuing the legacy. Urdu as the national language, poetry is written in that language as well. Allama Iqbal is the national poet includes the famous poets Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, and Ahmad Nadeem Qasimi. Apart from Urdu poetry, Pakistani poetry also has blends of other regional languages.

Following festivals celebrated in Pakistan through out the county Ramadan, Chand Raat, Eid celebrations, Milaad UN Nabi, Jashn-e-Baharan, Nowruz, Independence Day, Defense Day Parade