Culture and Civilization of Pakistan

A culture can be defined as the set of shared attitudes, values which form an organized society.  Characteristic features of everyday existence shared by people in a common place or time. It involves the mental approach of people, the traditions, dress, food, language, customs, beliefs, religion, the way of interaction and way of living. Civilization is a relatively high level of cultural and technological development. Pakistan, due its long and immersing, history has many diverse cultures. Although Pakistan is a small country it is overflowing with the richness of values, traditions, and cultures. Pakistan is also home to the ruins of one of the world’s oldest civilizations like the Indus-Valley Civilization.

The cultures of Pakistan comprises of numerous ethnic groups: the Punjabis, Saraikis, Pothwaris, Kashmiris, Sindhis in eastern Pakistan. Makrani in the south; Baloch, Hazaras, and Pashtuns in western Pakistan. The Dards, Wakhi, Baltis, Shinaki and Burusho communities in the Northern areas of Pakistan

Below are a few most prominent cultures found in Pakistan among various others.

Punjabi

The literal meaning of ‘Punjab’ is ‘five rivers’ so it means ‘the land of five rivers’. Punjab is the biggest province in Pakistan and it is notable for its culture. Punjabi culture shares most of its values and traditions with the Indian culture. Punjabi culture is regarded as one of the oldest cultures in the world. It has influences in every aspect of life such as poetry, philosophy, cuisine, art, music, craftsmanship, literature, religion, architecture, carnival values, celebrations and etc. Punjabis are known to be very warm-hearted and vivacious people. They love spicy foods, loud music, and dancing. Punjabi cuisine has the best food.

Kashmiri

The culture of Kashmir is observed only in Kashmir. It is a diverse fusion of central Asian, South Asian and Persian cultures.  Urdu Kashmiri and Gojri are the official languages of AJK. Arabic script is followed as the writing script by Kashmiris. Kashmir has the majority population of Muslims a small number of Hindus and Buddhists also reside in Kashmir. Kashmiris are very hardworking, independent people. Mostly Kashmiris earn their livelihood by farming. Kashmiri shawls, carpets and handicrafts are famous throughout the country for their good quality and amazing aesthetics.

Sindhi

Sindhi Culture gets its foundation from the Indus Valley Civilization. Ajrak and Sindhi hat are the emblem of Sindhi culture for over thousands of years. Ajrak is basically is a unique block printed Shawl with the colors, red, white and black whereas the Sindhi Topi is a hat with small circular mirrors sewed onto it. Sindhi is an Indo-Aryan language. It can be written using the Arabic script. Sindhi culture has been dominated by great Sufi saints, mystics, and martyrs. Sindhi folk songs are very famous for its beautiful heart touching poetry. Sindh is a land of love, rich culture, Sufis, romance and great artistic heritage.

Balochi

Most of the land in Baluchistan is comprised of deserts and is barren. Baluchistan is the largest province of the country. It contains a lot of natural resources. The Baloch have a very good sense of cultural dressing. They dress up wearing turbans and long shalwars. Famous Balochi cuisine is Sajji and Kaak Roti prepared around the fire. Balochi cultural dance is very popular it is known as ‘leva’ and ‘”chaap”. Baloch embroidery is very fancy and delicate. It is very vibrant, they use all the bright colors to make it more attractive.

Pashtun

Pashtun or Pukhtoon Culture is based on Islam and Pashtunwali, which is an ancient way of life. Pashtun culture is observed in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The origins of Pathans have been an argumentative account. There are many theories suggesting the origins and history of the Pathan People. Pathans are popular for their bravery. Pashtun culture’s famous food includes tikkah, serge, sugi ka halwa, kabab and their special long naans. Their cultural dance is called ‘Atan’. Due to Atan’s beauty and grace, it is adopted by many other people belonging to different regions and cultures. Pashtuns are very smart and curious to learn about their history.

Burusho

The burusho people live in the Northern areas of Pakistan: Hunza, Nagar and other valleys of Gilgit Baltistan. They speak “Burushashki”. Their language has not been found to be related to any other. Burusho’s have the highest literacy rate in the whole country. They are simple, hardworking and passionate people. They have strong bonds to their culture. They love music and dancing. Marriage and death ceremonies last for 3-5 days. The elderly women wear the traditional hat which is comprised of very minute delicate handmade embroidery.

Pakistan has an overwhelming amount of cultural diversity. Despite being small area wise, Pakistan is still home to numerous civilizations and cultures, most of which are not found anywhere else in the world.

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