Exploring Vibrant Pakistan: Culture and Heritage Unbound

When you hear the name Pakistan, images of snow capped mountains, bustling mediaeval towns and bazaars along with long jostling traffic jams turn up before the eyes. But little do we know that beneath the captivating surface of this land, the country has a rich cultural tapestry woven from millennia of history, diverse ethnicities, and a deep sense of artistic expression that can be found in the buildings, century old forts and historic archeological sites.

Uncovering the exquisite cultural heritage;

Pakistan is a place that has a blend of the mediaeval history of Indus valley civilization having rich archeological sites like Harrappa and Mohenjo Daro and mughal history with cities like Lahore and Peshawar along with the port city of Karachi that also has a British Colonial influence. Thus the country has an infused culture that goes way back in time.

A Blend of Traditions, Indo Islamic Roots;

On one side if there is Hinglaj Temple in Balochistan Province that is a revered place of worship for Hindus, the other side is a firmly rooted Islamic world. The majority of the population practises Islam and it can be observed in the societal norms, values and artistic expressions. 

Alongside this there is also a touch of pre islamic traditions and culture that can be found in the centrality of families, importance of mehmaan nawazi (hospitality), and giving respect to the highly revered Sufi culture that can be termed as the origin of Islamic traditions.

Mosaic of Ethnicities and Languages;

Pakistan is a urdu word meaning land of the pure. The country is a land of many ethnicities and languages, having different dialects that vary from region to regions, district to district and the provinces. All the different regions have different languages, customs and traditions. While urdu is the most prevalent and spoken in main cities, there are a whole lot of ethnic groups who call the land their home and have been residing since ages. From Punjabis and Sindhis in the East near the Indian Borders of Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat, to Balochis, Pashtuns in the West near the Iran and Afghanistan Border, to Seraikis, Muhajirs, and countless other smaller groups spread all over the country, the diversity is immense in both languages and people.