Karachi, Pakistan » Entertainment » Festivals

Karachi's calendar features most Muslim religious and cultural festivals. Religious festivals such as Ramadan, Eid, Chaand Raat, Ashura and Milad un Nabi are observed across the city. A cultural event such as Sindhi Cultural Day is widely celebrated with tradition in Karachi. The city also offers several other events and festivals in memory of National Heroes or to commemorate political events.

The All Pakistan Music Conference - Karachi Annual Festival

The All Pakistan Music Conference organises the annual festival at the National Academy of Performing Arts, Hindu Gymkhana in Karachi. This festival is a grand celebration of music that offers performances of some great maestros.

Karachi International Film Festival

This annual event is held in December. Film screenings of feature-length, short, and documentary films and several other events are the highlights of this film festival.

All Pakistan Music Festival

This three-day event occurs annually. The festival features seminars and performances of classical and folk music.

Eid-ul-Fitr

This religious festival celebrates the end of the fasting month. Muslims recite their special prayer after sun-rise, exchange sweet dishes and visit their friends and relatives. It is held on the 1st of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic Calendar.

Shab-e-Barat

It is a religious festival celebrated by prayers, fireworks, exchange of sweet dishes and visits. It is held on the 14th of Shaaban, the 8th Islamic month.

Eid-ul-Adha

It is a religious festival that commemorates the great sacrifice offered by Prophet Abraham. The festival features collective prayers after sunset, the sacrifice of goats, sheep, cows or camels, and meat distribution among relatives, friends, and poor people. It is held on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic Calendar.

Pakistan Day

This day is celebrated as the anniversary of the Pakistan Resolution passed on March 23, 1940. On Pakistan day, military parades are arranged in Islamabad and the provincial capitals of the country. It is held on March 23.

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi

It is the birth anniversary of Prophet Hazrat Mohammad. It is held on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal - the 3rd month of the Islamic Calendar.

Iqbal Day

Iqbal Day commemorates the birthday of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who is well-known as a national poet of Pakistan. It is organised and celebrated on November 9 every year.

Independence Day

The people of Pakistan celebrate Independence Day by hosting meetings, processions, rallies, decorations and illustrations all over the country on August 14 every year.

Defence of Pakistan Day

The day commemorates the military's role and importance in the protection of Pakistan. One can watch and enjoy the parades and exhibitions of military equipment at Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi. It is held on September 6 every year.