LIBAAS – The Dress Culture of Pakistan

Pakistani dresses vary from region to region. Dressing style of each province is different and unique while the national dress of Pakistan is Shalwar Kameez which is worn by both men and women with difference in style according to the traditions and climate conditions. Pakistanis ware clothes range from exquisite colours and designs to the type of fabric like silk, chiffon, cotton, etc.

Menswear includes the traditional shalwar kameez with some accessories like Waistcoat, Achkan and Sherwani. In urban areas men wear these clothes on special occasions like Eid, Jummah and wedding ceremonies. Jinnah Cap also called Karakul, Fez also called Rumi Topi and Taqiyah (cap) is also used. Khussa is a popular foot wear. 

Sherwani with churi daar pajama and khussa

Men like to wear traditional shawls made of Pashmina or other warm materials especially in Northern part of the country. Balochi man wears shalwar kameez of thick cloth with very wide shalwar to prevent themselves from the hot wind of dry Sulaiman Range and Kharan Desert and a turban made of a very long cloth, often in white color to prevent their head from sun rays.

In rural areas of Punjab Kurta Shalwar and Dhoti along with Pagri is a common dress. Kashmiri people use Pheran, Shahmina, Shahtoosh and Jamavar which makes them warm in the cold climate of Kashmir. Western dressing like jeans and t-shirts, trousers and pent coat are common in cities. 

A man from rural punjab wearing dhoti kurta

The most favorite dressing among Pakistani women is shalwar kameez which is worn in different styles, colors and designs especially the front part of kameez is decorated with different styles and designs of embroidery. It is worn with different sleeve length, shirt length, necklines and different types of shalwars like patiala salwar, churidar pajama and simple trouser. Kurta is also worn by women in latest designs. Dupatta is an essential part of shalwar kameez and considered a symbol of woman's respect.It is used with different embroidery designs of Kamdani and Gota.

Bridal Dress

There are a variety of traditional dresses other than Shalwar Kameez but they mostly used in special occasions like Eid, Wedding, Engagement, Mehndi and ceremonies. Among these dresses are Sari, Lehenga, Gharara and Sharara. Farshi Pajama is an old traditional dress which is worn occasionally. Laacha is worn in Eastern part of the country; it’s a dress which resembles with Dhoti from its lower part.

Young Balohi girls in traditional dresses

In regional clothing, Balochi women wear heavy embroided Shalwar Kameez and Dupatta according to the weather conditions. They wear Kameez full of heavy Embroided Shisha work. Sindhi costumes have different styles of embroidery and some women use Ajrak as Dupatta.  Punjabi women prefer light embroidery on simple Shalwar Kameez or Kurta. Traditional Lacha and Bangles are also used. Paranda is the special traditional, colorful and unique Punjabi item which is used to tie the hair. Pathan women wear embroided Kameez with a farak with a heavy Dupatta.

Punjabi Girls wearing traditional lahangas with paranda and bangles

With the passage of time Pakistani women has started to adapt new styles some of which are the combination of Pakistani and Western clothing. Like women wear Embroided Kurta with Jeans and Trousers. Tight half sleeve and sleeveless shirts with Capri trousers have also been adopted. The current fashion trend includes long shirts, Kutras and baggy shirts and froks along with jeans and chori daars.

Spices of Pakistan

From the tandoori murghi and haleem to dum biryani and bunda pala, Pakistani cuisine is as diverse as the countries that have influenced it.

Chappli Kebab

Pakistani cuisine is rich in tradition, full of marvellous and diverse dishes. It incorporates elements from its neighbours - India, Afghanistan and Iran. The richness means there are a whole range of different foods - from the fertile valleys and the sea of Sindh province; to pastoral Baluchistan, from neighbouring Iran; to the Punjab and the rough Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, home of the chappli kebab.

Food from the eastern provinces of Punjab and Sindh are to some extent similar to the cuisines of Northern India and can be highly seasoned and spicy, which is characteristic of the flavours of the South Asian region. Food in other parts of Pakistan, particularly Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, involves the use of mild aromatic spices and less oil, characterizing affinities to the cuisines of neighbouring Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia.

Meat is a major part of Pakistani diet; lamb, beef, chicken and seafood are the basics. However, Pakistani cuisine also has plenty of delicious vegetarian recipes because of the abundance of spices and herbs. Wheat is a staple and is used to make bread (roti or chappati), which is an integral part of all meals. Rice is also very popular.

Fried red pepper, cumin and mustard seeds, crushed garlic gloves with freshly cut mint, onion and coriander leaves – these are the aromas of most Pakistani kitchens. 

Pakistani cuisine is based on curry or masala (hot and spicy) sauces accompanying chicken, lamb, prawns and a wide choice of vegetables. The famous haleem, a mix of pulses, lamb and spices is cooked for up to seven hours. It's a thick slightly mucilaginous mix served with the fresh tastes of lemon, coriander and ginger. Sagi and Nihari are also very popular. One of the most popular dishes of Punjab (Lahore) is Tandoori Murghi. It is a widely known survivor of Mughal cookery. The dish takes its name from a special unglazed clay oven or tandoor that is heated with charcoal. It is the aroma of the clay and charcoal that make this chicken dish so unique and tasty. Lahori Chargha is also very popular. Pakistanis are big meat eaters, etheir chicken, beef, lamb or fish. Barbeque is a must part of very function and ceremony in the country. Spicy chicken and beef Kababs, Tika boti, malai boti, stuffed chicken, steaks and chops are enjoyed all over the country.

Biryani is a Persian dish. Biryani has now become a loosely held term of any rice dish across the country. The speciality of biryani is that it is cooked by layering rice and chicken. Biryani is one of the most eaten dish all over the country. Biryani has become the most popular dish in pakistan. There is a huge variety of biryani ranging from Sindhi Biryani, Bombay Biryani to Shahi Biryani.  

Bunda pala (fish) is a well-known delicacy of Sindh where fish is cleaned and stuffed with a paste of speices and herbs. It is then wrapped in a cloth and buried three feet deep in hot sand under the sun where it bakes for four to five hours. 

Cooking in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is great deal plainer and involves heavy use of lamb as the climate is extreme harsh in winters. The famous Chapli Kabab from this region are spiced with anardana and roasted dhaniya. The menu in KPK features kebabs from the Khyber Pass and other dishes that emphasise the essential technique of karahai, more popularly known as  ‘balti’ cooking.

Pakistan is dry, hot and dusty - the perfect climate in which to enjoy a cool and refreshing lassi yogurt drink. This popular drink can be sweet or savoury but is most often fruit-flavoured. As well as a good antidote to the heat it is also ideal for cooling the effects of chillies. Thandal made from milk and paste of fresh almonds is a popular Sindhi drink.

There are plenty of snacks to pick up on your travels throughout Pakistan, pakora, deep fried balls of spices and vegetables are a good choice as are kachori which are lentil-filled pastries. Roasted peanuts, available everywhere, are also a good source of nutrients and fibre.

Pakistanis have a sweet tooth. Jalebis, those crispy, orange swirls that are cooked on the side of the street throughout the subcontinent, are ever present, as are all kinds of variations on halwa. Sohan halwa is the speciality of Multan. There is a variety of popular Pakistani traditional sweets without them a celebration is just incomplete; gulab jaman, burfi, jalebi, laddu, balushahi and rasgullah are some of the most eaten and special sweets. Kheer is also a speciality of Pakistan. Sheer Khorma, Shahi tukray and Mehti sawaiyan are enjoyed in every household on occasions like Eid and wedding ceremonies. Khulfi, rabari, and faluda are the traditional sweets of Punjab. People not only from within the country but from all over the world come to Lahore to enjoy these mouth-watering sweets.

There is a variety of breakfast option in Pakistan ranging from a fried paratha (unleavened bread) with egg, or for a more spicy breakfast option try a khagina which is scrambled eggs with oil, onion, tomatoes, chillies and garlic – guaranteed to wake anyone up, to the traditional dishes Halwa puri, Naan Cholay and Paay.

International cuisine and fast food are popular in the cities. Blending local and foreign recipes (fusion food) such as Pakistani Chinese cuisine is common in large urban centres. Furthermore, as a result of lifestyle changes, ready-made masala (mixed and ready to use spices) are becoming increasingly popular. However, given the diversity of the people of Pakistan, cuisines generally differ from home to home and may be totally different from the mainstream Pakistani cuisine.

Pakistan is famous all over the world for its rich flavours and spices. People from all over the world come to Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Murree to enjoy the traditional food. It is said that once a tourist taste the Pakistani dishes he falls in love with it. Former ambassador of UK once said that two things that he misses most about Pakistan is the “Spicy Biryani” and “Lahori Chargha”.

 

Pakistani Handicrafts: Fascinating and Captivating

An absorbing feature of Pakistani culture is the fascinating and captivating handicrafts. Every country has its own local crafts, which exhibit the taste and colours of its region. Pakistan is a country rich in culture. Crafts are the main source of livelihood for the people of the country, and are handed down from father to son.

The wonderful artisanship is the most renowned cultural identification of Pakistan. The handicrafts making tradition is thousands of years old Pakistani custom which is evident from the remains of ancient Indus Valley, Harappa and Mohen-jo-Daro civilizations.

The different regions with wide variety of tradition and culture, languages, folklore, music, dresses and costumes have much to offer to any expert of handicrafts. The Kashmiri Shawls, the Balochi and Sindhi embroidery work, the Peshawari chappals (an indigenous shoe ware) and carpets, camel skin lamps of Multan, Gujrati pottery and the wood and brass work done in different parts of Pakistan have charm of their very own. The handicraft shops in major cities are full of attractive items which are taken as souvenirs by the tourists from the world over.  

Mirror crafting art of Multan

The immense magic created by the Pakistani hands is visible from the artistry of the dazzling jewellery. Dresses are one of the most sought out handicrafts of Pakistan from all around the world. Multan, Bahawalpur and surrounding areas are full of gifted men and women who produce one of the most adorable cross stitches. “Tilla”, Pearl and “Salma Sitary” work of KPK are very famous.  Swat is well-known due to thread embroidery, whereas, in D.G.Khan mirror work is done on clothes. Works of these types are called “Kadhai.” Handmade CHAPPALS are very much in fashion these days. The funky threads & beads used in the footwear gives it a classy look. The handmade chappals always compliment the hot summers in Pakistan.

Handicrafts are the most striking expressions of the individuality of Pakistan's regional identities. The colour, the shape or style of a craft item instantly evokes its region.

The handicrafts of Pakistan are particularly famous for the captivating embellishment, attractive colours and beautiful textures. There is an ethnic division of the handicrafts making as many regions of Pakistan have their own individual handicrafts heritage.

Decorative items of Northern Pakistan

The traditional decorative goods like bags, rugs, cane baskets and mats have remained a phenomenal ingredient of the Northern Pakistan. The handmade wooden pottery especially bowls and carves are the distinctive parts of the heritage of Hunza valley. Hand-woven utensil is very popular not only in the rural but also in the urban areas of Sindh and Punjab. Multan is famous for the exotic handicrafts made with camel bones. Clay pots are amazingly decorated with fantastic mirror work in Multan and the Southern Punjab. Chiniot and areas adjacent to Kashmir are famous for the exquisite carving in wood and woodcrafts inlaid with ivory, which are highly prized by tourists. Marble Carving generally come from Balochistan and KPK. 

The traditional penny banks or money boxes made of clay have still not lost their popularity among Pakistani kids. The traditional wooden bags are also very mesmerizing for their tremendous art work. The handmade Khussa shoes is the cultural footwear of Pakistan, which are made with fine leather and decorated with golden and silver threads, beads and sequins on traditional motifs. No one can deny the beauty of the superb and handmade patchwork art of Sindh. The hand knotted carpets and oriental rugs of Pakistan are world famous and magnificent in their character. 

A beautiful piece of Sindhi patchwork

Handicrafts of Pakistan are precious stones in the bejewelled crown of Pakistani culture and heritage. They are special in kind and unique in design. The handicrafts of Pakistan are very well known for their unique cultural essence in all over the world. The expertise of the people represents their love for Pakistan. They utilized the resources of their regions and add their special skill, love and interest to make the masterpieces of different handicrafts to promote the Pakistani cultures and traditions.

KEHWA KHANA – the green tea culture of Khyber

Lifted Article
Courtesy : daira.com

Kawa time in Peshawar

No matter who you are, no matter where you are, if you are in Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa you are bound to stumble upon a kehwa khana or the the green tea bar sooner than you can even imagine.

Green tea enjoys a very important position in KPK. It is served in every household, rich or poor, irrespective of the status of its residents. But somehow men can’t get enough of it at home it appears, for the number of the kehwa khana is always on the rise. Kehwa khana is not only a place to drink green tea; it is a place where men sit and talk for hours at a stretch while continuously emptying cup after cup of the fragrant, hot, sweet green tea. It is the place where the tired workers take a break during their day, a place where friends chat, a place where elders sit together to solve a dispute. That is why kehwa khana has such significance in their culture. The surprising thing is that though it plays a remarkable role in the lives of the people of KPK, yet it is in no sense fancy. The kehwa khana may comprise of only a few wooden cots(Charpoi) and a make shift shade on top. Some kehwa khanas are well built and modern to certain extent, but the charpoi has to be there for sitting purposes. Come to think of it, it is very efficient as a resting place, for the tired workers are often found napping on the charpoi after a hot kehwa drink.

The hero of the play is ofcourse the Green Tea. Every green tea bar boasts of its special tea leaves mix which is obviously kept a secret from the competitors. The secret of great green tea is to let the water simmer for a long long time. The green tea leaves are first given a slight rinse with some hot water and then put in the water along with sugar. Just before putting the tea in the kettle, freshly ground green cardamom are added to give the tea a wonderful aroma. The tea is then served in special green tea cups.Before dinner, after dinner, during break, anytime is kehwa time.

Over the years some variations have also evolved. Some people like to drink unsweetened kehwa along a lump of brown sugar(gur). Some use certain masala mix in their tea for additional taste. It is used for medicinal purposes as well. Certain herbs added can cure nausea or even common cold. Green Tea really has lots of roles to play and in each it shines the best.

Culture: An Overview of Folk Dances in Pakistan

By Hina Karim

The society and culture of Pakistan comprises numerous diverse cultures and ethnic groups: the Punjabis, Kashmiris, Sindhis in east, Muhajirs, Makrani in the south; Baloch and Pashtun in the west; and the ancient Dardic, Wakhi and Burusho communities in the north. These Pakistani cultures have been greatly influenced by many of the surrounding countries' cultures, such as the Turkic peoples, Persian, Afghan, and Indians of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.

Pakistani society is largely multilingual, multi-ethnic and multicultural. Though cultures within the country differ to some extent, more similarities than differences can be found, as most Pakistanis are mainly of Aryan heritage or have coexisted side by side along the Indus River for several thousand years, or both. However, over 60 years of integration, a distinctive "Pakistani" culture has sprung up, especially in the urban areas where many of the diverse ethnic groups have coexisted and in many cases, intermarried.

Pakistani dances, just like music is very much a part of Pakistani lives. Dances are not only for entertainment purposes but they encompass the lives of people because dances in Pakistan are celebratory and ceremonial in nature.

Dances are traditionally part of the lives of people especially in Pakistan. Dance for Pakistanis is so important that people can communicate with each other and tell a story without uttering a word but rather dancing to send those messages.

There are different Pakistan dances and they are likewise fusion of many different influences. Folk dances are still popular in Pakistan and vary according to region such as:

• Bhangra -Punjab
• Luddi - Punjab
• Dhammal - Performed at Sufi shrines/ dargahs in Punjab and Sindh
• Attan - Folk dance of Pashtuns tribes of Pakistan including the unique styles of Quetta and Waziristan
• Khattak Dance - Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
• Jhumar - Siraiki and Balochi folk dance
• Ho Jamalo Sindhi dance
• Lewa - Baluchi folk dance

Folk dance on the other hand is often celebratory and seasonal in nature. Folk dances are used to celebrate child birth, wedding, spiritual or religious ritual and is likewise used for community knowledge.

The structure is often loose and steps are somewhat simple. There are different interpretations of Pakistan folk dance in every region but they are often in sync with folk music usually played with special instruments.

Dance if very important for most people and Pakistan dances are common staples of festivals and celebrations. Knowing those steps and intricate movements are a dream to the younger generation.

Dancing is perhaps one form of art that has received the least support both from the people as well as the patronisers. Yet, there are many forms of dances, both classical and folk that have survived this ordeal, and in fact, are showing some signs of new renaissance in Pakistan.

While folk dances are usually associated with rural folk and are expressed as the happiness of people on a successful harvest, in Pakistan, there are many folk dances which are associated with martial skills and preparedness for fighting a war. To the first category belong dances like Bhangra, while to the second category belong dances like Khattan and Attan.

On the other hand, there also exist classical dances which are highly refined, with illustrious dedicated teachers, with a lot of emphasis on rules and traditional purity. These include Kathak, a less pure but more practised form of which is called Mujra, though many disagree with this view and hold it a dance in its own category.

Courtesy : http://weeklypulse.org