As the end of December approaches, comes a time of festivities and celebrations worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception. In a country where diverse cultures, traditions, and religions prevail, every festival is celebrated like its own. Christmas is one of them.
The Onset of Celebration
If you were in London right now, you’d witness lavishly decorated fir trees under twinkling Christmas lights, creating an oh-so-merry atmosphere. Much like the rest of the world, Christmas preparations in Pakistan often begin weeks before the actual day. Locals refer it to as Bara Din or Wadda Din, meaning Big Day in Urdu and Punjabi, respectively. It is also an official holiday countrywide, conceding with the birth of the nation’s father, allowing the Christian community to celebrate their most important holiday freely.
How Do the Locals Celebrate
Across the country, streets and churches are decorated with Christmas lights and trees. Markets like Saddar and Tariq Road can be seen displaying Christmas outfits, creating a welcoming holiday vibe.
“Christmas is special. We decorate our house with lights and host a grand dinner for family and friends every year,” shared a local. “Spending time with family has become rare these days but Christmas is that time of year when we all sit together and spend valuable time with each other and God. These moments of thankfulness and relaxation are really important to me,” he added.
Every year, across the country, worshippers of the Christian faith don festive attires and gather in churches to pray. Traditional meals like chicken and beef curry with rice, and biryani are a must while celebrating. These are paired with Gajrela, Kheer or cakes, specially made for the occasion.
In the more posh areas of the country, 5 star hotels and cafes decorate their lobbies and interior with Christmas trees and lights, welcoming guest from all around the world to a wholesome vibe.
“We always go to the midnight mass; it’s such a wonderful feeling,” shared Sidrak, a practising community member living in Karachi. “And of course, we decorate our house with festive lights and give presents to children,” he continued.
Freedom to Celebrate?
Pakistan has more than 5 million Christians living in it. This means that celebrations such as Christmas and Easter cannot be erased from the country despite the differences.
Having celebrated Christmas in two countries, one being England, Sidrak emphasised how both experiences are completely different. “While the aura and vibe of the holiday season is incomparable in England, nothing beats Pakistan,” Sidrak highlighted. “In Pakistan, there is closeness and warmth of family; you can never go wrong with that. I can’t say the same for London.”
Despite the holly jolly vibe of Christmas in London, with every street decorated, stores offering extensive sales, and choirs on every corner, Sidrak confessed that he would gladly give all of that up for some time with family. He, however, couldn’t deny the fact that for ‘obvious reasons’ the holiday vibe in Pakistan isn’t quite the same. Despite it all, he remarked that Christmas is much better in Pakistan.
As Christmas approaches, let’s take a moment to understand the importance of this holiday for our fellow Christians in Pakistan. Despite our differences, it’s time we make an effort to be inclusive, considerate and accepting, remembering those who are unable to celebrate openly.
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