Pakistani culture
Pakistan has a diversified culture that has heterogeneous characteristics. The present social system which is now identified as ‘Pakistan Culture’ has emerged as a synthesis of Arab, Iranian, Greek, British and a number of other cultural impacts. Due to their heterogeneous nature Pakistani cultures is evolving day by day.
Introduction
Pakistan is not inhabited by a single ethnic group. It has multi ethnicities and diversified cultures. Pakistani culture has heterogeneous characteristics. The area which now forms Pakistan attracted people from different parts of the world; these people came here and made this land their permanent homeland. The social system which is now identified as ‘Pakistan Culture’ has emerged as a synthesis of Arab, Iranian, Greek, British and a number of other cultural impacts.
More than 96 per cent of the people in Pakistan are Muslims. They have a deep love for their faith and are ready to render any sacrifice in the name of religion. This love and devotion for Islam served as the basic motive force behind their struggle for a free homeland-Pakistan. Only Islam is the basis of our survival. But living patterns of the people of Pakistan do not strictly conform to the standards set by Islam. Our social habits and rituals bear the importance of un-Islamic influences we have acquired through our social interaction with other communities.
FAMILY LIFE, CUSTOMS, DRESSES in Pakistani Culture
Following are the notable features of the culture of Pakistan.
- Joint Family System
A joint family system is practised, young members of the family pay due respect to elders. - Head of Family
The Head of the family is an elderly male, women are honoured. - Rituals, Norms, and Customs
In the rituals and customs, regarding marriage and mourning, un-Islamic local traditions dominate. - Primitive Patterns
Common people living in rural areas following simple primitive patterns. - Status of Women
Women are eligible to get their share from their father’s and husband’s inheritance. The majority of the women are chaste and observe ‘Pardah’ these needs are also grated in the designing of houses.
- Honour and vanity
Honour and vanity are the values rated so high that people like to live and die for them. - Dres’s Code
Men and women wear simple and graceful dresses in daily life. Men wear Sherwani and cap on formal occasions and Eids. Shalwar Kamees is the common female attire, with dupatta and chadar worn on the head, Western dress is also used in offices and educational institutions, especially by men. - Dite
The Routine dite of the people is simple. Festive food is prepared for special occasions. - Marriage
Marriage is taken as a sacred vow that binds two individuals for the whole of life. The bride and groom start their new life with the religious ceremony of Nikah. Display of the dowery, mehndi, firework, extravagant lighting, singing and dancing are the un-Islamic practices, which have now become part of the marriage ceremonies. - Family System
The family system in Pakistan is very sound and stable; the incidence of divorce is extremely low when compared with western society.
- Religious Norms
Azan is called in the ears of the newborn just after his or her birth. Sweets are distributed amongst friends, neighbours, and gifts are given to the newborn. - Burial Norms, Customs
Neighbours, friends and relatives gather together and console the bereaved family on the incident of a death. A full helping hand is given in the fitting out of the corpse (tajheez-o-takfeen), carrying of the body to the graveyard (janazza) and the interment, (tadfeen or burial). The bereaved family is given food by the relatives for three days.
Conclusion
Pakistan has a diversified culture that has heterogeneous characteristics. The present social system which is now identified as ‘Pakistan Culture’ has emerged as a synthesis of Arab, Iranian, Greek, British and a number of other cultural impacts. Due to their heterogeneous nature Pakistani cultures is evolving day by day.