A Brief Introduction to Pakistan: Festivals and Food

A Brief Introduction to Pakistan: Festivals and Food

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  Pakistan ‫پاكستان‬ A Brief Introductionto
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  • 250 millionpeople • Diverse ethnicities, languages and culture • Gained independence in 1947
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  Eid-ul Fitr • Celebratedin the month of Shawwal (Islamic Lunar Calendar) • The day after Ramadan – the month of fasting • Friends and families meet each other, and food is a central theme
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  Shandur Polo Festival •7-9 July annually at Shandur • Played between the teams of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral • The English word ‘Polo’ comes from here. Translates to ‘ball’ in the local language
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  Pakistani Cuisine • Meatfeatures heavily • Influenced by Indo- Aryan, Turko-Persian, Iranic, and Arab cuisines • Rice and bread are both considered staple
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  Gulab Jamun • Mainingredients are milk solids, flour and sugar • Means ‘Rose Plum’ literally • Emerged in medieval India during the Mughal Empire • Popular dessert in South Asia
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  Halva • Refers toa variety of sweet confection • Served during special occasions • Popular in many countries including in the Middle East, Eastern Europe etc.
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  Visiting Pakistan • Underrated •Nature and history • Diverse food • Easy visa-on-arrival • No direct flights from HK :( • Can transit, or enter via the Xinjiang province
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  Thank You! ‫!شکریہ‬ Shukria!