Pakistan, a country located in South Asia, sharing borders with Afghanistan, China, India and Iran, is an Islamic state steeped in a rich culture. If you have ever been to Pakistan, you must have seen the great diversity of cultures and traditions which make for a very colorful and exciting sight. However, one thing that all cultures here in Pakistan have in common is the incomparable and heartwarming hospitality shown by people from all regions and corners of the country.
Of the many beautiful traditions that prevail here, one of the most common is that of giving gifts, especially to guests from abroad. Foreign guests are treated with great enthusiasm and warmth and Pakistanis pride themselves on making their guests feel at home and are eager to welcome them with open arms. There is a rich tradition of making calls at each other’s homes. If you are invited to the home of a Pakistani, it is customary to bring a small gift for your host, such as flowers, sweets, or chocolates. It is considered good etiquette not to open gifts upon receiving them. Also, the guest must present the gift with both hands.
In addition to presenting gifts when visiting the home of a Pakistani, it is also customary to present gifts at weddings to the bride and groom, usually clothing, pieces of decoration, or small items of jewelry. Birthdays and housewarmings are two occasions that are celebrated with great enthusiasm, exactly as they are celebrated all over the world, with a rich tradition of presenting gifts to birthday children. It is also considered a custom for the parents of a newborn to distribute sweets to family and friends.
This tradition of showering guests with sweets and gifts is undoubtedly a beautiful tradition that is still prevalent among the people of Pakistan. The Pakistani community is well knit with people who are extremely close to each other according to the spirit of their religious beliefs.
Two of the most important occasions Pakistanis celebrate are religious occasions; Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated as the end of 30 days of continuous fasting during the month of Ramadan. People visit each other during these two major religious holidays and it is customary to exchange sweets, bracelets, henna and other customary gifts.
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, all Pakistanis exchange sacrificial meat and distribute it to the poor as well. Apart from this, it is customary for pilgrims going on hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca to bring holy water and dates for their friends and family, who are revered due to their connection to the holy land (Mecca is considered a holy place by Muslims around the world). In fact, it would not be wrong to conclude that the exchange of gifts is probably one of the most common traditions practiced in Pakistan. It is a practice etched so deeply into the culture that it has formed practically the most important part of it.
