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SCMP Reporter

August

Independence Day Celebrations (August 14)

Celebrations will begin with a 31-gun salute in the capital Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta. At 7.58am, vehicles will stop and sound their horns for two minutes. The national anthem will be played at 8am. The main event will be a flag-hoisting ceremony in the capital.

Uchao O Utchal (August 19-20)

One of three main festivals in the Kalash Valleys  in which the  ancient non-Muslim Kalash tribe feasts on wine, cheese, corn, and mulberry wine to thank deities for their harvest of grapes and other fruit.

September

Air Force Day (September 7)

A show of force by the Pakistan Air Force, with displays of the latest aircraft and air shows at Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta.

October

National Folk Festival (Lok Mela) (first week of October)

Pakistan's largest cultural festival. Artisans and performers from around Pakistan and from more than 20 other countries gather in Islamabad to present their craft, heritage and works in colourful pavilions.

November

National Horse and Cattle Show Lahore (third week of November)

A five-day display of agricultural and industrial achievements at Lahore's Fortress Stadium.  Attractions include a parade of top livestock, dances by horses and camels, polo matches, tent pegging, dog shows,  military bands and floats.

National Industrial Exhibition Lahore (third week of November for 15 days)

An exhibition and sale of Pakistani industrial products and handicrafts  at Fortress Stadium.

December

Choimus (December 7-22)

Another major Kalash festival. This one is to welcome in the New Year. Women don elaborate costumes and men prepare special bread as part of religious thanksgiving rituals. Expect lots of dancing and merry-making. Bumburante is the largest and most accessible place for visitors to witness the festivities.

February

Basant (Mid-February)

People fly kites on the roofs of their buildings in Lahore to herald the end of winter and arrival of spring.

March

Pakistan Day (March 23)

Commemorating the anniversary of the Pakistan Resolution passed in 1940. There are military parades in provincial capitals and Islamabad.



EVENT HIGHLIGHTS