Festivals
Seasonal festivals
Seasonal festivals in Pakistan track the agricultural and pastoral year. Basant marks the end of winter in Punjab with kite flying; Nauroz on 21 March is observed in Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Balochistan; the Kalash of Chitral hold Chilam Joshi in May, Uchal in August and Chaumos at the winter solstice.
Quick facts
- Basant
- Late winter, Punjab
- Nauroz
- 21 March
- Chilam Joshi
- Mid-May, Kalash valleys
- Chaumos
- December, Kalash valleys
Background
Basant was traditionally centred on Lahore and was restricted from 2005 after deaths caused by metal-coated kite string, with partial revivals since. Nauroz, the Persian new year, is observed at the spring equinox. The Kalash calendar is tied to herding movements: Chilam Joshi welcomes the spring pastures and Chaumos closes the year with purification rites.
Key entries
- Basant
Kite festival of Lahore, restricted since 2005.
- Nauroz
Spring equinox new year in the north and west.
- Chilam Joshi
Kalash spring festival in Bumburet and Rumbur.
- Jashn-e-Baharan
Spring festivals held in several Punjab cities.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Basant still celebrated in Lahore?
- It was banned in 2005 after deaths from metal-coated kite string; there have been limited and partial revivals since.
- When is Chilam Joshi?
- In mid-May, in the Kalash valleys of Chitral.